Sulphadoxine

Sulphadoxine

Sulphadoxine is an ultra-long-acting sulfonamide antibiotic widely used in veterinary medicine, most frequently in combination with Trimethoprim to form a potent bactericidal formulation. This synergistic combination provides a dual blockade of bacterial folic acid synthesis, resulting in broad-spectrum activity against a wide range of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, including Pasteurella, Salmonella, E. coli, and Streptococcus. Sulphadoxine is particularly valued for its pharmacokinetic profile, which maintains therapeutic blood levels for an extended period after a single dose. This makes it an ideal choice for treating severe respiratory infections, foot rot, and enteritis in livestock, as it reduces the need for frequent handling and injection stress while ensuring sustained disease control.

FAQ（Sulphadoxine）

1. What is Sulphadoxine used for?
It is primarily used (often with Trimethoprim) to treat respiratory diseases (pneumonia), gastrointestinal infections (enteritis), foot rot, and mastitis caused by susceptible bacteria.

2. How is Sulphadoxine administered?
It is most commonly administered via intramuscular (IM) or intravenous (IV) injection; oral formulations like boluses are also available for ruminants.

3. Which animals can use Sulphadoxine?
It is extensively used for cattle, sheep, goats, and pigs; it is especially useful in feedlot cattle or grazing animals where frequent handling is difficult.

4. Is Sulphadoxine safe for livestock?
Yes, it is generally safe when used as directed. However, due to its long-acting nature, strict adherence to withdrawal periods (for meat and milk) is essential to avoid residues.

5. Can Sulphadoxine be used preventively?
Yes, it is often used metaphylactically to control respiratory disease outbreaks (such as shipping fever) in herds during high-stress events like transport or weaning.