Cefovecin is a third-generation, long-acting cephalosporin antibiotic primarily used in veterinary medicine for dogs and cats. It was developed to provide effective, convenient treatment for skin infections, urinary tract infections, and soft tissue infections with a single injection, improving compliance compared to daily oral antibiotics. Administered subcutaneously, cefovecin has a long half-life, allowing sustained therapeutic concentrations for up to 14 days after a single dose. Marketed under the brand name Convenia, it was approved in the mid-2000s and quickly became widely used due to its potent bactericidal activity, broad spectrum against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, and ease of administration, making it particularly valuable for pets that are difficult to medicate orally.
BRAND NAMES
The main brand name for the cephalosporin antibiotic cefovecin in veterinary medicine is Convenia®, marketed by Zoetis. It is a long-acting injectable administered by veterinarians to treat skin infections, abscesses, and wounds, providing a convenient single-dose alternative to daily oral medications. Generic versions of cefovecin are also now available.
MECHANISM OF ACTION
Cefovecin is a third-generation cephalosporin antibiotic that works by inhibiting bacterial cell wall synthesis. It binds to penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs) on the bacterial cell wall, disrupting the cross-linking of peptidoglycan. This weakens the cell wall structure, causing bacterial lysis and death. Cefovecin is bactericidal and effective against a broad range of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria commonly involved in skin, soft tissue, and urinary tract infections in dogs and cats.
PHARMACOKINETICS
Absorption
Cefovecin is rapidly and efficiently absorbed following subcutaneous (SC) injection in dogs and cats, achieving high bioavailability, which contributes to its effectiveness as a single-dose, long-acting antibiotic.
Distribution
The volume of distribution (Vd) for cefovecin is low, approximately 0.1 L/kg in dogs and 0.09 L/kg in cats, indicating that the drug remains largely within the systemic circulation and extracellular fluid. This is due to its high plasma protein binding, exceeding 96% in dogs and 99% in cats.
Metabolism
Cefovecin undergoes minimal metabolism in dogs and cats. Most of the drug remains unchanged in the body, which contributes to its long-acting effect and predictable pharmacokinetics following a single subcutaneous injection.
Excretion
Cefovecin is mainly excreted unchanged by the kidneys into the urine, with a smaller fraction eliminated via bile into the feces.
PHARMACODYNAMICS
Cefovecin is a third-generation cephalosporin antibiotic with bactericidal activity. It works by inhibiting bacterial cell wall synthesis, binding to penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs) on the bacterial cell membrane. This disrupts the final steps of peptidoglycan cross-linking, weakening the cell wall and causing bacterial lysis and death.
DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION
Route: Subcutaneous injection
Dose: 8 mg/kg body weight
Frequency: Usually a single injection; may be repeated after 14 days if needed
Administration Tips:
Administer by a trained veterinarian
Avoid intramuscular or intravenous use
Ensure proper resuspension of the injectable solution before administration
Indications: Treats skin infections, abscesses, wounds, and urinary tract infections in dogs and cats.
DRUG INTERACTIONS
Cefovecin has relatively few reported drug interactions due to its minimal metabolism and predictable pharmacokinetics. However, caution is advised when it is used alongside other nephrotoxic drugs, as this may increase the risk of kidney stress. It should not be mixed in the same syringe with aminoglycosides or other incompatible injectables. While significant interactions with most veterinary medications are uncommon, monitoring is recommended when cefovecin is administered with other antibiotics or concurrent therapies.
FOOD INTERACTIONS
Cefovecin has no known food interactions since it is an injectable veterinary medication rather than an oral drug. Administered subcutaneously by a veterinarian or pet owner, it bypasses the digestive system, so food does not affect its absorption or effectiveness.
CONTRAINDICATIONS
Cefovecin is contraindicated in animals with a known allergy to penicillin or cephalosporin antibiotics. It should also be avoided in certain populations, including small herbivores, pregnant or lactating animals, and very young animals.
SIDE EFFECTS
Gastrointestinal: Vomiting, diarrhea, decreased appetite, inappetence, flatulence.
Behavioral: Lethargy, sluggishness, or unusual hyperactivity.
Injection Site: Mild irritation, redness (erythema), scabbing, or hair loss (alopecia).
Rare & Serious Side Effects:
Neurological: Ataxia (incoordination), tremors, seizures, convulsions.
Allergic Reactions: Facial swelling, difficulty breathing, hives, pale gums, fever.
Blood/Organ Issues: Changes in blood cell counts, liver enzyme elevations (ALT, GGT).
Other: Anaphylaxis, acute pulmonary edema, blood in feces, inappropriate urination.
OVERDOSE
Vomiting.
Diarrhea.
Decreased appetite/anorexia.
Lethargy.
Injection site reactions (swelling, irritation, pain).
Facial swelling or difficulty breathing (may indicate an allergic reaction).
Tremors, ataxia, or seizures.
Pale gums or other signs of blood cell abnormalities.
Complete loss of appetite in cats (which can lead to severe liver problems).
Signs of liver or kidney problems (increased liver enzymes, changes in kidney values).
TOXICITY
Systemic toxicity from cefovecin is rare due to its targeted veterinary use and long-acting, subcutaneous administration. However, accidental overdose or hypersensitivity can potentially lead to gastrointestinal upset, lethargy, or neurological signs such as ataxia or seizures. Severe reactions are uncommon, but monitoring is advised in sensitive animals or those with pre-existing kidney or liver issues, as high systemic exposure could theoretically stress these organs.
