Excede (Ceftiofur Crystalline Free Acid) Injectable
Excede (Ceftiofur Crystalline Free Acid) is an FDA-approved preparation containing Ceftiofur Crystalline Free Acid, for veterinary use. Available by prescription.
Giving your pet an injection might feel intimidating at first, but with practice, it becomes routine. Follow these steps for safe and stress-free injections.
Get Your Supplies Ready
- Medication vial or pre-filled syringe
- Alcohol swabs
- Sterile syringe & needle (if not pre-filled)
- Sharps container for safe needle disposal
Drawing Up the Dose (if needed)
- Clean the vial top with an alcohol swab
- Attach needle to syringe
- Pull in air equal to the dose
- Insert needle into vial, push air in
- Draw out the correct dose
- Tap out air bubbles
Pick the Injection Site
- Subcutaneous (under the skin): Loose skin between shoulder blades or side
- Intramuscular (into muscle): As directed by your vet
Prep the Area
- Pinch a fold of skin to form a “tent” (for subcutaneous). Wipe with alcohol if recommended.
Inject the Medication
- Hold the syringe like a pencil
- Insert the needle into the base of the skin tent at a 45° angle
- Push the plunger slowly to inject
After the Injection
- Remove the needle smoothly
- Place it immediately in the sharps container (don’t recap)
- Pat the area and give your pet praise or a treat
Safety Tips
- Never reuse needles
- Always dispose of used needles properly
- Ask your vet for help if unsure
Veterinarians most commonly consider Excede when a patient is presented with lower respiratory conditions such as pneumonia or pleuropneumonia associated with susceptible pathogens. In equine medicine, it is frequently a point of discussion for managing clinical signs of "strangles" or localized tissue stress following respiratory trauma. By utilizing a unique crystalline delivery system, your veterinarian can manage the therapeutic levels of the antimicrobial in the patient’s system for several days following a single injection.
At a pharmacological level, ceftiofur crystalline free acid acts as a bactericidal agent by inhibiting bacterial cell wall synthesis. It binds to specific penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs) located within the bacterial cell wall, which disrupts the final stage of peptidoglycan assembly. This disruption leads to cell wall instability and eventual osmotic lysis of the bacteria. Excede is characterized by its sustained-release profile; once administered into the base of the ear (in livestock) or the neck musculature (in horses), the crystalline formulation releases the active medication slowly into the systemic circulation. Your veterinarian will determine whether Excede is appropriate based on the species, the suspected pathogen and the specific results from diagnostic testing.
The actions described here reflect the product's FDA-approved labeling; your veterinarian determines the appropriate use for your animal.
Prescription only. Use only under the direction of a licensed veterinarian. This information is not a substitute for veterinary diagnosis, prescribing or monitoring.
Commonly observed effects of Excede administration include localized swelling, heat or sensitivity at the site of injection. In some horses, owners may observe transient behavioral shifts or a temporary decrease in appetite shortly after the medication is administered. Because Excede is a cephalosporin, it is related to the penicillin class; animals with a known hypersensitivity to beta-lactam antibiotics should be monitored closely under professional oversight. If you observe significant hives, persistent diarrhea, respiratory distress or signs of physical distress, contact your veterinarian promptly.
This medication is carefully evaluated in patients with known renal impairment, as the kidneys are the primary site for the excretion of ceftiofur metabolites. Before starting a protocol involving Excede, ensure your veterinarian has a complete history of all other prescriptions and supplements your animal is receiving, as concurrent use with other bacteriostatic antimicrobials may influence its effectiveness. Your veterinarian is the right person to design a comprehensive monitoring plan and provide specific guidance on the appropriate administration technique to support your animal's recovery window.
Yes. Excede is a potent prescription antibiotic and can only be dispensed by a licensed pharmacy upon receipt of a valid authorization from a licensed veterinarian. Mixlab verifies all authorizations before any medication is prepared or shipped to your home or farm.
Excede is a specialized commercial formulation designed for sustained release over several days. When a veterinarian determines that a compounded antimicrobial better suits an individual patient’s needs—such as a specific concentration or flavor not available commercially—Mixlab’s compounding team can discuss alternative preparations with the prescribing veterinarian.
Veterinarians discuss Excede for its unique crystalline structure, which allows the medication to be absorbed very slowly by the body. This provides a full course of antibiotic therapy with fewer injections, which is often considered for patients where frequent handling is a concern.
Owners should monitor for localized swelling, firmness or heat at the site where the medication was administered. While mild reactions are commonly observed, any persistent or increasing pain or the development of an open sore, should be reported to your veterinarian immediately.
Veterinarians evaluate each horse individually before prescribing Excede, especially those with a history of sensitivity to penicillins or cephalosporins. Professional guidance is essential to ensure the medication is appropriate for your horse’s specific health history and the type of infection being managed.
