ATCvet Code: QJ51DE90
Pharmacotherapeutic group
Antibacterials for intramammary use, fourth-generation cephalosporins.
Pharmacodynamic properties
Cefquinome is an antibacterial drug of the cephalosporin group which acts by inhibition of cell wall synthesis. It is characterised by its broad therapeutic spectrum of activity and a high stability against beta-lactamases.
In vitro, Cefquinome has antibiotic activity against common Gram negative and Gram positive bacteria including Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus dysgalactiae, Streptococcus agalactiae and Streptococcus uberis.
As a fourth generation cephalosporin, cefquinome combines high cellular penetration and a high beta-lactamases stability. In contrast to cephalosporins of previous generations, cefquinome is not hydrolysed by chromosomally–encoded cephalosporinases of the Amp-C type or by plasmid mediated cephalosporinases of some enterobacterial species. Resistance mechanism in Gram negative organisms due to extended spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBL) and in Gram-positive organisms due to alteration of penicillin binding proteins (PBPs) may lead to cross-resistance with other beta-lactams.
Pharmacokinetic properties
After intramammary administration, a mean concentration of 19 mcg/ml in milk is observed 12 hours post last infusion. The highest MIC90 value was found for Staphylococcus aureus. This pathogen has a MIC90 in the range of 1 mcg/ml.
At the second milking following the last infusion the mean concentration is still approximately 2.5 mcg/ml and then falls to 0.75 mcg/ml at the third milking post last infusion.
Resorption of cefquinome from the udder is insignificant.