INTRODUCTION TO ANTIMICROBIALS

Antibiotics asre the substances prioducd by the microorganisms which suppress rthe
growth/ kill the microorganism at a low concentration without affecting/ causing much damage
to the host. These exclude the other substances which also inhibit/ kill the microorganisms, but
are produced synthetically( eg: sulphonamides) or those substances needing higher
concentration to inhibit, though produced by the microbes (eg; ethanol). Since many
antibiotics and their analogues have been synthesized both synthetically and microbially, these
agents are together termed as antimicrobial agents (AMA) . Since antimicrobial agents belong
to diverse chemical class, they can be classified based on their chemistry, mechanism of
action. spectrum of activity, source from which they are obtained etc

A. Based on type of organism against which they are primarly active

a. Antibacterial eg: penicillin
b. Antifungal-eg: clotrimazole
c. . Antiviral- eg: amantidine
d. . Antiprotozoal-eg: tinidazole
e. . Antiparsitics /Anthelmintic-eg: albendazole
f. Antirickettsial-eg: tetracycline
g. Antineoplastic eg: bleomycin
Again, based on the specific pathogenic organism against which they are acting , these agents
can be subclassified in to various groups like antistaphylococca,
antipseudomonal,antitubercular, antileprosy, antimalarial, antitrypanosomal, antischistosomal
etc.
B. Based on the source from which they are derived
a. Fungal eg: penicillin, cephalosporin
b. Bacterial-eg: colistin, polymixinB
c Synthetic- eg: sulphonamides
C. Based on chemistry:
a. Beta-lactam antibiotics:eg: Penicillins and Cephalosporins
b. Aminoglycosides: eg: Streptomycin, Gentamicin etc.,
c. Tetracyclins: eg:Tetracycline, Oxytetracycline etc.,
d. Nitro-benzene derivatives: eg: Chloramphenicol
e. Fluoroquinolones: eg: Enrofloxacin, Norfloxacin ete.,
f. Macrolides: eg:Erythromycin, Roxithromycin etc.,
g. Lincosamides: eg:Lincosamine
h. Glycopeptide: eg:Vancomycin
i. Polypeptide: eg:Bacitracin
j. Sulphanilamide derivatives/Sulphonamides eg: sulphadimidine
k. Steroidal : eg: Fusidic acid
l. Quinolones: eg: nalidixic acid
m. Diaminopyrimidines: eg: trimethoprim
n. Oxazolidinones: eg: linezolid
o. Nitrofurans: eg: nitrofurazone
p. Polyene : eg:nystatin
q. Azole : eg: miconazole
 r. Nicotinic acid derivatives: eg: isoniazid
s. Miscellaneous: eg: rifampin, cycloserine
t. Nitroimidazoles: eg: metronidazole
D. Based on mechanism of action:
a. Inhibitor of folate synthesis: eg: Sulphonamides
b. Cell wall synthesis inhibitors: eg: Beta-lactam antibiotics
c. Protein synthesis(30 S ribosomal activity)inhibitors: eg:Aminoglycosides, Tetracyclines
d. Protein synthesis (50 S ribosomal activity) inhibitors: eg: Chloramphenicol, Tylosin
e. Inhibition of energy metabolism: eg: Nitrofurazones
f. Interfering with plasma membrane permeability: eg:Ionophoric antibiotics- monensin
g. Inhibiting DNA gyrase: eg: Fluoroquinolones
i. Inhibiting RNA polymerase: eg: Rifampin
j. Inhibiting DNA polymerase: eg: Aciclovir
j. Disruptor of microtubule function.eg: albendazole
k. Disruptor of muscle fibre function. eg: ivermectin
E.Based on spectrum of activity
a. Narrow spectrum: eg: benzyl penicillin
b.Broad spectrum: eg: tetracyclines
c. Extended spectrum: eg: aminopenicillins
F .Based on type of action
a. Bacteriostatic: eg: chloramphenicol
b. Bacteriocidal :eg: cephalosporins

CATEGORISATION OF ANTIBIOTICS AND ANTIBACTERIALS

(The list is not exhaustive)
1. PENICILLINS a. Natural Penicillins penicillin G (benzyl penicillin),phenoxymethyl
penicillin,(penicillinV) Penethamatehydroxide, Penicillin procaine
b. Amdinopenicillins- mecillinam
c. Aminopenicillins (Semisynthetic, broad spectrum)-amoxycillin,
ampicillin, hetacillin

d. Aminopenicillin plus betalactamase inhibitor-

ampicillin, ticaricillin, piperacillin or amoxycillin plus clavulanic
acid, sulbactum, or tazobactum

e. Carboxypenicillins -carbenicillin,ticarcillin, tobicillin

f. Ureido Penicillin-aspoxicillin ,aziocillin, mezlocillin, and piperacillin.
g. Phenoxypenicillins-phenoxymethylpenicillin(penicillinV),
Phenethicillin
h. Long acting benzathine penicillin, procaine penicillin, PAM(procaine
ppenicillin with aluminium monostearate)
 i. Extended spectrum penicilins: i.Antistaphylococcal-
cloxacillin,dicloxacillin, nafcillin, oxacillin
ii.Betalactamase/Penicillinaseresistant-
nafcillin,methicillin,oxacillin,cloxicillin,
dicloxacillin, and flucloxacillin.
iii.Anti-pseudomonal- piperacillin,azlocillin,ticarcillin,carbenicillin

