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Ceftiofur is an antibiotic used to treat certain bacterial infections in horses under veterinary supervision. In the United States, its approved equine use is for lower respiratory infections caused by certain strains of Streptococcus zooepidemicus.
Several injectable formulations are available, including the long-acting equine product Excede®, the shorter-acting equine product Naxcel®, and Excenel®, a cattle and swine product that may be considered for off-label use in horses. Although their names are similar, these products differ in formulation, approved uses, and dosing schedules and should not be used interchangeably.
Ceftiofur is not appropriate for every infection, and responsible use is important for limiting antibiotic resistance. A veterinarian can determine whether treatment is warranted based on the horse’s condition and, when possible, culture and susceptibility testing.
Keep reading to learn how ceftiofur works, how Excede®, Excenel®, and Naxcel® differ, when veterinarians may prescribe these products, and what owners should know about administration, side effects, and competition rules.
Ceftiofur for Horses
Ceftiofur is a veterinary antibiotic approved for use in horses. In equine medicine, veterinarians commonly administer it by injection to treat lung and airway infections caused by Streptococcus zooepidemicus.
Horse owners are most likely to encounter the long-acting brand Excede® (ceftiofur crystalline free acid). Related products include Excenel®, a cattle and swine product sometimes discussed for off-label use in horses, and the shorter-acting horse product Naxcel® (ceftiofur sodium). [1][2]
Like related antibiotics, ceftiofur interferes with bacterial cell-wall formation, causing target bacteria death. However, it is not appropriate for every infection and should not be used for viral illness or as a routine “just in case” injection. [2]
Your veterinarian will determine whether ceftiofur is appropriate, which product to use, how to administer it, and how long treatment should continue.
Ceftiofur is active against many bacteria, including some that cause pneumonia and other infections in horses. However, it is not effective against every species of bacteria. Organisms such as Enterococcus and some Pseudomonas strains respond poorly to ceftiofur. [1][2]
Available Forms
Ceftiofur is available in several injectable formulations. [1][2] Although the brand names sound similar, the products are not interchangeable. Your veterinarian will select a product based on the required duration of coverage, injection frequency, and local labeling for horses.
Brand names of ceftiofur used in horses include: [1][2]
- Excede® (ceftiofur crystalline free acid, or CCFA): This ready-to-use, long-acting oil suspension is labeled for horses in the United States and is available as Excede 200 or under related names in some countries. A full treatment course consists of two intramuscular injections about four days apart, eliminating the need for daily injections.
- Excenel® (ceftiofur hydrochloride): This Zoetis product line is used mainly in cattle and swine. Ready-to-use Excenel RTU and Excenel RTU EZ contain ceftiofur hydrochloride. These formulations are not the same as Excede® and are not labeled for horses. Never substitute Excenel® for Excede® without veterinary direction.
- Naxcel® (ceftiofur sodium): This shorter-acting powder is reconstituted with sterile liquid before injection. It is labeled for horses but usually requires once-daily intramuscular injections over several days, making it less convenient than Excede® for many field cases. A similar product is sold under the name Cefenil® in some countries.
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Drug Class: Third-Generation Cephalosporins
Cephalosporins belong to the same broad antibiotic family as penicillins. They kill target bacteria by disrupting cell-wall formation. [2]
Cephalosporins are grouped into generations based roughly on when they were developed. Later generations often have activity against a broader range of bacteria.
Ceftiofur is a third-generation cephalosporin. Other drugs in this group include:
- Cefotaxime
- Ceftriaxone
- Ceftazidime
- Cefpodoxime
- Cefovecin
Cefotaxime, ceftriaxone, and ceftazidime are used in human medicine, while cefpodoxime and cefovecin are used in veterinary medicine. [1][2]
Health organizations consider some third- and fourth-generation cephalosporins especially important for treating serious infections in people. For this reason, veterinarians reserve ceftiofur for appropriate cases and use culture and susceptibility results whenever possible to minimize the risk of antibiotic resistance. [2]
Mechanism of Action
Ceftiofur is a prodrug, meaning the body must activate it before it will work.
After injection, it is quickly converted into an active form called desfuroylceftiofur. This active metabolite binds to enzymes that bacteria use to build and repair their cell walls. When these enzymes are blocked, the cell walls weaken and the bacteria break apart. [1][2]
Like many other antibiotics, ceftiofur requires steady coverage over time to fully eliminate infection. It works best when drug levels remain above the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) for long enough to destroy all active target bacteria. [1][2]
This is why it is important to complete the entire course of antibiotics, even if the horse seems to be improving. Missing doses or stopping treatment early can lead to relapse and may contribute to antibiotic resistance.
