Skip to main content

Need urgent help? Start triage first, then route to emergency care.

Meds A-Z

Ceftiofur Crystalline Free Acid

Detailed information about Ceftiofur Crystalline Free Acid

Official label facts Owner quick guide first Marketing clearly labeled
Showing simplified owner view. Switch to Vet View for full technical detail.

Pet Owner Quick Guide

Start here: what this medicine is for, what it does, and when it's usually needed.

Usually used for:

For the treatment of bovine respiratory disease (BRD, shipping fever, pneumonia) associated with Mannheimia haemolytica , Pasteurella multocida , and Histophilus somni in beef, non-lactating dairy, and lactating dairy ca...

What it does:

For the treatment of bovine respiratory disease (BRD, shipping fever, pneumonia) associated with Mannheimia haemolytica , Pasteurella multocida , and Histophilus somni in beef, non-lactating dairy, and lactating dairy ca...

When it's needed:

Do not use in horses intended for human consumption. Federal law restricts this drug to use by or on the order of a licensed veterinarian.

Call your vet sooner if you notice:

  • Do not use in horses intended for human consumption. Federal law restricts this drug to use by or on the order of a licensed veterinarian.

Commonly reported reactions:

  • (2 reports)
  • (2 reports)
  • (1 reports)

What to ask your vet today:

  • Is this medicine the right fit for my pet’s current symptoms?
  • Which warning signs mean I should call back right away?
  • How should I handle missed doses or refusal to take the medicine?
Talk to a Vet / Find a Vet Near You
Image coming soon
Ceftiofur Crystalline Free Acid

Ceftiofur Crystalline Free Acid

Drug type: Generic ingredient • Branded profile FDA branded products available

Species: Both

Manufacturer: MSK

Quick Facts

Official label facts first, then secondary summaries. Marketing content is separated below.

Species: Both
Manufacturer: MSK
Form: Sterile suspension
Identifiers:
NADA: 141209 NADA: 141235
Source metadata:

Warnings / Contraindications

Do not use in horses intended for human consumption. Federal law restricts this drug to use by or on the order of a licensed veterinarian.

  • High: Do not use in horses intended for human consumption. Federal law restricts this drug to use by or on the order of a licensed veterinarian.
Source metadata:

Adverse Reactions

Snapshot first, detailed rows second. This section summarizes signal data and is not a diagnosis.

Tap or hover a reaction to see what it means in plain language.

Tracked signals
32
Reported cases
32
Serious reports
21
Species represented
2
Most Reported Reactions
Reaction Cases Species Serious cases
2 Cat, Dog 1
2 Cat, Dog 1
1 Dog 1
1 Dog 1
1 Cat 1
1 Cat 1
1 Cat 1
1 Dog 1

Species coverage: Cat (21) Dog (11)

View detailed reaction table
Reaction Species Seriousness Frequency Reports
Cat Serious - 1
Cat Serious - 1
Cat Serious - 1
Dog Non-serious - 1
Cat Non-serious - 1
Dog Serious - 1
Dog Non-serious - 1
Cat Non-serious - 1
Dog Serious - 1
Cat Serious - 1
Dog Serious - 1
Cat Non-serious - 1
Cat Serious - 1
Cat Serious - 1
Cat Non-serious - 1
Cat Serious - 1
Dog Serious - 1
Cat Serious - 1
Dog Serious - 1
Cat Non-serious - 1
Cat Serious - 1
Cat Non-serious - 1
Dog Serious - 1
Cat Serious - 1
Cat Non-serious - 1
Cat Serious - 1
Cat Serious - 1
Cat Non-serious - 1
Dog Serious - 1
Cat Serious - 1
Dog Non-serious - 1
Dog Serious - 1
Source metadata:

Storage & Handling

No storage/handling guidance is linked yet.

Source metadata: No source yet.

Promotional Materials (Marketing)

This content is marketing material and not clinical guidance.

No marketing assets are linked yet.

No source yet.