2. CEPHALOSPORINS
a. First generation-cefacetrile, cephalexin, cefalothin, cefaridine,
cefatrizine,cefazolin,cefalonium,cefadroxil,cefapirin,
cefradine and cephaloglycin
b. Second generation- cefaclor, cefamandole,cefmetazole, ceforanide,
cefonicid, cefacetrile, cefmenoxime, cefotiam
cefotetan, cefprozil, and cefuroxime.
c. Third generation - cefixime, cefoperazone,cefotaxime, cefpodoxime,
ceftazidime, ceftizoxime, ceftiofur ceftriaxone,
cefdinir,ceftibuten,cefsulodin,latamoxef(moxalactam)and
cefodizime
d. Fourthgeneration-cefquinome,cefepime,cefpirome,cefmetazole,cefditoren
3. CARBAPENEMS- imipenem, meropenem, faropenem
4. MONOBACTAMS-aztreonam
5. AMINOGLYCOSIDES a. Aminocyclitol- spectinomycin
b. Aminoglycosides- streptomycin, dihydrostreptomycin
framycetin, kanamycin, neomycin, paromomycin, apramycin,
gentamicin, , amikacin, sisomycin, netilmicin and tobramycin
6. PHENICOLS- florphenicol, thiamphenicol, chloramphenicol
7. SULFONAMIDES- Sulfachlorpyridazine,sulfadiazine,Sulfadimerazine,Sulfadimethoxine
Sulfadimidine,Sulfadoxine,Sulfafurazole,Sulfaguanidine,Sulfamethazine,
sulfadimethoxazole,Sulfamethoxine,Sulfamonomethoxine,Sulfanilamide,
Sulfaquinoxaline.Sulfonamides+Diaminopyrimidines-
sulfamethoxypyridazine,Trimethoprim+Sulfonamide.Diaminopyrimidines-
Baquiloprim,Trimethoprim
8. STREPTOGRAMINS-virginiamycin, quinupristin ,dalfopristin

9. TETRACYCLINES-chlortetracycline,doxycycline,oxytetracycline,tetracycline,
Demeclocycline, methacycline, lymecycline, minocycline

10. QUINOLONES- QUINOLONES 1G- flumequin,miloxacin,nalidixic acid,

oxolinic acid
11. FLUOROQUINOLONES (Quinolones2G)
ofloxacin, norfloxacin, ciprofloxacin, pefloxacin, enrofloxacin
danofloxacin,difloxacin, ,marbofloxacin, , orbifloxacin, gatifloxacin,
sparfloxacin,levofloxacin, moxifloxacin, lomefloxacin
12.LINCOSAMIDES- pirlimycin,lincomycin , clindamycin
13.MACROLIDES- tulathromycin, erythromycin, josamycin, kitasamycin, spiramycin
tilmicosin, tylosin, mirosamycin, terdecamycin, roxithromycin,
azithromycin, clarithromycin, olendomycin ,troleandomycin, carbomycin,
 rosamicin, , clarithromycin, dirithromycin
14. NOVOBIOCIN-novobiocin
15. ORTHOSOMYCINS- avilamycin
16. ANSAMYCIN RIFAMYCINS- rifampicin, Rifaximin
17. BICYCLOMYCIN- Bicozamycin
18. FOSFOMYCIN-fosfomycin
19. STERDOIDAL -fusidic acid
20. IONOPHORES- lasalocid,maduramycin,monensin,narasin,salinomycin, semduramicin
21. QUINOXALINES-carbadox
22. PLEUROMUTILINS-tiamulin, valnemulin,
23. POLYPEPTIDES- enramycin, gramicidin, bacitracin, colistin, polymixin
24. GLYCOPEPTIDES-vancomycin, teicoplanin
25. OXAZOLIDINONE- linezolid
26. NITROFURANS- furazolidone, nitrofurazone, and nitrofurantoin
27. NITROIMIDAZOLES -metronidazole, orindazole, secnidazole,satranidazole, tinidazole
Drug sagainst specific organisms:
1. ANTI TUBERCULAR DRUGS- capreomycin, soniazid, rifampin, ethambutol,
streptomycin, Pyrazinamide
2. ANTI LEPROSY DRUGS- Dapsone (diamino diphenyl sulfone), rifampin,
ethionamide, ofloxacin, minocycline, clarithromycin
3. ANTIMALARIAL DRUGS- Quinine, arteether, artesunate, chloroquine,
bulaquinemefloquine, primaquine

CATEGORISATION OF IMPOPRTANT ANTIFUNGAL DRUGS

1. ANTIBIOTICS: a. Polyene- amphotericin B, nystatin, hamycin,nafamycin

b. Heterocyclic benzofuran-griseofulvin
2. ANTIMETABOLITES : flucytosine (5-FU/ flurouracil)
3. AZOLES: a. Imidazole- clotrimazole, econazole, miconazole, ketoconazole
b. Triazole- fluconazole, itraconazole,voriconazole
4. ALLYLAMINE: -terbinafine
5. OTHERS- tolnaftate, undecylenic acid, quinidochlor, benzoic acid, ciclopirox olamine,
sodium thiosulfate
 Spectrum of activity of common antibacterial drugs