Uses in Horses
Ceftiofur has a narrow approved role in horses, and product selection matters because Excede®, Naxcel®, and Excenel® differ in labeling, formulation, and dosing schedule.
Uses beyond the approved equine indication are extra-label and are based on the individual horse, including factors such as infection site, local resistance patterns and available culture or susceptibility results.
On-Label Uses
The only FDA-approved use of ceftiofur in horses is treatment of lower respiratory infection caused by non-resistant Streptococcus zooepidemicus bacteria. In the United States, both the long-acting horse product Excede® and the shorter-acting horse product Naxcel® are labeled for this use. [1][2]
Streptococcus zooepidemicus is a common cause of bacterial pneumonia and other lower respiratory infections in horses.
Signs a veterinarian may look for include: [2][3]
- Fever (rectal temperature above about 39.2 °C / 102.5 °F)
- Nasal discharge, often thick or cloudy
- Cough or abnormal breathing noises
- Difficulty breathing
- Dullness, poor appetite, or exercise intolerance
All other uses of ceftiofur in horses are off-label.
Off-Label Uses
Off-label use means a veterinarian prescribes a medication in a way not listed on the product label, such as for a different species, condition, dosage, or administration route. Veterinary regulations permit this when no approved option is appropriate and sufficient evidence supports the treatment plan. [2]
Because ceftiofur is an important antibiotic, many experts recommend reserving it for cases in which first-choice drugs, such as penicillin with gentamicin or ampicillin, are unsuitable. Culture and susceptibility testing should be used whenever possible. [2]
Off-label uses described in equine medicine include: [1][2][4]
- Nebulized (inhaled) treatment for lung infections: The drug can be misted into the airways so more of it reaches the lungs.
- Serious infection in newborn foals (sepsis): Ceftiofur is sometimes used, but some infections that are common in foals do not respond well to it. Other antibiotic combinations are often a better first choice.
- Uterine infections in mares: Veterinarians may administer ceftiofur by injection or place it into the uterus for certain bacterial infections of the uterine lining.
- Infected joints and other limb infections: Veterinarians may administer ceftiofur into a joint or use regional limb perfusion to achieve higher drug concentrations in the affected area.
- Hospital or surgical settings: Ceftiofur may be chosen when another antibiotic that can affect the kidneys is unsuitable, but it is not used as routine antibiotic coverage for every surgery.
Antibiotic Spectrum
Ceftiofur is a broad-spectrum antibiotic active against many gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, including some organisms associated with pneumonia and other infections in horses.
However, it is not effective against every pathogen. Enterococcus, methicillin-resistant staphylococci, and some Pseudomonas strains may respond poorly.
Culture and susceptibility testing can help determine whether ceftiofur is likely to be effective. [1][2]
Administration Routes
Ceftiofur is available only as an injectable and must be administered by a veterinarian or under direct veterinary supervision.
The selected product determines the administration schedule: [1][2][4]
- Excede® (CCFA) intramuscularly: This is the labeled route for horses. Treatment typically involves two intramuscular injections about four days apart. The dose is often divided between two sites to reduce swelling. The bottle must be shaken well before use, and careful injection technique is important because the suspension remains in the body for an extended period.
- Excenel® / Excenel RTU: These cattle and swine products are administered subcutaneously or intramuscularly according to their respective labels. Any use in horses is off-label and must be directed by a veterinarian. Do not substitute Excenel® for Excede®.
- Naxcel® (ceftiofur sodium) intramuscularly: This is the labeled route for the shorter-acting horse product, which is usually administered once daily over several days after reconstitution.
- Intravenously: Shorter-acting sodium formulations are sometimes administered into a vein off-label in hospitalized horses or foals.
- Subcutaneously: Shorter-acting products may be administered under the skin off-label in some foal cases.
- Intra-articularly or by regional limb perfusion: Veterinarians may use these off-label methods for limb and joint infections.
- Intrauterine: Ceftiofur may be administered into the uterus off-label for some bacterial uterine infections in mares.
- By nebulization: Diluted ceftiofur sodium may be delivered as an inhaled mist off-label for airway treatment.
