Dosages of Cephalosporins

Cephalosporin

Species

Dosage

Notes

Cephalexin

Cats

15–35 mg/kg, PO, q 6–12 h

Dogs

15–45 mg/kg, PO, q 6–12 h

Cefazolin

Dogs, cats

15–35 mg/kg, IM, SC, or IV, q 6–8 h

Horses

10–20 mg/kg, IV, q 6–8 h; 15–20 mg/kg, IV, q 8–12 h (foals)

Cefpodoxime

Dogs, cats

5–10 mg/kg, PO, q 12–24 h

Foals

10 mg/kg, PO, q 6–12 h

Not absorbed in adult horses

Cefovecin

Dogs, cats

8 mg/kg, SC, q 14 d

Cefoxitin

Dogs, cats

20–30 mg/kg, IV, q 6–8 h

Cefotaxime

Dogs, cats

50 mg/kg, IV, q 12 h

Foals

20–40 mg/kg, IV, q 6–12 h

Cefadroxil

Dogs, cats

22 mg/kg, PO, q 12 h

Ceftiofur sodium

Horses

2.2–4.4 mg/kg, IV or IM, q 12–24 h; 10 mg/kg, IM or IV, q 6–12 h (foals)

Cattle

1.1–-2.2 mg/kg, IM or SC, q 24 h for 3–5 days

Acute postpartum metritis: 2.2 mg/kg, IM or SC (2 mL sterile suspension per 45 kg [100 lb]), daily q 24 h for 5 consecutive days. Do not inject more than >15 mL per injection site).

Bovine respiratory disease (BRD) and acute bovine interdigital necrobacillosis: 1.1 – 2.2 mg/kg, IM or SC (1– 2 mL sterile suspension per 45kg [100 lb]), q 24 h for a total of 3 consecutive days.

ELDU prohibited

Swine

For swine bacterial respiratory infections (label dosage; FDA-approved): 3 –5 mg/kg, IM, q 24 h for a total of 3 consecutive days

ELDU prohibited

Ceftiofur crystalline-free acid

Horses

6.6 mg/kg, IM, at 0 and 96 h; 6.6 mg/kg, SC, q 72 h (foals)

Cattle

Bovine respiratory disease (BRD) and bovine interdigital necrobacillosis in beef, non-lactating dairy, and lactating dairy cattle: 6.6 mg/kg, SC, once in the base of the ear

Acute metritis in lactating dairy cattle: 6.6 mg/kg, SC, in the base of the ear, repeat dose (in opposite ear) in 72 h.

ELDU prohibited

Swine

Swine respiratory disease (SRD): 5.0 mg/kg, IM, once in the post-auricular region; do not give more than >2 mL per injection site

ELDU prohibited

Cephalosporins are prohibited from extralabel drug use (ELDU) in major food-producing animal species (cattle, swine, chickens, and turkeys) in the US. Dosages for any labeled food producing species should reflect the approved product name, approved species, approved indication, approved dosage, approved route of administration, and approved frequency and duration only.