Meganyl 50 mg/ml

MEGANYL 50 mg/ml Solution for Injection for cattle, pigs and horses is a veterinary antibiotic injection containing florfenicol as the active ingredient. This broad-spectrum antibiotic belongs to the phenicol class of antimicrobial agents specifically formulated for large animal veterinary use.

Active Ingredient and Classification

Primary Component:

Florfenicol 50 mg/ml – A synthetic broad-spectrum antibiotic

Drug Class: Phenicol antibiotic

Mechanism: Florfenicol is a bacteriostatic antibiotic that is primarily used in veterinary medicine to treat a range of diseases in farm and aquatic animals. This synthetic analog of thiamphenicol and chloramphenicol works by inhibiting ribosomal activity

Target Species and Indications

Approved Species:

Cattle (beef and dairy)

Pigs (swine)

Horses (equine)

Primary Therapeutic Uses:

Bovine Respiratory Disease (BRD):

Florfenicol has been shown to be effective for treatment of bovine respiratory disease (BRD) in cattle associated with Mannheimia haemolytica, Pasteurella multocida, and Histophilus somni (formerly Haemophilus somnus)

For treatment of bovine respiratory disease associated with Mannheimia haemolytica, Pasteurella multocida, and Histophilus somni, and for the treatment of bovine interdigital phlegmon

Additional Indications:

Foot rot treatment: It also is used for treatment of bovine interdigital phlegmon (foot rot, acute interdigital necrobacillosis, and infectious pododermatitis) associated with Fusobacterium necrophorum and Bacteroides melaninogenicus

Swine respiratory infections

Various bacterial infections caused by susceptible organisms

Pharmacological Properties

Mechanism of Action:

This synthetic analog of thiamphenicol and chloramphenicol works by inhibiting ribosomal activity, thereby preventing bacterial protein synthesis, resulting in bacteriostatic effects against susceptible bacteria.

Spectrum of Activity:

Gram-positive bacteria: Including Staphylococcus and Streptococcus species

Gram-negative bacteria: Including Pasteurella, Mannheimia, and Histophilus species

Anaerobic bacteria: Including Fusobacterium species

Mycoplasma species

Dosage and Administration

Standard Dosing Protocol:

Based on similar florfenicol formulations, typical dosing includes:

Cattle:

Respiratory disease: 40 mg/kg bodyweight (0.8 ml/kg)

Route: Subcutaneous injection

Frequency: Single dose or repeated as directed

Pigs:

Respiratory infections: 15-20 mg/kg bodyweight

Route: Intramuscular injection

Frequency: Once or twice daily as prescribed

Horses:

Dosing varies based on condition and veterinary assessment

Administered under strict veterinary supervision

Administration Guidelines:

Use sterile injection techniques

Rotate injection sites

Follow label directions for specific indications

Complete full course of treatment

Clinical Benefits

Therapeutic Advantages:

Broad-spectrum coverage against major veterinary pathogens

Good tissue penetration including respiratory tract

Effective against resistant organisms including those producing chloramphenicol acetyltransferase

Convenient dosing regimens for various species

Preventive Applications:

Administration of florfenicol (40 mg/kg once SQ) at time of arrival to the feedlot decreased the incidence of BRD

Safety Profile and Side Effects

Common Adverse Reactions:

Local reactions: Swelling or irritation at injection site

Systemic effects: Temporary decrease in appetite

Gastrointestinal: Mild digestive upset

Important Safety Considerations:

Monitor for hypersensitivity reactions

Ensure proper hydration during treatment

Avoid use in animals with known phenicol sensitivity

Contraindications and Restrictions

Usage Restrictions:

Based on similar florfenicol products:

Food-producing animals: Observe withdrawal periods

Lactating dairy cattle: May have milk withdrawal requirements

Breeding animals: Use with caution in reproductive animals

Contraindications:

Known hypersensitivity to florfenicol or phenicols

Concurrent use with bactericidal antibiotics may reduce efficacy

Withdrawal Times

Food Safety Requirements:

Meat withdrawal: Varies by species and jurisdiction

Milk withdrawal: Required for lactating dairy cattle

Specific times: Consult product labeling for current requirements

Note: Withdrawal times must be strictly observed to ensure food safety

Storage and Handling

Storage Requirements:

Store at controlled room temperature

Protect from direct sunlight

Maintain sterility until use

Check expiration dates before administration

Handling Precautions:

Use aseptic injection techniques

Wear appropriate protective equipment

Dispose of needles and syringes safely

Keep out of reach of children

Drug Interactions

Potential Interactions:

Bactericidal antibiotics: May antagonize florfenicol activity

Other phenicols: Avoid concurrent use

Live vaccines: May interfere with vaccine efficacy

Professional Use Guidelines

Veterinary Oversight:

Prescription-only medication requiring veterinary supervision

Proper diagnosis essential before treatment

Regular monitoring during therapy

Compliance with withdrawal periods mandatory

Best Practices:

Bacterial culture and sensitivity testing recommended

Use appropriate needle and syringe sizes

Maintain detailed treatment records

Monitor treatment response

Clinical Applications Summary

Meganyl 50 mg/ml represents a valuable therapeutic option in large animal veterinary medicine, providing effective treatment for respiratory and systemic bacterial infections in cattle, pigs, and horses. Its broad-spectrum activity, convenient dosing, and proven efficacy against major veterinary pathogens make it an important tool for veterinary practitioners managing bacterial diseases in food-producing and companion large animals.

The medication requires professional veterinary oversight, adherence to proper dosing protocols, and strict compliance with withdrawal periods to ensure both therapeutic success and food safety in treated animals.