Group Class of microorganisms

Bacteria
Aerobic Anaerobic Mycoplasma Rickettsia Chlamydia Protozoa
Gram Gram Gram Gram
+ ve - ve + ve -ve
Aminoglycosides + + -- -- + -- -- --
Penicillins + + -- -- -- -- -- --
Potentiated + + + + -- -- -- --
penicillins
Cephalosporins + + + + -- -- -- --
Chloramphenicol + + + + + + + --
Lincosamides + + + + + -- -- +
Macrolides + -- + + + -- + --
Pleuromutilins + -- + + + -- + --
Tetracyclines + + + + + + + --
Fluorouinolones + + + + + + + --
Sulfonamides + + -- -- + -- + +
Trimethoprim + + -- -- -- -- -- +
Nitroimidazoles -- -- + + -- -- -- +
Polymixin -- + -- -- -- -- -- --
Bacitracin + -- + -- -- -- -- --
 DOSAGE REGIMENS FOR ANTIMICROBIAL DRUGS IN DOGS AND CATS
Drugs Dose in mg/kg Route of Dose
(Except as administration Interval
indicated) (hr)
PENICILLINS
Penicillin G, Na or K 20000-40000 IV, IM, SC 6-8
U/kg
Penicillin G, procaine 20000 U/kg IM, SC 24
Penicillin G, benzathine 40000 U/kg IM 72-120
Penicillin V 10 PO 8
Cloxacillin 30 PO, IV, IM 8
Dicloxacillin 50 PO, IV, IM 8
Methacillin 25-50 IV, IM 6
Oxacillin 15-25 PO, IV, IM 8
Amoxicillin 10-20 PO, IV, IM, SC 8-12
Amoxicillin-clavulanate 12.5-25 (Comb) PO 8-12
Ampicillin 20-30 PO 8
10-20 IV, IM, SC 8
Carbenicllin 10-50 PO, IV, IM, SC 8
Hetacillin 20-30 PO, 8
Ticarcillin 40-75 IV, IM, SC 6-8
CEPHALOSPORINS
First Generation 10-15 PO 8
Cefaclor
Cefadroxil 10-20 PO 12
Cephalexin 10-25 PO 8-12
Cephradine 15-30 PO 6-8
Cephaloglycin 10-20 PO 6-8
Cefazolin 10-30 IV, IM, SC 6-8
Cephapirin 20-40 IV, IM, SC 8
Cephradine 6-25 IV, IM, SC 6-8
Second Generation
Cefamandole 15-30 IV, IM, SC 8
Cefotaxime 20-80 IV, IM, SC 8
Cefachlor 15-30 IM,IV
Cefoxitine 10-20 PO 8-12
Cefotetan 30 IM,IV 8
Cefomandole 10-30 IM,IV 8
Third generation
Cefotaxime 20-40 IM, IV 8
Ceftriaxone 15-50 IM, IV 24
Ceftazidime 30-50 IM,IV 8-12
Cefoperazone 30 IM 6-8
Cefoxitin 20-40 IV, IM, SC 6-8
Moxalactam 50 IV, IM 6-8
AMINOGLYCOSIDES
Amikacin IV, IM, SC 20-40 6-8
Dihydrostreptomycin PO 10-20 6
IM, SC 10 12
Gentamicin IV, IM, SC 2-4 8
Kanamycin PO 10 6
IV, IM, SC 10 6-8
Neomycin PO 10 6
Netilmicin IV, IM, SC 1-2 8
Streptomycin PO 20 6
IM, SC 10 12
Tobramycin IV, IM, SC 1-2 8
FLUOROQUINOLONES
Ciprofloxacin PO 5-15 12
Enrofloxacin PO 2.5-15 12
Norfloxacin PO 5-20 2
TETRACYCLINES
Chlortetracycline PO 20-30 8
Doxycycline PO, IV 5-10 12
Minocycline PO 5-15 12
Oxytetracycline PO 20-30 8
IV, IM 10 12
Tetracycline PO 20 8
IV, IM 10 12
Rolitetracycline IM,IV 5-10 12
Demeclocycline 20-30 PO 8
Methacycline 5-10 IM,IV 12
MACOLIDES AND LINCOSAMIDES
Clindamycin PO, IV, IM, SC 5-10 8-12
Erythromycin PO 10-20 8-12
Lincomycin PO 10-20 8-12
IV, IM 10-20 12-24
Tylosin PO 10 8
IV, IM 5-10 12
SULPHONAMIDES
Sulfadiazine PO, IV 50-100 (double first 12
dose in dog)
Sulfadiazine-trimethoprim PO, IV, IM, SC 30 (comb) 12-24
Sulfamethoxazole-trimethprim PO 30 (comb) 12-24
Sulfadimethoxine IV 27.5 (double first 12-24
dose in dog)
PO 55
MISCELLANEOUS ANTIMICROBIALS
Chloramphenicol PO Dog 50 8
Cat 50 mg total 12
IV, IM, SC Dog 50 8
Cat 20-30 12
Clofazimine PO Cat 2-8 24
Dapsone PO Cat 50 mg total 12-24
Ethambutol PO Dog 15 24
Isoniazid PO Dog 10-20 (max 24
300 mg daily)
Metronidazole PO, IV 10 8
Nitrofurantoin PO 5 8
Rifampin PO 10-20 (dog max 24
600 mg daily)
ANTIPROTOZOAL, ANTIRICKETTSIALS
Amprolium PO Dog 100-400 mg 24
total
Clindamycin PO, IM, SC Dog 10-20 12
Cat 12.5-25 12
Difluoromethylornithine PO Dog 100 8
Diminazene acetate IM Dog 3.5 or 7 Once
Furazolidone PO 8-10 12-24
Imidocarb dipropionate IM, SC Dog 5 Once
Meglumine antimonite IV, SC Dog 100 24
Metronidazole PO Dog 15-30 12-24
Cat 10-25 12-24
Parvoquone IM, SC Cat 10-20 24
Pentamidine isethionate IM Dog 4 24
Phenamicine isethinate SC Dog 15 24
Primaquine IM 0.5 Once
Pyrimethamine PO 0.25-0.5 12
Quinacrine PO Dog 50-100 mg 8
total,Cat 10 24
Sodium stibogluconate IV, SC Dog 30-50 24
Thiacetarsamide IV Dog 2.2 24
Tinidazole PO Dog 44 24
ANTIFUNGALS
Amphotericin B IV Dog 0.25-0.5 48
Cat 0.25 48
Fluconazole PO Dog 5-10 12-24
 Cat 50 mg total 12
Flucytosine PO Dog 50-75 8
Cat 50 8
Griseofulvin, microsized PO 25-60 12
Itraconazole PO 5-10 12-24
Ketoconazole PO 5-10 12
Cat 10 12-24
Thiabendazole PO Dog 10 12