Source metadata: No source yet.
Talk to a Vet / Find a Vet Near You
Technical appendix (vet reference)

Canonical medication sections are above. This legacy block remains available for deeper cross-reference without cluttering the primary workflow.

At a Glance

Quick facts and links to official labeling and safety signals.

Data freshness
  • Medication catalog: Source PetWisePlus | Refreshed Feb 12, 2026, 10:44 PM UTC
  • Animal Drugs @ FDA: Source FDA | Refreshed Feb 16, 2026, 11:00 AM UTC
    Applications/products are imported from FDA export data.
  • Animal Drugs @ FDA previews: Source FDA | Refreshed Feb 9, 2026, 3:05 AM UTC
    Label highlights/doc links are fetched from FDA preview endpoints.
  • Animal Drug Product Listing Directory (NDC): Source FDA | Refreshed Feb 16, 2026, 11:00 AM UTC
    Package/product NDCs from FDA’s electronic listing directory (XLS).
  • openFDA reaction terms: Source FDA openFDA | Refreshed Feb 9, 2026, 3:14 AM UTC
  • openFDA case summaries: Source FDA openFDA | Refreshed Feb 9, 2026, 3:21 AM UTC
Official (FDA)
Identity: Generic ingredient • FDA branded products available
Official FDA brands: EXCEDE® EXCEDE® FOR SWINE
Case-reported brands (openFDA): MSK
Catalog species: Both FDA-labeled species: Beef, Dairy, No Use Class Stated Or Implied, No use class stated or implied
Rx/OTC: RX
Form/route: Sterile suspension Intramuscular, Subcutaneous
Applications: NADA 141-209 • NADA 141-235
Documents: 7 (FOI: 7) • SPL: 2 Label highlights Official documents
Safety (openFDA)
Top reactions: Dog 8 Cat 8 View
Case summaries: 10 (showing 8) View
openFDA reports are unverified and do not prove causation.

Explore
Linked using: Fda_Label (0.95), Fda_Label (0.95)

Diagnosis Codes

Diagnosis-code mappings are not available for this medication yet.

Counseling and Monitoring Highlights

Global Pet owner/Vet mode is controlled in the header. This section avoids duplicate in-page persona tabs.

Owner-facing counseling points
  • Do not use in horses intended for human consumption. Federal law restricts this drug to use by or on the order of a licensed veterinarian. (Contraindication, High)
Top reaction signals
Agglutination test, positive (1) Anaemia NOS (1) Anorexia (1) Anorexia (1) Ataxia (1) Blindness (1) Bloody diarrhoea (1) Constipation (1) Corneal disorder NOS (1) Death (1) Decreased intra-ocular pressure (1) Dehydration (1) Diarrhoea (1) Electrolyte disorder (1) Elevated creatinine (1) Elevated globulins (1)

Identifiers & Packages

Normalized identifiers (NDC/NADA/ANADA) and package metadata from regulator listings.

Identifiers
NADA: 141209 NADA: 141235

Enriched Documents

Documents are tiered by source trust: Official, Clinical, Manufacturer, Marketing.

  • ucm118047.pdf • FOI summary • Official • Feb. 28, 2024
    FDA FOI summary for application 141235
  • UCM235349.pdf • FOI summary • Official • Feb. 28, 2024
    FDA FOI summary for application 141235
  • ucm117761.pdf • FOI summary • Official • Feb. 28, 2024
    FDA FOI summary for application 141209
  • ucm117768.pdf • FOI summary • Official • Feb. 28, 2024
    FDA FOI summary for application 141209
  • ucm117772.pdf • FOI summary • Official • Feb. 28, 2024
    FDA FOI summary for application 141209
  • UCM203951.pdf • FOI summary • Official • Feb. 28, 2024
    FDA FOI summary for application 141209
  • UCM307680.pdf • FOI summary • Official • Feb. 28, 2024
    FDA FOI summary for application 141209

Data Sources & Revision History

Every non-trivial field is expected to include provenance and update timestamps.

