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Cefuroxime

Prescription
Second-Generation Cephalosporin
Last reviewed 21 Apr 2026 · PetCare.AI Editorial Team
Species
Dog, Cat
Brands
2 available
Formulations
3

Mechanism of action

Beta-lactam antibiotic that inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis by binding to penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs). Bactericidal with activity against both gram-positive and gram-negative organisms.

At a glance

Class
Second-Generation Cephalosporin
Schedule
Prescription
Storage
Tablets stored at room temperature; reconstituted suspension refrigerated, use within 10 days

Dosing

🐕

Dog

Oral bioavailability improved when given with food
Dose
10–20 mg/kg
Route
PO, IV, IM
Frequency
q8–12h
🐈

Cat

Bitter taste; tablet formulation often poorly accepted; may need to hide in food
Dose
10–20 mg/kg
Route
PO, IV
Frequency
q12h
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 →

Formulations

💊

Other — 3

Strength
Strength
Strength

Storage

Tablets stored at room temperature; reconstituted suspension refrigerated, use within 10 days

Safety

Monitoring parameters

Renal function for dose adjustmentCBC with prolonged therapy
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.

Brands

Other markets

Zinacef
Ceftin

FAQs

Frequently asked questions

What is Cefuroxime?
Cefuroxime is a second-generation cephalosporin used in pets. Beta-lactam antibiotic that inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis by binding to penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs). Bactericidal with activity against both gram-positive and gram-negative organisms.
What is Cefuroxime used for in pets?
Cefuroxime is used in veterinary medicine for: Oral bioavailability improved when given with food; Bitter taste; tablet formulation often poorly accepted; may need to hide in food.
What is the Cefuroxime dose for dogs?
For dogs, Cefuroxime is typically dosed as follows — Oral bioavailability improved when given with food: 10–20 mg/kg PO/IV/IM q8–12h. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
What is the Cefuroxime dose for cats?
For cats, Cefuroxime is typically dosed as follows — Bitter taste; tablet formulation often poorly accepted; may need to hide in food: 10–20 mg/kg PO/IV q12h. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
Does Cefuroxime need a prescription?
Yes. Cefuroxime 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) — 1

Cefuroxime sodium 250 mg intramammaryinfusion for Veterinary (PFS new dosage fro
Approved 13.12.2011
For the treatment of Clnical madyiyid in milkinh voed.
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

Related medicines

Other medicines in the same class (Second-Generation Cephalosporin).

Cefaclor
Rx
Bactericidal beta-lactam that inhibits cell wall synthesis. Second-generation spectrum bridges gram-positive (first-gen) and gram-negative (third-gen) coverage. More active against H. influenzae and Moraxella than first-generation cephalosporins.
dogcat
Cefotetan
Rx
Cephamycin antibiotic with enhanced anaerobic coverage compared to other second-gen cephalosporins due to 7-alpha-methoxy group. Excellent activity against Bacteroides fragilis and most Enterobacteriaceae.
dogcat
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