Pharmacokinetics

Unique mechanism of action, long-lasting effect

CONVENIA® (cefovecin sodium) is an ideal treatment for skin infections caused by susceptible organisms. Why? The unique pharmacokinetic profile of CONVENIA makes it optimal for a time-dependent antibiotic,^1,2 providing:

Eighty-six percent first-time resolution³ of superficial pyoderma.
Rapid onset of action.
Excellent efficacy.

The science behind CONVENIA

Pharmacokinetics^1,2

CONVENIA has a unique pharmacokinetic profile. The aqueous, non-depot injection:

Is rapidly and completely absorbed into the bloodstream.
Quickly reaches peak plasma levels:
- Dogs average 6.2 hours.
- Cats average 2.0 hours.
Is highly protein-bound:¹⁰
- Dog plasma 98.5%.
- Cat plasma 99%.
Does not undergo hepatic metabolism; majority of ose is excreted unchanged in urine.

CONVENIA has a distinctively long half-life:

Concentrations above the MIC at the site of infection in as soon as 2 hours and maintained for up to 14 days.
Dogs 5.5-day average.*
Cats 6.9-day average.*

How CONVENIA compares with other cephalosporins:

Half-life ranges: bar chart showing CONVENIA half-life is superior to half-life of cephalexin or SIMPLICEF

The question of subtherapeutic concentrations & resistance

All antibiotics have subtherapeutic concentrations during the dosing interval.

Poor compliance with oral medications can prolong these subtherapeutic concentrations.

Bacteria are either sensitive or resistant to an antibiotic.

Following treatment, all susceptible bacteria are killed, selecting for the resistant bacteria.
An antibiotic is not expected to have any effect on resistant organisms. This is true for all antibiotics.

With regard to antimicrobial resistance, the veterinary literature regarding Staphylococcus pseudintermedius and E. coli does not indicate that any antibiotic or class of antibiotics is more likely to result in resistance. It is the use of antibiotics in general.^17-31

Safety profile of CONVENIA »

Efficacy of CONVENIA »

Zoetis supports the responsible use of antibiotics in animals and people.
Learn about our commitment to antibiotic stewardship »

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION: People with known hypersensitivity to penicillin or cephalosporins should avoid exposure to CONVENIA. Do not use in dogs or cats with a history of allergic reactions to penicillins or cephalosporins. Side effects for both dogs and cats include vomiting, diarrhea, decreased appetite/anorexia and lethargy. See full Prescribing Information.

* From these average half-lives, the expected elimination is 27–35 days for most animals. In 1 radiolabeled study, however, a very small number of cats were identified as having a detectable half-life of up to 13 days. Therefore, the following is included in the full prescribing information notes: “CONVENIA may persist in the body for up to 65 days.”

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The product information provided in this site is intended only for residents of the United States. The products discussed herein may not have marketing authorization or may have different product labeling in different countries. The animal health information contained herein is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace discussions with an animal healthcare professional. All decisions regarding the care of a veterinary patient must be made with an animal healthcare professional, considering the unique characteristics of the patient.