Excede is an antibiotic called Excede® (ceftiofur crystalline free acid, CCFA), a third-generation cephalosporin antibiotic that is used to treat bacterial infections that are susceptible to it and has a long action. Excede Dosage For Dogs is approved by the FDA for certain diseases of cattle, horses and swine but not approved for Dogs, and features a sustained-release formulation that delivers up to 7 days of antibiotic activity after just one injection.
But its use in dogs is “off label” (extra-label), which means it is not specifically approved for use with dogs; it is legal for a veterinarian to use it when he/she deems it to be the best treatment. As the dosage of Excede is based on your dog’s weight, health and infection type together with medical history, it is recommended to be administered under veterinary supervision.
This guide covers all the details of Excede dosage for dogs: dosage guidelines, a dog weight-based dosage calculator, dosing chart, approved and off-label uses, possible benefits, potential side effects, safety precautions, signs of dog overdose, drug interactions, and administration tips. If your vet has prescribed Excede, or you’re considering giving it to your canine before talking with your vet, here’s what you need to know about this drug.
What is Excede Dosage For Dogs?
Excede (ceftiofur) is an antibiotic that is intended for use in cattle and swine, and is not labeled for use in dogs, but is a drug that is sometimes used off label in dogs. The general reference dose, when used this way, is 5 mg/kg of body weight as a single injection as ceftiofur is formulated for extended release.
Excede dose is available in two concentrations (one for cattle — 200 mg/mL — and one for swine — 100 mg/mL) so that the volume of injection varies depending on the concentration, therefore, an accurate dose depends on both the weight of the dog, and the concentration of the product. This is an off label use, so it should be determined dosed and administered only by a licensed veterinarian with knowledge of the dog’s medical history.
Excede (Ceftiofur) Dosage Chart For Dogs By Weight (5 mg/kg)
| Weight (lb) | Weight (kg) | Total Dose (mg) | Swine – 100 mg/mL | Cattle – 200 mg/mL |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 4.5 | 22.7 | 0.23 mL | 0.11 mL |
| 20 | 9.1 | 45.4 | 0.45 mL | 0.23 mL |
| 30 | 13.6 | 68.0 | 0.68 mL | 0.34 mL |
| 40 | 18.1 | 90.7 | 0.91 mL | 0.45 mL |
| 50 | 22.7 | 113.4 | 1.13 mL | 0.57 mL |
| 60 | 27.2 | 136.1 | 1.36 mL | 0.68 mL |
| 70 | 31.8 | 158.8 | 1.59 mL | 0.79 mL |
| 80 | 36.3 | 181.4 | 1.81 mL | 0.91 mL |
| 90 | 40.8 | 204.1 | 2.04 mL | 1.02 mL |
| 100 | 45.4 | 226.8 | 2.27 mL | 1.13 mL |
| 110 | 49.9 | 249.5 | 2.49 mL | 1.25 mL |
| 120 | 54.4 | 272.2 | 2.72 mL | 1.36 mL |
Formula used: Weight (kg) × 5 mg/kg ÷ concentration (mg/mL) = dose volume (mL)
Reminders:
- This is an off-label use of Excede in dogs — it’s FDA-approved for cattle/swine, not for Dogs.
- Confirm the exact formulation (100 mg/mL vs. 200 mg/mL) before drawing up a dose — they are not interchangeable volume-for-volume.
- Dosing to be directly supervised by the vet, and weight and volume to be double checked prior to dosing.
What is Excede for Dogs?
Excede® (ceftiofur crystalline free acid, CCFA) is a third generation, long-acting cephalosporin antibiotic which treats some bacterial infections in animals. It is a sterile, ready-to-use suspension with a dosage of 200 mg ceftiofur per mL, allows for up to seven consecutive days of antibiotic treatment in a single injection. Excede medication is active against susceptible Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria, including those that produce β-lactamase, through inhibition of the synthesis of bacterial cell wall.
Excede is a veterinarian approved drug for horses, cattle and swine, but is considered an off-label (extra-label) use in dogs. This does not mean it is not recognized and approved for use in dogs by the U.S. FDA and Health Canada, but rather that a veterinarian may prescribe it if it is the best option for a dog’s bacterial infection. Off-label use may vary from the directions on the approved label, so it is only recommended for off-label uses when under veterinary supervision.