Do not mix ceftiofur with other injectable drugs in the same syringe unless your veterinarian confirms that it is safe to do so. In particular, ceftiofur and aminoglycoside antibiotics such as gentamicin should be administered as separate injections. [1]
Dosage
The appropriate product, dose, timing, and duration depend on the infection, the horse’s body weight, age and health, and, whenever possible, culture and susceptibility results.
Equine doses range from 2.2 to 6.6 mg/kg body weight for on-label use. Excede® uses a two-injection schedule, whereas reconstituted Naxcel® usually requires daily injections. Excenel® hydrochloride products are food-animal formulations and are not labeled for horses. [1][2]
Storage
Storage requirements differ by product, so follow the instructions on the specific label.
General storage guidelines for ceftiofur products are as follows: [1]
- Excede®: Follow the label’s temperature instructions, protect the ready-to-use suspension from extreme heat or freezing as directed, and shake well before each use.
- Excenel® RTU-type products: Store these ready-to-use food-animal suspensions according to the applicable product label; do not assume that instructions for horse-labeled products apply.
- Naxcel® powder: Store the dry powder at room temperature and protect it from light. The powder cake may range from off-white to tan in color. After reconstitution, the solution remains usable for only a limited period under refrigeration and a shorter period at room temperature; follow the exact times on the label.
Do not use a product past its expiry date or if the liquid appears cloudy or contaminated. Most owners do not store reconstituted Naxcel® at home because it is given at the clinic. If you are instructed to administer injections at home, follow your veterinarian’s written storage and use-by instructions exactly.
Safety Warnings & Precautions
Ceftiofur should be used when a bacterial infection is likely or confirmed, when a simpler antibiotic is unsuitable, and ideally when culture results are available. It should not be used for viral infections, simple wounds, uncomplicated strangles, or routine antibiotic coverage before or after every procedure. [2]
Monitoring
Veterinary monitoring may include:
- Monitoring appetite, manure, attitude, and water intake during and after treatment
- Checking injection sites for swelling, heat, or drainage
- Tracking fever and other clinical signs to assess response to treatment
- Bloodwork in hospitalized horses, foals, or horses on longer courses
- Repeat culture testing if the infection does not improve or recurs
Complete the full course as prescribed, even if your horse appears better before the final dose. Stopping antibiotic treatment early can allow the infection to return and may contribute to resistance. [2]
Antibiotic Resistance
Inappropriate antibiotic use can select for resistant bacteria, making future infections more difficult to treat.
Because third-generation cephalosporins are important in both veterinary and human medicine, ceftiofur is reserved for cases where it is likely to be effective and a narrower-spectrum, first-choice drug is unsuitable.
Culture and susceptibility testing help veterinarians select the most targeted effective medication. [2]
Contraindications
Contraindications refer to circumstances in which a drug should be avoided or used with caution.
Ceftiofur should generally be avoided or used only with close veterinary supervision in horses with: [1][2]
- Known cephalosporin allergy: This includes allergy to ceftiofur or another cephalosporin
- Severe penicillin allergy: Some horses may react to both penicillins and cephalosporins
- Serious kidney disease: The kidneys clear this drug, and dosage adjustment may be necessary
- Infections caused by nonsusceptible bacteria: These may include Enterococcus, methicillin-resistant staphylococci, and some Pseudomonas strains
Additional caution is warranted in horses with: [1][2]
- Dehydration
- Known drug allergies
- A history of serious diarrhea after previous antibiotics
- Other drugs that can stress the kidneys
Safety in pregnant or lactating mares has not been fully established. Cephalosporins can cross the placenta, so veterinarians only prescribe it for breeding, pregnant, or nursing mares when the potential benefits outweigh the risks. [1]
Side Effects
Many horses tolerate ceftiofur well, but side effect patterns differ by product. A respiratory study of shorter-acting ceftiofur sodium reported no diarrhea, injection-site pain, or swelling in the treated group. [3]
Side effects are reported more often with the long-acting horse product Excede®, partly because the medication remains in the body for longer. [2]
Reported side effects of ceftiofur include: [1][2]
- Injection-site reactions: Pain, swelling, or muscle stiffness are the most common reports. Some swellings can be large. Splitting the dose into two sites may reduce swelling. Long-term effects at injection sites have not been fully studied.
- Digestive upset: Diarrhea, soft manure, or colic signs can occur with many antibiotics, particularly in stressed or hospitalized horses.
- General signs of illness: These include reduced appetite, fever, dullness, or lethargy.
