Introduction

Name

• Cefquinome.

Class of drug

• Antibiotic.
• Cephalosporin (4th generation). 

Description

Chemical name

• (6R,7R)-7-[[(2Z)-2-(2-amino-1,3-thiazol-4-yl)-2-methoxyiminoacetyl]amino]-8-oxo-3-(5,6,7,8-tetrahydroquinolin-1-ium-1-ylmethyl)-5-thia-1-azabicyclo[4.2.0]oct-2-ene-2-carboxylate.

Molecular formula

• C₂₃H₂₄N₆O₅S₂.

Molecular weight

• 528.6 g/mol.

Physical properties

• Suspension for injection.

Storage requirements

• Protect from light.
• At room temperature (<25-30°C/77-86°F, depending on product).

Uses

Indications

• Respiratory tract diseases caused by S. equi subsp. zooepidemicus Streptococcus spp.
• Broad spectrum of activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, also including Actinobacillus equuli  Actinobacillus equuli, Enterobacteriaceae Enterobacter / Aerobacter spp,  E. coli Escherichia coli and staphylococci Staphylococcus spp.
• Limited efficacy against Pseudomonas spp Pseudomonas spp and Rhodococcus spp Rhodococcus equi.

Administration

Pharmacokinetics

Precautions

Interactions

with other drugs

• Due to lack of compatibility trials, cefquinome-containing products must not be mixed with other veterinary medicines unless specifically stated.
• Do not use concurrently with bacteriostatic antibiotics.

Adverse Reactions

Further Reading

Publications

Refereed papers

• Recent references from PubMed and VetMedResource.
• Lee D H, Birhanu B T, Lee E B et al (2020) Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic integration for optimal dosage of cefquinome against Streptococcus equi subsp. equi in foals. Vet Res 51 (1), 131  PubMed.
• Schoster A, van Spijk J N, Damborg P et al (2020) The effect of different antimicrobial treatment regimens on the faecal shedding of ESBL-producing Escherichia coli in  horses. Vet Microbiol 243, 108617 PubMed.
• Pisello L, Rampacci E, Stefanetti V et al (2019) Temporal efficacy of antimicrobials against aerobic bacteria isolated from equine endometritis: an Italian retrospective analysis (2010-2017). Vet Rec 85 (19), 598 PubMed.
• Potocnik E, Drozdzewska K & Schwarz B (2019) Presumed sulfonamide-associated uveitis with Stevens-Johnson Syndrome in a Quarter horse mare. J Equine Vet Sci 77, 17-22 PubMed. 
• Uney K, Altan F, Altan S et al (2017) Plasma and synovial fluid pharmacokinetics of  cefquinome  following the administration of multiple doses in horses. J Vet Pharmacol Ther 40 (3), 239-247 PubMed.
• Damborg P, Marskar P, Baptiste K E & Guardabassi L (2012) Faecal shedding of CTX-M-producing Escherichia coli in  horses  receiving broad-spectrum antimicrobial prophylaxis after hospital admission. Vet Microbiol 154 (3-4), 298-304 PubMed.
• Winther L, Baptiste K E & Friis C J (2011) Antimicrobial disposition in pulmonary epithelial lining fluid of horses, part III. cefquinome. J Vet Pharmacol Ther 34 (5), 482-486 PubMed.
• Parlevliet J M, Paccamonti D L & Barker S A (2009) Cefquinome  concentrations in endometrium after intrauterine treatment of cobactan 4.5% in mares and inflammatory response of the endometrium to this treatment. Reprod Domest Anim 44 (2), 189-193 PubMed.
• Widmer A, Kummer M, Wehrli Eser M & Fürst A (2009) Comparison of the clinical efficacy of cefquinome with the combination of penicillin G and gentamicin in equine patients. Equine Vet Educ 21 (8), 430-435 VetMedResource.
• Thomas E, Thomas V & Wilhelm C (2006) Antibacterial activity of cefquinome against equine bacterial pathogens. Vet Microbiol 115 (1-3), 140-147 PubMed.

Other sources of information

• European Medicines Agency (2003) Committee for Veterinary Medicinal Products - Cefquinome (Extension to Horses) - Summary Report (3). Website: www.ema.europa.eu (pdf download).

Organisation(s)

• National Office of Animal Health (NOAH) Compendium of Data Sheets for Animal Medicines. Website: www.noahcompendium.co.uk.