Official 10 Clinical 0 Manufacturer 0 Marketing 0
Current Field Facts
  • contraindications: Do not use in horses intended for human consumption. Federal law restricts this drug to use by or on the order of a licensed veterinarian. (Official, 2026-02-12)
  • side_effects: Top reported reactions (openFDA): Lethargy (see also Central nervous system depression in 'Neurological'), Anorexia, Blindness, Bloody diarrhoea, Corneal disor… (Official, 2026-02-12)
  • usage: For the treatment of bovine respiratory disease (BRD, shipping fever, pneumonia) associated with Mannheimia haemolytica , Pasteurella multocida , and Histophil… (Official, 2026-02-12)
Recent Revisions
  • side_effects updated 2026-02-12 22:44 by etl_backfill • Backfilled from existing medication fields
  • contraindications updated 2026-02-12 22:44 by etl_backfill • Backfilled from existing medication fields
  • usage updated 2026-02-12 22:44 by etl_backfill • Backfilled from existing medication fields

FDA Products & Applications (Animal Drugs @ FDA)

Official sponsor/proprietary-name/application-status records linked by active ingredient.

Product Sponsor Application Status Published
EXCEDE®
RX
Ceftiofur Crystalline Free Acid
Sterile suspension Subcutaneous, Intramuscular
Zoetis Inc. NADA 141-209 Approved Feb 28, 2024
EXCEDE® FOR SWINE
RX
Ceftiofur Crystalline Free Acid
Sterile suspension Intramuscular
Zoetis Inc. NADA 141-235 Approved Feb 28, 2024

Data source: FDA Animal Drugs @ FDA (public search export).

What It's For (FDA Label Highlights)

Extracted from FDA Animal Drugs @ FDA product labeling. Always confirm details with your veterinarian.

Species: Beef • Dairy, lactating • Dairy, non-lactating • No Use Class Stated Or Implied
Composition / specifications
Each milliliter of suspension contains 200 milligrams ceftiofur equivalents.
Beef, non-lactating dairy, and lactating dairy cattle
Indication

For the treatment of bovine respiratory disease (BRD, shipping fever, pneumonia) associated with Mannheimia haemolytica, Pasteurella multocida, and Histophilus somni in beef, non-lactating dairy, and lactating dairy cattle.

Dosage

Administer as a single subcutaneous injection in the posterior aspect of the ear where it attaches to the head (base of the ear) to cattle at a dosage of 3.0 mg ceftiofur equivalents (CE)/lb (6.6 mg CE/kg) body weight (BW). In beef and non-lactating dairy cattle, EXCEDE Sterile Suspension may also be administered as a single subcutaneous injection in the middle third of the posterior aspect of the ear at a dosage of 3.0 mg CE/lb (6.6 mg CE/kg) BW.

Limitations

Indication

For the treatment of bovine foot rot (interdigital necrobacillosis) associated with Fusobacterium necrophorum and Porphyromonas levii in beef, non-lactating dairy, and lactating dairy cattle.

Dosage

Administer as a single subcutaneous injection in the posterior aspect of the ear where it attaches to the head (base of the ear) to cattle at a dosage of 3.0 mg CE/lb (6.6 mg CE/kg) BW. In beef and non-lactating dairy cattle, may also be administered as a single subcutaneous injection in the middle third of the posterior aspect of the ear at a dosage of 3.0 mg CE/lb (6.6 mg CE/kg) BW.

Limitations
Beef and non-lactating dairy cattle
Indication

For the control of respiratory disease in beef and non-lactating dairy catte which are at high risk of developing BRD associated with M. haemolytica, P. multocida, and H. somni.

Dosage

Administer as a subcutaneous injection either in the middle third of the posterior aspect of the ear or in the posterior aspect of the ear where it attaches to the head (base of the ear) to beef and non-lactating dairy cattle at a dosage of 3.0 mg CE/lb (6.6 mg CE/kg) BW.

