Antibiotics:
Cephalosporins and Naxcel (Cetiofur) Use in Horses
  by Robert N. Oglesby DVM

There are dozens of different cephalosporin drugs available for either human or veterinary use and more are added every year. The cephalosporin class of antibiotics is beta-lactams and so is distantly related to the penicillins. They are usually divided into three classifications referred to as generations. The spectrum of activity is different for each of these generations and the third generation generally have the widest spectrum of activity. There is one-third generation cephalosporin that is approved for use in the horse, Naxcel. However the generally excellent spectrum of activity and lower toxicity of this group of drugs has led to the experimentation of other third generation cephalosporins usually replacing the aminoglycosides in the treatment of mixed and gram negative infections. This article discusses the characteristics of this group of antibiotics including dosage information on Cephalosporin, Cefadroxil (Cefa-Tabs), Cefazolin (Ancef, Kefzol), Cefepime, (Maxipime), Cefoxitin (Mefoxin), Cefotaxime (Claforan), Ceftiofur, (Naxcel), Cephapirin (generic and Cefadyl).

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