General Drug Information and Indications
Florfenicol injectable for bovine and swine respiratory disease; broad-spectrum bacteriostatic agent.
Florfenicol — veterinary-specific amphenicol antibiotic. Mechanism: similar to chloramphenicol — binds 50S ribosomal subunit → inhibits bacterial protein synthesis (bacteriostatic). Unlike chloramphenicol, fluorine substitution prevents susceptibility to acetyltransferases → active against chloramphenicol-resistant organisms. No aplastic anemia risk. Active against Pasteurella, Mannheimia.
Key information
Florfenicol injectable/oral. Refrigerate injectable. Injection site reactions common. Beef withdrawal: 28 days (IM), 38 days (SC). Do not use in cows producing milk for human consumption.
How to Give this Medication
SQ or IM injection — do NOT give IV. Inject into appropriate site; maximum 10 mL per SQ injection site in cattle. Shake well before each use. before use. Allow injection site reaction — swelling and discomfort expected. Store at room temperature; protect from light.
If a dose is missed
This medication is administered by a veterinarian or veterinary staff in a clinical setting. Missed doses are managed by your veterinary team — contact your veterinarian to reschedule.
Side Effects
GI: diarrhea, anorexia. Injection site reactions (particularly SQ — necrosis, swelling). Reduced feed and water consumption. Horses: not approved; limited safety data. Withdrawal times for food animals. No aplastic anemia risk (unlike chloramphenicol). Cardiovascular: rare arrhythmias at high doses.
Precautions
For animals
IM or SQ use only — do not give IV (cardiovascular depression). Observe food animal withdrawal times for milk and meat. Not for use in horses intended for human consumption. Causes reduced feed and water intake — monitor carefully.
For people handling this medication
Wear gloves when handling. Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling. Florfenicol injectable — Keep out of reach of children. Pregnant women and women of childbearing age should avoid contact. Wear gloves. Avoid skin contact. Unlike chloramphenicol, NOT associated with aplastic anemia in humans.
Overdose
Contact your veterinarian. Florfenicol overdose may cause decreased feed intake, loose stool, and swelling at injection site. Contact vet for guidance.
Nuflor dosage forms
| Product | Strength | Form | Size | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NUFLOR 300 MG/ML | 300 MG/ML | — | 1 | Commercial |
Sources
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for advice from your veterinarian. Source: Merck Veterinary Manual (merckvetmanual.com); Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook (Plumb, D.C., app.plumbs.com)