DOSAGE OF ANTIMICROBIAL AGENTS in ANIMALS

PENICILLINS
Drug Route Dosage (IU/KG or Interval
mg/kg) (h)
Penicillin G sodium aqueous IM, IV 15-20,000 IU 6-8
Procaine Penicillin G IM 25,000 IU 24
Benzathine Penicillin G IM 40,000 IU 72
Cloxacillin, Oxacillin Oral, IM 40-60 8
Methicillin IM, IV 25-50 6
Ampicillin sodium IV, IM 10-20 6-8
Ampicillin Oral 20-30 8
Amoxicillin Oral 20-30 8-12
Amoxicillin trihydrate
10 % aq. susp. IM 10 12
5 % aq. susp. Oral 30 8
Carbenicillin sodium Oral 50-100 8
Carbenicillin IM, IV 50 6-8
Ticarcillin sodium IM, IV 50-75 6-8

AMINOGLYCOSIDES AND AMINOCYCLIOTOLS

Drug Route Dosage (mg/kg) Intreval Comments

(hr)
Amikacin IMb 4-8 8-12 Horses
IM, SC 10 8-12 Dog, cat
Apramycin PO 20-40 12 Enteric infection
IM 20 12 Swine only
Gentamicin IM(IV) 2-4 8-12 Dogs, cats-2 x day
 1, 1 x thereafter
Kanamycin PO 10 6 Enteric infection
IM(IV) 4-8 8-12
Neomycin PO 10 6 Enteric infection
Spectinomycin PO 20-40 8 Enteric infection
IM 20 12 Swine only
Streptomycin IM 8-12 8
Tobramycin IM(IV) 1-2 8 Need more data

CHLORAMPHENICOL
Species Dosage form Route Dose Interval Comment
(mg/kg) (hr)

Dogs, Cats Base, palmitate Oral dog, 50 12 50-100 mg/kg

cat 50 mg/cat 12 priming dose
Sodium succinate IV, IM, SC 25-50 12
Horses Sodium succinate IM 30-50 8-12 50 mg/kg
Priming dose
Ruminants Sodium succinate IV, IM 25 8-12 50 mg/kg
Priming dose
Pigs Sodium succinate IM 25 12

TETRACYCLINES

Species Dosage Form Route Dose Interval Comment

(mg/kg) (hr)
Dogs, cats Tetracycline, IV, IM 10 12
Oxytetracycline,
Doxycycline IV 5-10 12

Horses Oxytetracycline IV 3-5 12 Slow IV

Ruminants Tetracycline, IV, IM 10 12-24 Slow IV

Oxytetracycline

Long acting IM 20 48
tetracycline (2PVP)

Pigs Same as ruminants. Oral 10-30 24 IM

 Tetracycline, Injection
Oxytetracycline,
Chlortetracycline

ORAL DOSAGE OF TETRACYLINES FOR MONOGASTRIC ANIMALS

Tetracycline Preparation Route Priming Maintenance Dosage Interval (h)
Dose Dose (mg/kg)
Tetracycline Hcl PO 30 15 6
Oxytetracycline Hcl PO 40 20 12
Minocycline Hcl PO 10 5 12
Doxycycline hyclate PO 10 5 12
SULFONAMIDES AND TRIMETHOPRIM-SULFONAMIDE COMBINATIONS
Drug Route Dose Interval Comment
(mg/kg) (h)
Short acting IV, PO 50-60 12 100 mg/kg
Sulfadiazine, sulfamethazine, tri priming dose
sulfapyramidine (triple sulfas)
Intermediate acting
Sulfadimethoxine IV, SC 27.5 12-(24) 55 priming
Sulfadimethoxine PO 55 12-(24) 100 priming
Sulfisoxazole PO 50 8 U. T. infection
Sulfamethoxazole PO 50 12
Gut-Active
Phthalysulfathiazole PO 100 12
Other
Salicylazo sulfapyridine PO 25 12
Trimethoprim-sulfonamide IV, IM 24-30 12 Meningitis (TID)
combination PO 36 12

