Veterinary-specific third-generation cephalosporin with broad gram-negative spectrum including Pasteurella, E. coli, Salmonella, and Klebsiella. Active metabolite desfuroylceftiofur retains antibacterial activity. FDA-approved for dogs.
At a glance
Class
Third-Generation Cephalosporin (Veterinary)
Storage
Powder at room temperature; reconstituted refrigerated, use within 12h (Naxcel) or 7 days (Excenel)
Dosing
FDA-approved for canine UTIs caused by susceptible E
Off-label for feline infections
Educational reference only
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet.
Find a vet near you →Safety
Culture and sensitivityClinical responseInjection site
Educational reference only
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet.
Find a vet near you →Interactions
No documented interactions.
FAQs
Frequently asked questions
›What is Ceftiofur Sodium?
Ceftiofur Sodium is a third-generation cephalosporin (veterinary) used in pets. Veterinary-specific third-generation cephalosporin with broad gram-negative spectrum including Pasteurella, E. coli, Salmonella, and Klebsiella. Active metabolite desfuroylceftiofur retains antibacterial activity. FDA-approved for dogs.
›What is Ceftiofur Sodium used for in pets?
Ceftiofur Sodium is used in veterinary medicine for: FDA-approved for canine UTIs caused by susceptible E; Off-label for feline infections.
›What is the Ceftiofur Sodium dose for dogs?
For dogs, Ceftiofur Sodium is typically dosed as follows — FDA-approved for canine UTIs caused by susceptible E: 2.2 mg/kg SQ q24h. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›What is the Ceftiofur Sodium dose for cats?
For cats, Ceftiofur Sodium is typically dosed as follows — Off-label for feline infections: 2.2 mg/kg SQ q24h. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›Does Ceftiofur Sodium need a prescription?
Yes. Ceftiofur Sodium is a prescription medication and should only be administered under veterinary supervision.
Educational reference only
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet.
Find a vet near you →References
CDSCO approvals (India) — 6
Ceftiofur Sodium Inj
M/s Aurobindo Pharma · Approved 08.10.2002
For treatment of bovine respiratory diease acute bovine interdigital necrobacillosis, bacterial respiratory disease in s
Ceftiofur hcl liquid sterile suspension
M/s Aurobindo Pharma · Approved 08.10.2002
For treatment and control of swine and bovine bacterial respiratory disease
Ceftiofur sod. Inj
M/s Alembic Limited · Approved 12.10.2004
Additional lower strenght.
Ceftiofur Crystalline free acid suspension equi to Ceftiofur--- 200 mg vet
M/s Pfizer Ltd, Mumbai · Approved 01.10.2008
For treatment of bovine respiratory Disease BRD shipping fever pneumonia associated with Mannheimia Haemolytica Pasteure
Ceftiofur HCI Suspension as HCI salt ---500 mg vet
M/s Pfizer Ltd, Mumbai · Approved 01.10.2008
For treatment of clinical mastitis in lactating dairy cattle associated with coagulase-negative staphylococci, Streptoco
Ceftiofur HCI Suspension as HCI salt ---125 mg vet
M/s Pfizer Ltd, Mumbai · Approved 01.10.2008
For treatment of clinical mastitis in lactating dairy cattle associated with coagulase-negative staphylococci, Streptoco
Source: CDSCO Veterinary Drug Approval Registry (1969–2026)
References
The PetCare.AI drug reference is built from 13 authoritative sources cited across 580 drug monographs.
Textbooks & handbooks — 5
- Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook
- Withrow & MacEwen's Small Animal Clinical Oncology
- Merck Veterinary Manual
- NRC Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats
- Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics (Riviere & Papich)
Clinical guidelines & consensus — 4
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center Guidelines
- AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines
- ASPCA Poison Control Guidelines
- RECOVER CPR Guidelines
Journals & peer-reviewed studies — 2
- EPIC Study (J Vet Intern Med 2016)
- JVIM FAT CAT Study
Regulatory & approvals — 1
- CDSCO Veterinary Drug Approval Registry (1969–2026)
Databases — 1
- Washington State University VCPL MDR1 Database