Ceftiofur is a broad-spectrum cephalosporin antibiotic. It is used to treat a variety of infections in poultry. Ceftiofur is poorly absorbed orally, and must be given as an injection. Ceftiofur has been called a "new generation" cephalosporin, as it has broader gram-positive activity than other third-generation cephalosporins. Ceftiofur is resistant to hydrolysis by beta-lactamase, and has activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Ceftiofur showed high in vitro activity against P. multocida associated with respiratory disease. It also shows in vitro activity against E. coli, and Salmonella spp. It has poor or no activity against species of Enterococcus and Pseudomonas and considered inactive against these organisms.
Note: Cephalosporins may disturb the normal intestinal microflora of poultry, particularly when administered at high doses.
Egg Withdrawal Period: Ceftiofur is not approved for use in hens which are producing eggs intended for human consumption.
Storage/Stability: Unreconstituted ceftiofur sodium powder for reconstitution should be stored in the refrigerator (2°-8°C). Protect from light. Color may vary from off-white to tan, but this does not affect potency. After reconstitution with bacteriostatic water for injection or sterile water for injection, the solution is stable for up to 7 days when refrigerated and for 12 hours at room temperature (15-30°C).