Usual systemic dosages of currently available fluoroquinolones

Species Drug Route Dose Interval Comment
(mg/kg) (h)
Cattle, sheep, Enrofloxacin PO 2.5-5 24 Preruminants
goats IM, SC 2.5-5 24 Ruminants
Swine Enrofloxacin IM, PO 2.5-5 24
Poultry Enrofloxacin PO 50 ppm Water Turkey,
IM 0.5 mg/bird SID Salmonella

Common antimicrobial drug dosage in horses

Drug Dose Frequency Route of
administration
Amphotericin B 0.3-0.6 mg/kg in TID IV
5% dextrose
Amikacin sulfate 6.6 mg/kg TID IV or IM
Ampicillin sodium 10-20 mg/kg TID IV or IM
Cefazolin 15-20 mg/kg TID IV or IM
Ceftiofur 2.2 mg/kg BID IM
Cephalexin 20-25 mg/kg QID PO
Cefotaxime 20-40 mg/kg QID IV
Chloramphenicol 25-50 mg/kg QID PO
palmitate
Erythromycin estolate 25 mg/kg QID PO
Isoniazid 5-15 mg/kg BID PO
Gentamicin sulfate 2.2 mg/kg QID IV or IM
Ketoconazole 10 mg/kg SID/BID PO
Metronidazole 15 mg/kg BID/TID PO
Oxytetracycline HCl 5 mg/kg BID IV
Penicillin-G, K or Na 20,000-40,000 QID IV
IU/kg
Penicillin-G procaine 20,000 IU/kg BID IM
Rifampin 5-10 mg/kg BID PO
Sodium iodine 20% solution, 10-40 IV
ml /day
Streptomycin sulfate 8-12 mg/kg TID IM
Ticarcillin disodium 50-75 mg/kg QID IV, IM
Ticarcillin and 50 mg/kg of QID IV
calvulanic acid ticarcillin
Trimethoprim- 5.5 mg/kg of BID PO
sulfonamide (oral trimethoprim
preparation)

ANTIMICROBIAL DRUGS THAT ARE POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS IN RENAL

FAILURE, LIVER FAILURE, PREGNANCY OR NEONATES
Renal failure Liver failure Pregnancy Neonates

Aminoglycosides Chloramphenicol Aminoglycosides Aminoglycosides

Amphotericin B Clindamycin Amphotericin B Chloramphenicol
Cerbenicillin Erythromycin Chloramphenicol Fluoroquinolones
Cephaloridine Linocomycin Flucytosine Nalidixic acid
Chloramphenicol Oxacillin Fluoroquinolones Nitrofurantoin
Flucytosine Tetracyclines Griseofulvin Polymyxins
Fluoroquinolones -- Ketoconazole Sulphonamides
Nalidixic acid -- Metronidazole Tetracyclines
Nitrofurantoin -- Nitrofurantoin Trimethorpim
Polymyxins -- Polymyxins --
Tetracyclines -- Sulphonamices --
(L.A)
-- -- Tetracyclines --
 -- -- Trimethoprim --

SUGGESTED ORAL ADMINISTRATION IN RELATION TO FEEDING

Better if administered on Better if administered Indifferent/ No effect of

an empty stomach( 2 hours with food food
before or after food intake)
Cephalosporins Chloramphenicol Chloramphenicol caps and
palmitate(cats) tabs, palmitate (dog)
Erythromycin base Doxycycline Erythromycin coated
formulations
Erythromycin stearate Erythromycin estolate Ethambutol
Isoniazid Erythromycin ethyl succinate Fluoroquinolones
Lincomycin Griseofulvin Hetacillin
Most penicillins Ketoconazole
Rifampin Metronidazole
Most sulphonamides Nitrofurantoin
Most Tetracyclines

