Ticarcillin For Equines

Ticarcillin is a carboxypenicillin that is typically used in combination with clavulanate (the β-lactamase inhibitor clavulanate potassium, or the potassium salt of clavulanic acid) as ticarcillin/clavulanic acid. Ticarcillin is a form of penicillin which falls within the class of beta-lactam antibiotics. Its main clinical use is as an injectable antibiotic for the treatment of gram-negative bacteria.

Ticarcillin has often been used in the intrauterine treatment of endometritis caused by beta-hemolytic steptococci, for the treatment of serious Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Pseudomonas spp. infections. It is also effective against certain other gram-negative bacilli, including Proteus spp and Bacteroides fragilis.¹

Historically, ticarcillin + clavulanate has been used in animals for treatment of various infections, including pneumonia, soft tissue infections, and bone infections. Ticarcillin has similar activity as ampicillin, but is extended to include many organisms that otherwise are resistant to ampicillin, such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa and other gram-negative bacilli.²

Studies have shown that when combined with clavulanate, the activity of ticarcillin against some strains of gram-negative bacteria and staphylococcus can be improved, with methicillin-resistant staphylococci remaining significantly resistant. These studies also suggest that the activity of ticarcillin against P. aeruginosa may be enhanced when administered with an aminoglycoside.² Ticarcillin is typically administered intravenously in most animals, as pain has been reported in IM administration.

Ticarcillin Disodium / Clavulanate Potassium by NexGen is indicated for the intrauterine treatment of endometritis caused by beta-hemolytic steptococci and for the treatment of Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection.

¹vetstream.com.

²Papich, M., DVM. Ticarcillin + Clavulanate Potassium: An Overview, Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Fourth Edition), 2016.

FOR RX ONLY: A valid prescription from a licensed veterinarian is required for dispensing this medication.