Understanding Cadorex 300 mg
Cadorex 300 mg is a specialized veterinary medicinal product formulated as a solution for injection. Its active ingredient is florfenicol, an antibiotic known for its effectiveness against a range of susceptible bacteria that cause respiratory diseases in farm animals. It is not authorized for human use and requires administration by a qualified veterinarian.
The Active Ingredient: Florfenicol
Florfenicol, the key component of Cadorex 300 mg, is a broad-spectrum antibiotic. It works by inhibiting bacterial protein synthesis, thereby stopping the growth and multiplication of disease-causing bacteria. This action makes it highly effective against the specific pathogens targeted in cattle, sheep, and pigs, particularly those responsible for respiratory issues.
Indications for Use in Livestock
Cadorex 300 mg is specifically indicated for treating respiratory tract infections caused by certain bacteria in its target species:
- Cattle: For respiratory tract infections caused by Mannheimia haemolytica, Pasteurella multocida, and Histophilus somni.
- Sheep: For ovine respiratory tract infections caused by Mannheimia haemolytica and Pasteurella multocida.
- Pigs: For acute outbreaks of swine respiratory disease caused by Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae and Pasteurella multocida.
Administration and Dosage
Cadorex 300 mg is administered via intramuscular (IM) or subcutaneous (SC) injection, depending on the species and specific dosage regimen. It is crucial to follow the prescribed dosage and administration route determined by a veterinarian. A single dose maintains effective blood levels for an extended period, which contributes to its high efficacy. The concentration of the solution is 300 mg of florfenicol per milliliter.
Potential Side Effects
As with any medication, adverse reactions can occur. Side effects are typically transient and mild, resolving after the treatment period ends. However, owners should monitor animals for any signs of adverse reactions. Potential side effects include:
- Cattle: Decreased food consumption and transient softening of faeces. Inflammatory lesions at the injection site may also occur. In very rare instances, anaphylactic shock has been reported.
- Sheep: Temporary reduction in food consumption and inflammatory injection site lesions.
- Pigs: Transient diarrhoea and peri-anal and rectal erythema/oedema, affecting up to 50% of animals. In some cases, fever associated with depression or dyspnoea has been reported.
Comparison of Administration Routes
| Feature | Intramuscular (IM) Injection | Subcutaneous (SC) Injection |
|---|---|---|
| Route of Administration | Into the muscle tissue | Under the skin |
| Primary Use | Used for certain dosing regimens in all target species (cattle, sheep, pigs). | Used for cattle as a one-time, higher-volume dose to provide a prolonged effect. |
| Recommended Dosage (Cattle) | Twice at 1 ml/15 kg bodyweight, 48 hours apart. | Once at 2 ml/15 kg bodyweight. |
| Withdrawal Period (Cattle) | 30 days for meat and offal. | 44 days for meat and offal. |
| Injection Site Reactions | May cause inflammatory lesions lasting up to 28 days in sheep and 14 days in cattle. | Can cause inflammatory lesions in cattle persisting for up to 14 days. |
Important Considerations
Before administering Cadorex 300 mg, a veterinarian must make a careful benefit-risk assessment. It is important to adhere to withdrawal periods, which specify the time between the last administration and when the animal can be slaughtered for human consumption. This ensures meat safety. Additionally, the product is not authorized for use in animals producing milk for human consumption.
For more detailed product information, consult the European Medicines Agency's veterinary product database at medicines.health.europa.eu.
Contraindications and Cautions
Cadorex 300 mg is not suitable for all animals. Specific contraindications include:
- Adult bulls, rams, and boars intended for breeding.
- Sows during pregnancy and lactation.
- Sheep under 7 weeks of age.
- Piglets under 2 kg.
- Animals with a known hypersensitivity to florfenicol.
Conclusion
Cadorex 300 mg, with its active ingredient florfenicol, is a powerful and specific veterinary antibiotic for treating respiratory tract infections in cattle, sheep, and pigs. Its effectiveness against common bacterial pathogens makes it a valuable tool in livestock health management. However, its use requires strict adherence to veterinary guidelines concerning dosage, administration, and withdrawal periods to ensure animal health and food safety. Owners and handlers must also be aware of the potential side effects and contraindications to use it safely and effectively. This veterinary medicine should only be used under the supervision and prescription of a qualified veterinarian.