ADVERSE EFFECTS OF COMMON ANTIBACTERIAL GROUPS

Sl no Antibacterial Adverse effects Effect in

group
1 Penicillins Hypersensitivity reactions-
anaphylaxis, skin rashes,
angioedema,
Super infection- GIT
disturbances
Pregnancy
Nonteratogenic,
may modify infant
bowel flora,
increase penicillin
resistant bacterial
 Na salt- sodium overload in population
CHF
2 Cephalosporins Nephrotoxic, painful IM Nonteratogenic
injection, phlebitis on repeated
IV, occasional vomition,
diarrhoea, superinfection
3 Aminoglycosides Ototoxicity, nephrotoxicity, Nonteratogenic,
renal failureneuromuscular but dose related
blockade, Ototoxicity and
nephrotoxicity
4 Quinolones and Neurutoxic, high dose- Nonteratogenic
fluoroquinolones convulsions, vomition , Arthropathy,
diarrhoea, dermal reactions, phototoxicity
phototoxicity High doses-
cartilaginous erosions, embryonic loss
lameness in young ones and maternal
toxicity
5 Sulphonamides Hypersensitivity, crystalluria, Nonteratogenic
haematuria, tubular obstruction Neural tube defect
6 Tetracyclines GI disturbances, Ca chelation, Nonteratogenic,c
hinders host defense Inhibit bone
mechanisms,nephrotoxic,Rapid growth of foetus,
IV- hypotension, collapse yellow
PG base- Intravascular discoloration of
haemolysis bone and teeeth
7 Chloramphenicol Blood dyscrasias, bone marrow Bonemarrow
depression, aplastic anaemia, depression, Grey
suppress immune response baby syndrome in
Rapid IV-haemolysis, collapse, humans
death
8 Macrolides Occasional hypersensitivity, GI Nonteratogenic
disturbances,Erythromycin Erythromycin
estolate- hepatotoxic, estolate-
Tilmicosin- cardiac toxicity hepatotoxic
SUGGESTED DOSAGE REGIMENS FOR ANTIMICROBIALS IN REPTILES

Drug Species Route of Dose(mg/kg) Frequency of

administration administration
Ampicillin tortoise IM 50 12 hour
Carbenicillin Snakes, IM 400 24 hour
tortoise 400 48hour
Piperacillin Snakes IM 100 24 hour
Ceftazidime Snakes IM 20 72 hour
 Doxycycline Tortoise IM 50 72 hour
Chloramphenicol Snakes SC 50 12 hour
Sulphadiazine+TMP All species IM 30 24 hour
Gentamicin Alligators, IM 1.75 72-96 hour
Snakes IM 2.5 48-120 hr
Amikacin Snakes IM 5 72 hour
tortoise IM 5 48 hour

Ciprofloxacin Snakes Oral 2.5 48-72 hour

Enrofloxacin Tortoise IM 5 24-48 hour
Tylosin All species IM 5 24hour
Ketoconazole All species Oral 15-30 24hour
Nystatin All species Oral 100000IU/kg 24 hour

ANTI-NEOPLASTIC DRUGS
DRUGS MECHANISM OF MAJOR Dose& Route of
ACTION INDICATIONS Adm.
ALKYLATING
AGENTS alkylate DNA, Lymphoma, sarcomas, 60mg/kgBW
Cyclophosphamide cross-linking of mammary daily oral
DNA strands adenocarcinoma,
lymphocytic leukemia
Melphalan Alkylates DNA Multiple myeloma 150mcg/kgBW
causing miscoding daily or
and cross-linking of 250mcg/kgBW
DNA strands daily for 4
weeks oral
Chlorambucil Alkylates DNA Chronic lymphocytic 100mcg/kgBW
causing miscoding leukemia, lymphoma daily oral
DNA strands
Carboplastin Inhibits both DNA CNS neoplasias ,GI 300-360mg/m2
and RNA synthesis carcinomas, multiple BSA by IV
myeloma
Streptozocin Inhibits DNA Temporary remission of 100mcg/kgBW
synthesis hypoglycemia resulting daily
from functional
pancreatic islet cell
tumor
Dacarbazine alkylate DNA, Lymphoma 2-4.5mg/kgBW
inhibits RNA daily for 10
synthesis days IV10-
15mg/day for 4-
8days oral
Busulfan Alkylates DNA, Chronic myelogenous 60mcg/kg BW
causing miscoding of leukemia, polycythemia daily oral
DNA strands vera
ANTIMETABOLITES
Methotrexate Inhibits formation of Lymphoma, Sertoli cell 10-15mg/day
tetrahydrofolate, a tumor, osteosarcoma, for 4-8 days oral
necessary cofactor in metastatic transmissible
thymidylate venereal tumor
synthesis, essential
for DNA synthesis
and repair
Fluorouracil Pyrimidine analog, GI, lung, liver, and 15mg/kgBW
interferes with DNA mammary carcinomas once a week
synthesis and may be (systemic); cutaneous oral
incorporated into carcinomas (topical) 15mg/kgBW in
RNA to cause toxic 500ml DNS
effects
Cytarabine Pyrimidine analog, Lymphoma (including 100mg/m2 BSA
incorporates into CNS), leukemias bid by rapid
DNA causing stereo inj.IV.& Ithecal
hindrance and 10-30mg/m2for
inhibition of DNA meningitis
synthesis
ANTIBIOTICS
Dactinomycin disrupting helical Choriocarcinoma, 15mcg/kgBW
(Actinomycin D) structure and DNA testicular carcinoma, per day or400-
template, inhibits rhabdomyosarcoma, 600 mcg/m2
RNA and DNA lymphoma BSA IV
polymerases
Doxorubicin Disrupts helical Lymphoma, acute 60-75mg/ m2
structure and DNA lymphocytic and BSA IV
 template, inhibits granulocyticleukemia,
RNA and DNA sarcomas carcinomas,
polymerases
Mitoxantrone DNA aggregation, Lymphoma,carcinomas, 8-12mg/ m2
oxidation, and strand fibrosarcoma, BSA IV
breakage hemangiopericytoma
Bleomycin generates oxygen Carcinomas (testicular, 15,000IU thrice
radicals that cause squamous cell of head a week IM/IV
chain scission and and neck, cervical,
fragmentation of penile)lymphoma,
DNA seminoma,malignant
teratoma
MITOTIC disruption of mitotic Lymphoma and 0.1-
INHIBITORS spindle apparatus leukemias, 0.5mg/kgBW
Vinblastine and arrest of cell mastocytoma IV
cycle
Vincristine disruption of mitotic Transmissible venereal 25-75 mcg/kg or
spindle apparatus cell tumors, lymphoma 1.4mg/m2
and arrest of cell and leukemias, CNS IV
cycle tumors, mammary
adenocarcinoma, soft-
tissue sarcomas,
immune-mediated
thrombocytopenia