Limitations
Horses
Indication
For the treatment of lower respiratory tract infections in horses caused by susceptible strains of Streptococcus equi ssp. zooepidemicus.
Dosage
Administer two intramuscular injections to horses, 4 days apart, at a dose of 6.6 mg/kg. A maximum of 20 mL per injection site may be administered.
Limitations
Do not use in horses intended for human consumption. Federal law restricts this drug to use by or on the order of a licensed veterinarian.
Cattle (lactating dairy)
Indication

For treatment of acute metritis (0-10 days post-partum) associated with bacterial organisms susceptible to ceftiofur in lactating dairy cattle.

Dosage

Administer as a subcutaneous injection in the posterior aspect of the ear where it attaches to the head (base of the ear) to lactating dairy cattle at a dosage of 3.0 mg CE/lb (6.6 mg CE/kg) BW. Repeat this dose in the contra-lateral (opposite) ear approximately 72 hours following the initial dose.

Limitations

FDA page: Open in Animal Drugs @ FDA

Species: No use class stated or implied
Composition / specifications
100 mg ceftiofur equivalents (CE) per mL suspension.
Swine
Indication

For the treatment of swine respiratory disease (SRD) associated with Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae, Pasteurella multocida, Haemophilus parasuis, and Streptococcus suis; and for the control of SRD associated with A. pleuropneumoniae, P. multocida, H. parasuis, and S. suis in groups of pigs where SRD has been diagnosed.

Dosage

Administer by intramuscular (IM) injection in the post-auricular region of the neck as a single dosage of 5.0 mg ceftiofur equivalents (CE)/kg body weight (BW). No more than 2 mL should be injected in a single injection site.

Limitations

FDA page: Open in Animal Drugs @ FDA

Official Documents (FDA)

Direct links to FDA-hosted PDFs and SPL packages (when available).

Documents
  • Summary
    This supplemental application provides for the addition of a new indication for the treatment of acute metritis (0 to 10 days postpartum) associated with bacterial organisms susceptible to ceftiofur in lactating dairy cattle; and to provide modified injection techniques for the base of the ear route of administration.
  • Summary
    This supplement provides for a new indication, for the treatment of lower respiratory tract infections in horses caused by susceptible strains of Streptococcus equi ssp. zooepidemicus.
  • Summary
    This supplement provides for a new indication, treatment of bovine foot rot (interdigital necrobacillosis) associated with Fusobacterium necrophorum and Porphyromonas levii in beef, non-lactating dairy, and lactating dairy cattle.
  • Summary

    1. To add a new route of administration for injection in the posterior aspect of the ear where it attaches to the head (base of ear).
    2. To add a new indication, “For the treatment of bovine respiratory disease (BRD, shipping fever, pneumonia) associated with Mannheimia haemolytica, Pasteurella multocida, and Histophilus somni in lactating dairy cattle.”
    3. To establish a 13-day pre-slaughter withdrawal period for cattle.

  • Summary
    NAXCEL XT STERILE SUSPENSION is indicated for treatment of BRD, shipping fever, pneumonia) associated with Mannheimia haemolytica, P. multocida and H. omnus. NAXCEL XT STERILE SUSPENSION is also indicated for the control of respiratory disease in cattle which are at high risk of developing BRD associated with Mannheimia. haemolytica, P. multocida and H. somnus.
SPL Packages

FDA page: Open in Animal Drugs @ FDA

Documents
  • Summary
    This supplement provides for a new indication for the control of SRD associated with A. pleuropneumoniae, P. multocida, H. parasuis, and S. suis in groups of pigs where SRD has been diagnosed.
  • Summary
    For the treatment of swine respiratory disease (SRD) associated with Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae, Pasteurella multocida, Haemophilus parasuis, and Streptococcus suis.
SPL Packages

FDA page: Open in Animal Drugs @ FDA

Usage

For the treatment of bovine respiratory disease (BRD, shipping fever, pneumonia) associated with Mannheimia haemolytica , Pasteurella multocida , and Histophilus somni in beef, non-lactating dairy, and lactating dairy cattle. For the treatment of bovine foot rot (interdigital necrobacillosis) associated with Fusobacterium necrophorum and Porphyromonas levii in beef, non-lactating dairy, and lactating dairy cattle. For the control of respiratory disease in beef and non-lactating dairy catte which are at high risk of developing BRD associated with M. haemolytica , P. multocida , and H. somni .