Excede medicine is labelled to treat lower respiratory infections in horses caused by susceptible strains of Streptococcus equi subsp. zooepidemicus and for the treatment and control of bovine respiratory disease (BRD) in cattle caused by Mannheimia haemolytica, Pasteurella multocida and Haemophilus somnus. Depending on the clinical needs of the dog and the specific bacterial infection, Vets may use Excede to treat the infection.
Can I Give Excede to My Dog if She’s Not Feeling Well?
Absolutely not, do not administer Excede® to your dog just because she doesn’t feel well unless directed by her veterinarian. The antibiotic Excede dog dose is not for general illness, and is used to treat certain bacterial infections and should only be administered under veterinary guidance. Administering antibiotics when you don’t know the cause of your dog’s symptoms can be useless, and can also put your dog at risk or risk of side effects.
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When your dog’s acting under the weather the best thing you can do is take your dog to the vet! Your veterinarian will be able to diagnose the cause of the sickness, determine if you do have a bacterial infection, and recommend what the best treatment is. Before using Excede or any other medication, always consult your veterinarian as the proper diagnosis and direction are key to your dog receiving safe and effective care.
What Is Excede Used for in Pets?
Excede® is an antibiotic that is used mainly to treat some bacterial infections in animals and has a long-lasting effect. It is a prescription drug and the veterinarian will decide if it is right for your pet depending on the type of infection, medical history, etc. Use of Excede should be supervised by a veterinarian for safe and effective use.
Excede is used for:
- Treatment of some bacterial diseases in pets.
- Treatment with antibiotics as deemed by a veterinarian.
- Treatment for infections according to the condition and the needs of the pet.
Important note: Excede is not appropriate for all illnesses, and should never be used without a veterinarian’s advice.
How to Give Excede to my Dog?
Excede® (ceftiofur crystalline free acid) is an injectable antibiotic which should only be administered directly under the supervision of your veterinarian exactly as prescribed. Depending on your dog’s treatment plan, it is given either intramuscularly (into the muscle) or subcutaneously (under the skin). Before use, the suspension should be shaken well to ensure proper mixing. Needles should be disposed of in a safe manner in a sharps container after use.
Excede is an injected drug, so it should not be injected into a vein (intravenous) as this could result in a sudden death if it gets into a vein. The medication starts to take effect in just a few hours but there may not be noticeable improvement immediately.
How to give Excede safely:
- Administration should be only as directed by your veterinarian.
- Give as ordered, by intramuscular (IM) or subcutaneous (SC) route.
- Shake well before each use.
- Never inject into a vein (IV).
- Put used needles in a sharps container.
- The medication should begin to take effect in a few hours, but clinical improvement may not be seen.
Benefits of Excede for Dogs
Excede® (ceftiofur crystalline free acid) is not FDA approved for use in dogs, is an off-label product and is used under veterinary care, but there may be several potential advantages to this product being prescribed for an appropriate bacterial infection in dogs.
Potential benefits of Excede for dogs include:
- Treats some bacterial infections with veterinarian’s prescription.
- Broad-spectrum antibiotic that is active against many Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, including some β-lactamase-producing strains.
- Long-acting formulation that can give up to 7 days of antibiotic treatment after a single injection, thus avoiding frequent injections.
- Bactericidal, which kills susceptible bacteria rather than just slowing growth of bacteria by inhibiting bacterial cell wall synthesis.
- May help increase compliance with treatment, particularly in dogs that are challenging to medicate with daily oral antibiotics, as determined by the veterinarian.
Important: Excede dosage for dogs must only be used under a veterinarian’s supervision. Not suitable for viral infections or for general illness; suitability depends on diagnosis and medical needs of your dog.
Are There Any Potential Side Effects of Excede?
As with any drug, Excede® (ceftiofur crystalline free acid) may have side effects. Most of these are mild and temporary, but sometimes they can be serious and need immediate veterinary attention. Over time, pets may become sensitive to the drugs they have received, even if they were not sensitive to them before, so it is advisable to keep an eye on them while they are receiving the treatment.
Common side effects include:
- Gastro-intestinal upset (diarrhea)
- Loss of appetite
- Mild swelling or pain where the needle was given
Serious side effects (contact your veterinarian immediately):
- Allergic reactions, such as breathing irregularities, rash, fever or swelling around the face.
- Severe diarrhea
- If symptoms get worse or unusual while taking the treatment.
Important safety warnings:
- Excede must NOT be injected into a vein or artery, because if it goes into a vein or artery, the animal will die suddenly.
- With repeated use, drug sensitivities can occur, and be on the lookout for an allergic reaction during the entire treatment process.