MISCELLANEOUS Reacts with proteins Osteosarcoma, 50-120mg/m2

Cisplatin and nucleic acids; carcinomas (transitional BSA with %
forms cross-links cell, testicular, NS, IV
between DNA squamous cell of head
strands and between and neck, ovarian,
DNA and protein; cervical, bladder, and
disrupts DNA lung), mesothelioma
synthesis
L-Asparaginase Inhibits protein Acute lymphocytic and 1000units/kg
synthesis lymphoblastic leukemia BW/10days
and lymphoma with NSor
Dextrose 5%
Mitotane (o,pDDD) Destroys adrenal Pituitary
zona fasciculata and hyperadrenocorticism,
zona reticularis palliation of adrenal
cortical tumors
Hydroxyurea Inhibits conversion Polycythemia vera, 20-30
of ribonucleotides to mastocytoma, mg/kgBW oral
deoxyribonucleotides granulocytic and
basophilic leukemia,
thrombocythemia
Etoposide Causes Carcinomas (testicular, 50-100mg/m2
topoisomerase-II- small cell lung) IV
mediated DNA
scission

HORMONES
Prednisolone inhibits mitosis in Lymphoma, mast cell 60mg/m2 IM,IV
lymphocytes tumors, palliative
treatment of brain
tumors
Tamoxifen Anti-estrogenic; Estrogen-receptor- 20mg/day single
blocks the effects of positive mammary dose oral
estrogen on target carcinomas
tissues
Flutamide Anti-androgenic; Testosterone-receptor- 250mg TID oral
competes with positive prostatic
testosterone for tumors; surgical
binding to androgen castration preferred
receptors
Leuprolide GnRH analog that Testosterone-receptor 1-3.5mg IM or
initially stimulates, positive prostatic SC
then decreases, the carcinomas or perianal
secretion of FSH and tumors, surgical
LH,lead to decreased castration preferred
concentrationof
testosterone (males)
and estrogen
(females)

APPENDIX
The relation of body weight to surface area in square meters
for dogs is given in the following table:

Kg m2 Kg m2 Kg m2
0.5 0.06 17 0.66 34 1.05
1 0.10 18 0.69 35 1.07
2 0.15 19 0.71 36 1.09
3 0.20 20 0.74 37 1.11
4 0.25 21 0.76 38 1.13
5 0.29 22 0.78 39 1.15
 6 0.33 23 0.81 40 1.17
7 0.36 24 0.83 41 1.19
8 0.40 25 0.85 42 1.21
9 0.43 26 0.88 43 1.23
10 0.46 27 0.90 44 1.25
11 0.49 28 0.92 45 1.26
12 0.52 29 0.94 46 1.28
13 0.55 30 0.96 47 1.30
14 0.58 31 0.99 48 1.32
15 0.60 32 1.01 49 1.34
16 0.63 33 1.03 50 1.36

Body surface area in square meters for dogs and cats may be obtained from the
following formula:
K x W2/3
BSA = ----------------
104
Where, K = constant (10.1 for dogs ; 10 for cats)
W = weight in grams
BSA = Body surface area in square meters
Doses for anticancer drugs are calculated as a function of body surface areas (m) rather than
body weight because the blood supply to the organs responsible for detoxification, kidney and
liver, is more closely related to surface area than body weight

DOSAGES OF SOME OF THE ANTIMICROBIALS USED IN BIRDS.

Drug Dose in mg/kg Route of Dose

administration Interval
(hr)
Enrofloxacin 10 IM 12
5ml/litre PO 12
water/50ppm or iml
per kg feed
Doxycycline 20 PO 12
Oxytetracycline 50 IM 12
Tylosin 200 PO SD
 25 IM 12
Ampicillin 100-150 IM 12
Amoxycillin 100-200 IM 24
25-100 PO 12
Amoxycillin+clavulanate 100 PO 12
Cloxacillin 250 PO 24
Cephalexin 35-50 PO 6-8
Lincomycin 50 PO 24
Clindamycin 20-100 PO 12
Gentamicin 75-200mg totaldose IM 12
Tobramycin 2 IM 12
Potentiated sulphonamides 20 PO 12
Metronodazole 50 PO 12
Ronidazole 5mg/100ml water PO 12
Itraconazole 5-10 PO 12
Nystatin 300000units/kg PO SD
Aciclovir 50mg/ 100ml water PO 24
Ivermectin 200g/kg PO,SC SD
Levamisole 15-25 PO SD
Fenbendazole 20-50 PO SD
Praziquantel 5-10 PO SD

