New Antibiotic (sort of)

We are excited about the release of Excede, a newer form of a sustained release antibiotic that is now approved for use in horses. Naxcel (ceftiofur) is a broad spectrum antibiotic that we have been using in horses for many years. There is now a formulation of this same antibiotic that is available in a sustained release formulation. A single dose will provide 4 days of therapeutic levels of antibiotic. A second dose given 4 days after the first will give a total of 10 days of therapeutic level of antibiotic. This is a much more appealing option then twice a day penicillin injections or once daily Naxcel injections. Some soreness and stiffness at the injection site is common. Like Naxcel, Excede is not available ‘over the counter’ and thus requires an ‘active veterinary client-patient relationship.’
Pfizer (the makers of Excede) have been working with sustained released formulations for quite some time. However, this is the first time they have obtained a equine label for such a product. Excede has been used quite successfully in cattle for the past 4 or 5 years. The important thing to point out here is that this is not a new antibiotic, it is a new formulation of an antibiotic that we have been using for a long time. Like all antibiotics, this is not a panacea medication for all infections and needs be used judiciously under the direct supervision of a veterinarian. We are excited about the addition of this new weapon to aid in the fight against disease and infection.