Source: FDA Animal Drugs @ FDA • Reference

Contraindications

Do not use in horses intended for human consumption. Federal law restricts this drug to use by or on the order of a licensed veterinarian.

Side Effects

No approved side-effect narrative is linked yet.

openFDA reaction signals are available for Dog 8 and Cat 8 (view top reported reactions).

Top Reported Reactions (openFDA)

Aggregated reaction terms from FDA openFDA reports (not verified; does not prove causation).

Dog
Digestive
Bloody diarrhoea (1) Decreased appetite (1) Loss of appetite (1)
Neurologic
Tiredness (lethargy) (2)
Other
Blindness (1) Corneal disorder NOS (1) Decreased intra-ocular pressure (1) Elevated renal parameters (1)
Cat
Digestive
Diarrhea (4) Vomiting (4) Loss of appetite (2)
Neurologic
Unsteady walking (ataxia) (2)
Other
Anaemia NOS (4) Fever (4) Dehydration (3) Hyperproteinaemia (2)

Data source: FDA openFDA Animal & Veterinary adverse event reports.

Adverse Event Case Summaries (openFDA)

These are individual FDA adverse event reports. They are unverified and do not prove the medication caused the reaction.

Dog, Retriever - Labrador, Female, 6 year, 29.03 kilogram • Drug: MSK, Suspension, Unknown, Dose: 2 mL per animal • Reactions: Not eating, Lack of efficacy - NOS, Medication error NOS • Outcome: Ongoing

  • Report ID: USA-USFDACVM-2025-US-045892
  • Serious AE: Yes
  • Treated For AE: Yes
  • Sex: Female
  • Age: 6.00 Year
  • Weight: 29.030 Kilogram
  • Case-reported brand: MSK
  • Case-reported manufacturer: MSK
  • Route: Unknown
  • Form: Suspension
  • Dose: 2 mL per animal
Reactions Reported:
Not eating Lack of efficacy - NOS Medication error NOS
Outcomes: Ongoing

Dog, Brittany, Male, 5 year, 20.638 kilogram • Drug: MSK, Suspension, Unknown • Reactions: Limping, Neuropathy NOS, Muscle inflammation • Outcome: Ongoing

  • Report ID: USA-USFDACVM-2024-US-075164
  • Serious AE: Yes
  • Treated For AE: No
  • Sex: Male
  • Age: 5.00 Year
  • Weight: 20.638 Kilogram
  • Case-reported brand: MSK
  • Case-reported manufacturer: MSK
  • Route: Unknown
  • Form: Suspension
Reactions Reported:
Limping Neuropathy NOS Muscle inflammation
Outcomes: Ongoing

Cat, Domestic Shorthair, Male, 5 month, 2.268 kilogram • Drug: MSK, Suspension, Unknown • Reactions: Shaking, Nystagmus, Icterus, Polyuria, Unsteady walking (ataxia)… • Outcome: Ongoing

  • Report ID: USA-USFDACVM-2024-US-003400
  • Serious AE: No
  • Treated For AE: No
  • Sex: Male
  • Age: 5.00 Month
  • Weight: 2.268 Kilogram
  • Case-reported brand: MSK
  • Case-reported manufacturer: MSK
  • Route: Unknown
  • Form: Suspension
Reactions Reported:
Shaking Nystagmus Icterus Polyuria Unsteady walking (ataxia) Fever Not drinking Constipation
Outcomes: Ongoing

Dog, Deutsche Dogge, Great Dane, Male, 7 year, 65.317 kilogram • Drug: MSK, Suspension, Subcutaneous, Dose: 2 mL per animal • Reactions: Sedation prolonged, Staggering, Nausea, Panting, Elevated renal parameters… • Outcome: Ongoing