CLASSIFICATION OF COMMONLY USED ANTHELMINTICS

Sl no Group Examples Mode of action on parasites
1 Benzimidazoles thiabendazole, Interfers with energy
parbendazole, production,
cambendazo inhibit fumarate
le, reductase,
mebendazol block tubulin
e, synthesis
oxfendazole Inhibit glucose transport- all
, resulting in starvation of
oxibendazol parasite, ovicidal effect
e,
fenbendazol
e
triclabendazole,
albendazole
2 Probenzimidazoles thiophinate Metabolized invivo to
febantel Benzimidazole
netobimin carbamates to
result in the
same effect as
above
3 Imidothiazoles levamisole Ganglionic stimulants- result
Imidazothiazoles tetramisole in spastic
paralysis
4 Pyrimidines(Tetra pyrantel pamoate Cholinergic(ganglionic)
hydrop pyrantel tartrate agonosts
yrimid morantel citrate result in spastic
ines) oxantel paralysis
5 Salicylanilides rafoxanide Uncouple oxidative
oxyclozanide phosphorylatio
niclosamide n resulting in
closantel energy
resorantel depletion
6 Substituted phenols nitroxynil Uncouple oxidative
niclofolan phosphorylatio
bithional n resulting in
hexachlorophene energy
hexechloroethane depletion
carbon tetrachloride
7 Organophosphates trichlorphon Irreversible cholinesterase
dichlorovos inhibition
haloxan leading to
coumaphos spastic
fenchlorphos paralysis
uredophos
 8 Piperazine piperazine Neuromuscular
diethylcarbamazine citrate hyperpolarisati
(DEC) on resulting in
flaccid
paralysis

9 Macrolide ivermectin,doramectin GABA potentiation

endecticid moxidectin
es/Averme selamectin flacci
ctins abamectin d
milbemycine paral
ysius
10 Pyrazinoisoquinolones praziquantel Ionic balance
and epsiprantel altera
benzazepi tion
nes to
cause
vacou
lation
and
disru
ption
of
tegu
ment
11 Miscellaneous Phenothiazine Interfere with
repro
Disophenol ducti
Dithiazine on
Thiacetarsamide Inhibit oxidative
clorsulon phosphorylation

Inhibit glycolysis

DOSAGE OF ANTHELMENTICS IN DOMESTIC ANIMALS

Drug/Chemical nature Indication Dose/Route

Bunamidine HCl Cestodes, 25-50 mg/kg P.O.
Echinococcus
Dichlorovos (OPC) Ascarids, Hook and Whip worms 11 mg/kg P.O.

Disophenol Hook worms 10 mg/kg S/C

DEC Ascarids and spirocerca lupi 55-110 mg/kg P.O.
Fenbendazole Ascarids, Hook , Whip worms 5-10 mg/kg for 3 days P.O.
,Larvicidal, Ovicidal effect
Ivermectin Ticks/mites/ Nematodes. 200 g/kg, S/C.PO
Larvicidal and ovcidal effects.
Doramectin Ticks/mites/ Nematodes 200 g/kg, S/C

Mebendazole Ascarids, Hookworm 22 mg/kg for 3 days P.O.

Niclosamide Cestodes 150 mg/kg P.O.
Piperazine Ascarids D:110 mg/kg P.O
Praziquantel Echinococus D:5-10 mg/kg P.O
Diphylobothrium latum D: 25 mg/kg. P.O
Nitroxynil Liverflukes and Amphistomes C: 10 mg/kg, S/C
Levamisole GI nematodes C: 7.5 mg/kg S/C (large animals)
D: 7.5 mg/kg P.O. (Dogs)
2.5mg/kg- immunomodulatory
dose
Hexachlorophene Adult and immature liver flukes C:20-25 mg/kg P.O.
Carbon tetra chloride Adult flukes S-4 ml P.O.
C-5 ml P.O.
Phenothizine Haemonchus Oesophagostomum C-20gm/45 kg (Max. 80 g)
Strongyles H-3g/45 kg

Pyrantel Broad spectrum antinematodal 25 mg/kg P.O. (Tartarate 5%

pamoate/tartrate
Morantel citrate/tartate
Closantel
drench 5 mg/kg P.O. Pamoate)
Haemonchus S-10 mg/kg P.O.
Trichostrongyles C-8.8 mg/kg
Liverflukes, Nematodes, S/C 5mg/kg IM 15 mg P.O.
Cestodes

Chlorsulon Liver flukes S-7mg/kg P.O

C-4mg/kg S/C
Triclabendazole Liver flukes (mature & 20 mg/kg., P.O.
immature)
Thiophinate Nematodes larvicidal, ovicidal C-10g/100 kg P.O
Oxyclonazide Liver flukes C-10mg/kg
S-10-15mg/kg
Antimony potassium S.nasalis C-3 mg/kg IV only
tartarate (Tartar emetic)

Lithium antimony S.nasalis C-6% Solution of (50 ml IM)

thiomalate given as 20 ml + 15 ml +15 ml
for 3 days.
Filariasis and Leishmaniasis D-1ml IM
C&S 3.5 mg/kg SC or IM
Note : S= Sheep & Goat C= Cattle H = Horse D= Dog