Oxytetracycline, Dexamethasone & Nitrofurazone Spray

Compounded combination topical spray of oxytetracycline (antibiotic), dexamethasone (corticosteroid), and nitrofurazone (antibacterial) for wound treatment in horses. Broad-spectrum tetracycline antibiotic. Mechanism: reversibly binds 30S ribosomal subunit → blocks aminoacyl-tRNA attachment to mRNA-ribosome complex → bacteriostatic inhibition of protein synthesis. Active against gram-positive, gram-negative, Rickettsia, Anaplasma, Chlamydia, Mycoplasma. Chelates divalent cations — avoid concurrent dairy/antacids. IV form (flexor tendon contracture treatment in foals at low dose). Key information Potent corticosteroid. Immunosuppressive — increased infection risk. May induce laminitis in horses — use lowest effective dose. May precipitate parturition in mares. Prohibited in competition — know withdrawal times. Adrenal suppression with prolonged use.

IV (horses): dilute to ≤10 mg/mL in sterile saline; infuse slowly over 30–60 min — rapid infusion causes cardiovascular collapse. Do NOT give IM in horses (tissue necrosis). SQ (cattle): inject at recommended site and volume. Foal contracture treatment: dilute and infuse IV slowly over 60 min. Store at room temperature; protect from light. If a dose is missed Give the missed dose as soon as you remember. If the next dose is due within a few hours, skip the missed dose and resume the regular schedule. Never give a double dose.

IV: cardiovascular collapse/arrhythmias with rapid injection (must dilute and infuse slowly). GI: diarrhea, anorexia. Tooth and bone developmental effects in young animals. Photosensitivity. Hepato/nephrotoxicity (high doses). IM: severe tissue necrosis (200 mg/mL formulation in horses). Superinfection. Foals: IV infusion may cause collapse — use extreme caution.

For animals IV: must dilute and administer slowly — rapid infusion causes cardiovascular collapse in horses. IM: avoid in horses (severe tissue necrosis — use IV route). Foals: low-dose IV used for contracted flexor tendons — monitor for diarrhea and nephrotoxicity. Use with caution in pregnant animals. Avoid concurrent dairy, antacids, or multivalent cations. Observe food animal withdrawal times for milk and meat. For people handling this medication Wear gloves when handling. Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling. Tetracycline — Keep out of reach of children. Pregnant women and women of childbearing age should avoid contact. Affects fetal bone/teeth. Photosensitivity. Tissue necrosis risk with accidental injection (high concentration formulations).

Contact your veterinarian. A single accidental extra dose of a corticosteroid is usually not a medical emergency, but signs to watch for include extreme lethargy, vomiting, increased thirst/urination, and muscle weakness. Contact your vet before giving the next dose.