- Allergic reactions: Such as hives, swelling, or, rarely, a severe emergency reaction (anaphylaxis)
Rare but serious reactions after administration of Excede® include: [1][2]
- Collapse
- Seizures
- Neurologic signs
These reactions are uncommon, but they require immediate veterinary attention if they occur.
Because Excede® is a long-acting, oil-based suspension, careful injection technique is especially important. Inadvertent injection into a major blood vessel can be fatal. Excede® should only be administered by a veterinarian or under direct veterinary direction.
Because Excede® is eliminated from the body slowly, horses with notable side effects may require extended monitoring. [2]
Acute Toxicity (Overdose)
Excessive cephalosporin exposure is more likely to cause digestive upset than other severe effects, but high doses or prolonged use have been associated with reduced appetite, diarrhea, colic, and bloodwork changes in horses. [1][2]
If you suspect that your horse received too much ceftiofur, another animal’s dose, or an accidental extra dose, stop further administration and contact your veterinarian or a clinic immediately. Safely move the horse to a quiet area only if practical, and do not give other medications or home remedies unless directed by your veterinarian.
Seek help even if the horse initially appears normal. Prompt care is especially important if you observe colic signs, severe diarrhea, hives, facial swelling, difficulty breathing, incoordination, collapse, or any sudden change.
Drug Interactions
Important drug interactions with ceftiofur include: [1]
- Aminoglycoside antibiotics: Products like gentamicin or amikacin and other drugs that can affect the kidneys may increase kidney risk
- Probenecid: Can slow how the kidneys clear cephalosporins, so drug levels may stay higher for longer
- Other penicillin-family antibiotics: Combining antibiotics may pose a higher risk of allergic reaction in sensitive horses
These antibiotics can also affect some lab tests, such as certain urine sugar tests and some kidney tests. [1]
Regulatory Status and Legal Considerations
Ceftiofur is a prescription veterinary medicine. In the United States, Excede® (ceftiofur crystalline free acid) and Naxcel® (ceftiofur sodium) are FDA-approved for horses with lower airway infection caused by susceptible Streptococcus zooepidemicus bacteria.
Excenel® and Excenel RTU products are approved for cattle and swine, not as horse-labeled products; any horse use is off-label under a valid veterinarian-client-patient relationship. [1][2]
Because this antibiotic class is important in human medicine, veterinarians reserve ceftiofur for cases where first-choice antibiotics are unsuitable and use culture results to guide prescribing choices whenever possible. [2]
Status in Competition
Under FEI rules, drugs may be listed as Banned Substances (never allowed) or Controlled Medications (useful treatments that must not be present at competition). Drugs not listed on the FEI Equine Prohibited Substances List are generally not prohibited, as long as they are not closely related to a listed drug. [5]
Ceftiofur is not listed on the 2026 FEI Equine Prohibited Substances List and does not appear on the FEI List of Detection Times. [5][6] Most antibiotics, including ceftiofur, are not prohibited by the FEI simply because they are antibiotics.
However, competition horses require veterinary planning, and medications administered concurrently, such as procaine-containing products, corticosteroids, or NSAIDs, may be Controlled Medications with their own withdrawal requirements. [5]
National federations and racing groups may have their own rules. Always check the current FEI list and your sport’s rules before treating a competition horse.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about ceftiofur use in horses:
Ceftiofur is used in horses to treat susceptible bacterial infections. Its only FDA-approved equine use is for lower respiratory infection caused by susceptible strains of Streptococcus zooepidemicus. Veterinarians may also prescribe it off-label for certain uterine, joint, limb, or neonatal infections when appropriate. Ceftiofur does not treat viral infections and should not be used as a routine preventive antibiotic. [1][2]
Ceftiofur can treat lower respiratory infections caused by susceptible Streptococcus zooepidemicus bacteria. Affected horses may have a fever, nasal discharge, coughing, abnormal breathing, poor appetite, dullness, or reduced willingness to exercise. Because other bacteria and viruses can cause similar signs, a veterinarian must determine whether ceftiofur is appropriate. Culture and sensitivity testing may help identify the infection and select an effective antibiotic. [1][2][3]
Ceftiofur works in horses by preventing susceptible bacteria from building and repairing their protective cell walls. After injection, the horse's body converts ceftiofur into an active form called desfuroylceftiofur. The weakened bacteria then break apart and die. Maintaining adequate drug coverage for the prescribed treatment period is important for clearing the infection. [1][2]