  • Report ID: USA-USFDACVM-2024-US-000361
  • Serious AE: Yes
  • Treated For AE: Yes
  • Sex: Male
  • Age: 7.00 Year
  • Weight: 65.317 Kilogram
  • Case-reported brand: MSK
  • Case-reported manufacturer: MSK
  • Route: Subcutaneous
  • Form: Suspension
  • Dose: 2 mL per animal
Reactions Reported:
Sedation prolonged Staggering Nausea Panting Elevated renal parameters Hyperaemic mucosae
Outcomes: Ongoing

Cat, Domestic Shorthair, Male, 16 day, 3.447 kilogram • Drug: MSK, Suspension, Unknown • Reactions: Tiredness (lethargy), Vomiting, Diarrhea, Fracture, Anaemia NOS… • Outcome: Ongoing

  • Report ID: USA-USFDACVM-2023-US-027209
  • Serious AE: Yes
  • Treated For AE: Yes
  • Sex: Male
  • Age: 16.00 Day
  • Weight: 3.447 Kilogram
  • Case-reported brand: MSK
  • Case-reported manufacturer: MSK
  • Route: Unknown
  • Form: Suspension
Reactions Reported:
Tiredness (lethargy) Vomiting Diarrhea Fracture Anaemia NOS Elevated globulins Hyperproteinaemia Pale mucous membrane Agglutination test, positive Fever Immune mediated haemolytic anaemia Electrolyte disorder
Outcomes: Ongoing

Cat, Cat (other), Unknown • Drug: MSK, Suspension, Subcutaneous • Reactions: Eye haemorrhage, Pinnal haemorrhage, Injection site swelling, Stiffness limb, Loss of appetite… • Outcome: Died

  • Report ID: USA-USFDACVM-2023-US-013044
  • Serious AE: Yes
  • Treated For AE: Yes
  • Sex: Unknown
  • Case-reported brand: MSK
  • Case-reported manufacturer: MSK
  • Route: Subcutaneous
  • Form: Suspension
Reactions Reported:
Eye haemorrhage Pinnal haemorrhage Injection site swelling Stiffness limb Loss of appetite Death
Outcomes: Died

Cat, Domestic Longhair, Male, 4.536 kilogram • Drug: MSK, Suspension, Unknown • Reactions: Laboured breathing, Hiding • Outcome: Outcome Unknown

  • Report ID: USA-USFDACVM-2020-US-060698
  • Serious AE: No
  • Treated For AE: No
  • Sex: Male
  • Weight: 4.536 Kilogram
  • Case-reported brand: MSK
  • Case-reported manufacturer: MSK
  • Route: Unknown
  • Form: Suspension
Reactions Reported:
Laboured breathing Hiding
Outcomes: Outcome Unknown

Cat, Domestic Longhair, Female, 2.722 kilogram • Drug: MSK, Suspension, Subcutaneous, Dose: 1 mL per animal • Reactions: Fever, Dehydration, Weight loss, Elevated creatinine • Outcome: Ongoing

  • Report ID: USA-USFDACVM-2020-US-033939
  • Serious AE: No
  • Treated For AE: No
  • Sex: Female
  • Weight: 2.722 Kilogram
  • Case-reported brand: MSK
  • Case-reported manufacturer: MSK
  • Route: Subcutaneous
  • Form: Suspension
  • Dose: 1 mL per animal
Reactions Reported:
Fever Dehydration Weight loss Elevated creatinine
Outcomes: Ongoing

Data source: FDA openFDA Animal & Veterinary adverse event reports.

Overdose Information

No approved overdose-management text is linked yet. If overdose is suspected, contact a veterinarian or emergency clinic immediately.

Storage & Handling

No approved storage guidance is linked yet for this ingredient. Use manufacturer packaging and veterinary guidance for handling/storage.

Share Your Thoughts

Let others know your experience or advice regarding this medication.

This medication has not been reviewed by a veterinarian yet.