- Please alert your veterinarian if any unusual side effects are noticed.
- The drug wears off in 24 hours or less, but may be longer in pets with kidney or liver disease.
Are There Any Risk Factors for Excede?
Excede® (ceftiofur crystalline free acid) is not for all animals. Your veterinarian will review your pet’s health, allergies and medical history before starting the antibiotic to determine if it is safe for your dog.
Do NOT use Excede in dogs that:
- Are allergic to ceftiofur or any ingredient in the medication.
- Be known to have a Cephalosporin allergy.
- Have a history of allergic reaction to penicillins or other antibiotics since there is the possibility of cross-reactions.
Use Excede with caution in dogs that:
- Have kidney disease, because your veterinarian might want to pay closer attention to treatment.
Important precautions:
- Excede is NOT for home use and for prescription use only by or on the order of a licensed veterinarian.
- Be sure to administer at the correct dosage, frequency, length of time and method as directed by your veterinarian.
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FAQs
Is there any infection that cannot be treated with Excede?
Excede dog medication should only be used in the treatment of bacterial infections at the discretion of a veterinarian and will not be effective for all illnesses or infections.
Which medicines can interact with Excede?
Excede should be used with caution in combination with aminoglycoside antibiotics (e.g. amikacin and gentamicin), probenecid and possibly nephrotoxic drugs such as amphotericin B and furosemide. Before starting treatment, always inform your veterinarian if your dog is taking any other prescription medication, supplements or vitamins and/or herbal products.
If I miss a dose of my dog’s Excede should I skip it?
Take the dose as soon as you remember it (unless it is close to the time of the next dose). If the dose is due to be given shortly, skip this dose and resume the normal dosing schedule. Do not administer more than one dose at a time.
What will my veterinarian do to monitor my dog while he/she is on Excede treatment?
Your veterinarian may follow up visits to ensure that the medicine is effective and not having side effects. Watch your dog at home for signs of diarrhea, allergic reaction, or other abnormal signs and symptoms, and contact your veterinarian if they do.
How should Excede dose be stored?
Store Excede at room temperature out of the reach of children and pets and do not use after 12 weeks after the first dose is removed from the vial.
If my dog gets an overdose or a severe reaction to Excede, what should I do?
Call your veterinarian right away. If your usual veterinarian is not available, follow their guidelines on how to contact an emergency veterinarian, and have your dog’s weight, symptoms, and information about the medication prepared.
If my dog doesn’t get better after taking Excede?
If your dog’s symptoms continue or intensify, or if your dog develops new symptoms, be sure to contact your veterinarian in a timely fashion. A re-evaluation of your dog may be necessary to decide if the treatment needs to be modified, or if another diagnosis should be considered.
Key Takeaways
- Excede® (ceftiofur crystalline free acid) is an antibiotic (cephalosporin) of the third generation that treats some bacterial infections when administered under veterinary supervision.
- Dogs can use Excede dosage off-label, so consult your licensed veterinarian if you are considering using it.
- In some cases, antibiotic treatment can be for up to 7 days from one injection.
- Excede kills susceptible bacteria by inhibiting bacterial cell wall synthesis and is active against many Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria.
- Side effects include diarrhea, decreased appetite and mild pain or swelling at the injection site, while allergic reactions call for immediate veterinary attention.
- Dogs with a history of allergy to ceftiofur, cephalosporins or penicillins should not be treated with Excede, and should be treated with caution in dogs with renal disease.
- Let your veterinarian know if your dog is on any other medications, supplements or herbal products as Excede may interact with some of these drugs such as amino glycosides and other drugs that could affect the kidneys.
- Call your vet or emergency vet immediately if your dog’s symptoms do not improve, worsen or you think it might be an overdose or serious reaction.
Final Thoughts
Excede® (ceftiofur crystalline free acid) is an injectable antibiotic that lasts for an extended period of time when needed and can be effective in the treatment of some bacterial infections when prescribed by a veterinarian. It is not an approved drug for use in dogs, but rather off-label; it should only be used at the direction of a veterinarian after an appropriate diagnosis.
It has an extended release formulation that should make it easier to give it to the dog only once or twice a day, but it’s not for every sickness and should never be given without a vet’s OK. By adhering to the recommended dosage, watching your dog for any adverse reactions, and following up appointments, you can help ensure the medication is effective and safe to use.
However, if your dog does not improve, gets worse, or develops an allergic reaction, get your dog medical attention right away.