The difference between Excede®, Excenel®, and Naxcel® is their formulation, duration of action, labeling, and administration schedule. Excede® is a ready-to-use, long-acting product labeled for horses, while Naxcel® is a shorter-acting powder labeled for horses that must be mixed before use. Excenel® products are used mainly in cattle and swine and are not labeled for horses. These products are not interchangeable, even though they all contain a form of ceftiofur. [1][2]
Excede® is given to horses as a long-acting intramuscular injection under veterinary direction. The labeled treatment course generally consists of two injections given about four days apart, and the dose may be divided between injection sites to reduce local swelling. The suspension must be shaken thoroughly, and careful placement is important because the medication remains in the body for an extended period. Horse owners should follow their veterinarian's administration and monitoring instructions exactly. [1][2]
Naxcel® differs from long-acting Excede® because it contains a shorter-acting form of ceftiofur. It is supplied as a powder that must be mixed with sterile liquid and usually requires daily intramuscular injections during a multi-day course. Excede® is supplied as a ready-to-use suspension and is designed to provide extended coverage with fewer injections. A veterinarian will select the formulation that best fits the infection and treatment circumstances. [1][2]
Excenel® should not be substituted for Excede® in horses without specific veterinary direction. Excenel® products are primarily labeled for cattle and swine, while Excede® is a distinct long-acting formulation labeled for horses. The products have different formulations, approved uses, and administration schedules. Any use of an Excenel® product in a horse is off-label and must be managed by a veterinarian. [1][2]
A veterinarian might perform a culture before prescribing ceftiofur to determine which bacteria are causing the infection. Sensitivity testing can then show whether those bacteria are likely to respond to ceftiofur or another antibiotic. This is important because bacteria such as Enterococcus, methicillin-resistant staphylococci, and some Pseudomonas strains may not respond well to ceftiofur. Targeted antibiotic selection also helps reduce unnecessary use and antimicrobial resistance. [1][2]
Ceftiofur can be used for infections other than pneumonia in horses, but these applications are off-label. Veterinarians may consider it for certain uterine infections, infected joints, regional limb perfusion, neonatal sepsis, or nebulized respiratory treatment. Evidence and effectiveness vary by condition, and other antibiotics may be more appropriate for some infections. Off-label use should be based on the individual case and managed within a valid veterinarian-client-patient relationship. [1][2][4]
Ceftiofur does not treat viral infections because antibiotics only work against susceptible bacteria. It is also not generally recommended as a routine treatment for uncomplicated strangles, simple wounds, or illnesses without evidence of bacterial infection. Unnecessary antibiotic use can cause adverse effects and contribute to bacterial resistance. A veterinarian should identify the likely cause of illness before deciding whether an antibiotic is needed. [2]
The possible side effects of ceftiofur in horses include injection-site pain or swelling, soft manure, diarrhea, colic signs, reduced appetite, fever, and dullness. Allergic reactions can cause hives, facial swelling, or breathing difficulty. Rare serious reactions reported after Excede® administration include collapse, seizures, neurologic signs, and sudden death. Contact a veterinarian promptly if a horse develops concerning signs during treatment or in the days following a long-acting injection. [1][2]
If a horse develops diarrhea after ceftiofur, contact the treating veterinarian promptly. Diarrhea can be a serious antibiotic-associated complication in horses, particularly when accompanied by colic, fever, dullness, dehydration, or loss of appetite. Further Excede® injections should not be given until the veterinarian reassesses the horse because the long-acting medication clears slowly. Continue monitoring manure production, appetite, water intake, and attitude while waiting for veterinary instructions. [1][2]
A reaction to ceftiofur is an emergency when a horse develops breathing difficulty, facial swelling, collapse, seizures, severe weakness, wobbliness, or other sudden neurologic signs. Severe diarrhea, significant colic, or rapidly worsening illness also requires immediate veterinary attention. These reactions are uncommon, but they can become life-threatening. Monitoring may need to continue for several days after Excede® because the medication remains in the body longer than shorter-acting products. [1][2]
If a horse receives too much ceftiofur or an unintended extra dose, contact a veterinarian or emergency clinic immediately. Keep the horse quiet and do not give additional medications or home remedies unless instructed. Overexposure may cause reduced appetite, diarrhea, colic, or changes in bloodwork, although a horse may initially appear normal. Prompt guidance is especially important if the horse develops hives, breathing difficulty, wobbliness, severe diarrhea, or collapse. [1][2]
Ceftiofur is not intended for routine long-term use in horses. It is generally prescribed as a defined treatment course for a specific bacterial infection. Prolonged or repeated antibiotic exposure can increase the risk of digestive complications and encourage resistant bacteria. The veterinarian should determine treatment length based on the infection, the horse's response, and any culture results. [2]
Ceftiofur requires additional caution in horses with kidney disease or dehydration. The kidneys help clear the drug, so impaired kidney function may affect how long it remains in the body and whether the treatment plan needs adjustment. Other medications that can stress the kidneys, including aminoglycoside antibiotics such as gentamicin or amikacin, may add to the concern. A veterinarian may recommend bloodwork or closer monitoring in higher-risk horses. [1][2]
The safety of ceftiofur in pregnant or nursing mares has not been fully established. Cephalosporin antibiotics can cross the placenta and may enter milk in small amounts. Treatment should only be used when a veterinarian determines that the expected benefit outweighs the potential risk. The mare's condition, stage of pregnancy, and available alternatives should all be considered. [1]
Ceftiofur may sometimes be used alongside other medications, but combinations require veterinary oversight. Aminoglycoside antibiotics such as gentamicin and amikacin may increase concerns about kidney stress, and they should not be mixed with ceftiofur in the same syringe. Probenecid can slow the clearance of cephalosporins, while horses sensitive to penicillin-related drugs may have an increased risk of allergy. Tell the veterinarian about every medication and supplement the horse receives before treatment begins. [1]
Alternatives to ceftiofur depend on the bacteria involved, the site and severity of infection, and the horse's overall health. Depending on the case, veterinarians may consider penicillin, gentamicin, ampicillin, or trimethoprim-sulfonamide antibiotics. Culture and sensitivity testing can help identify the most targeted effective option. Some infections also require drainage, wound care, surgery, rest, or other treatment in addition to antibiotics. [2]
Careful use of ceftiofur is important because it belongs to an antibiotic class considered significant in human and veterinary medicine. Using it without evidence of a susceptible bacterial infection can expose the horse to unnecessary risks and contribute to antimicrobial resistance. Veterinarians may reserve ceftiofur for cases in which simpler first-choice antibiotics are unsuitable. Completing the prescribed course and following culture results when available help protect its effectiveness. [2]
Ceftiofur is not listed on the 2026 FEI Equine Prohibited Substances List or the FEI List of Detection Times. However, competition horses should not receive treatment during an event without veterinary planning, and medications administered alongside ceftiofur may have separate restrictions. National federations and racing authorities can also apply different rules. Owners should check the current regulations for their discipline before treating a competition horse. [5][6]
Ceftiofur should not be used in horses with a known allergy to ceftiofur or other cephalosporins. Additional caution is needed in horses with severe penicillin allergies, kidney disease, dehydration, or a history of serious antibiotic-associated diarrhea. It is also inappropriate for infections caused by organisms that are unlikely to respond to it. Horse-labeled ceftiofur products must not be used in horses intended for human consumption. [1][2]
Summary
Ceftiofur is an injectable cephalosporin antibiotic used under veterinary supervision to treat susceptible bacterial infections in horses. Product selection is important because Excede®, Excenel®, and Naxcel® differ in formulation, approved uses, and dosing schedule.
- Excede® and Naxcel® are FDA-approved for equine lower respiratory infections caused by susceptible Streptococcus zooepidemicus
- Excede® is long-acting, while reconstituted Naxcel® usually requires daily treatment
- Excenel® is labelled for cattle and swine and should not be substituted for Excede®
- Off-label use may include selected lung, uterine, joint, limb, or neonatal infections
- Possible side effects include injection-site swelling, digestive upset, allergic reactions, and rare neurologic signs
- Culture testing and completing the prescribed course help limit antibiotic resistance
References
- Budde. J. A. Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook. Educational Concepts. 2023.
- Ryan. C. A. et al. Ceftiofur Use and Antimicrobial Stewardship in the Horse. Equine Veterinary Journal. 2023.
- Folz. S. D. et al. Treatment of Respiratory Infections in Horses with Ceftiofur Sodium. Equine Veterinary Journal. 1992.
- Beckers. K. F. et al. Effects of Intra-Uterine Ceftiofur on the Equine Uterine Microbiome. Veterinary Sciences. 2025.
- 2026 Equine Prohibited Substances List. 2026.
- FEI List of Detection Times 2024. 2024.
