How to Order Prescriptions
Description
Norocillin is indicated for the treatment of bacterial pneumonia (shipping fever) caused by Pasteurella multocida in cattle and sheep, erysipelas caused by Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae in swine, and strangles caused by Streptococcus equi in horses.
Directions for Use
A thoroughly cleaned, sterile needle and syringe should be used for each injection (needles and syringes may be sterilized in boiling water for 15 minutes). Before withdrawing the solution from the bottle, disinfect the rubber cap top with 70% alcohol. The injection site should be similarly disinfected with alcohol. Needles of 16 to 18 gauge and 1 to 1.5 inches long are adequate for intramuscular injections.
In livestock intramuscular injections should be made by directing the needle of suitable gauge and length into the fleshy part of a thick muscle, such as rump, hip or thigh region; avoid blood vessels and major nerves. Before injecting the solution, pull back gently on the plunger. If blood appears in the syringe, a blood vessel has been entered; withdraw the needle and select a different site.
Dosage
Norocillin is administered by the intramuscular route. The product is ready for injection after warming the vial to room temperature and shaking to ensure a uniform suspension.
The daily dose of penicillin is 3,000 units per pound of body weight (1 mL per 100 lbs body weight). Continue daily treatment until recovery is apparent and for at least one day after symptoms disappear, usually in two to three days.
Treatment should not exceed four consecutive days.
No more than 10mL should be injected at any one site. Rotate injection sites for each succeeding treatment.
Care of Sick Animals
The use of antibiotic in the management of diseases is based on an accurate diagnosis and an adequate course of treatment. When properly used in the treatment of diseases caused by penicillin-susceptible organisms, most animals treated with Norocillin show a noticeable improvement within 24 to 48 hours. If improvement does not occur within this period of time, the diagnosis and course of treatment should be re-evaluated. It is recommended that the diagnosis and treatment of animal diseases be carried out by a veterinarian.
Since many diseases look alike but require different types of treatment, the use of professional veterinary and laboratory services can reduce treatment time, costs and needless losses. Good housing, sanitation and nutrition are important in the maintenance of healthy animals and are essential in the treatment of the disease.
Precautions
Intramuscular injection in cattle, sheep, and swine may result in a local tissue reaction which persists beyond the withdrawal period of 14 days (cattle), 9 days (sheep), or 7 days (swine). This may result in trim loss of edible tissue at slaughter.
Allergic or anaphylactic reactions, sometimes fatal, have been known to occur in animals hypersensitive to penicillin and procaine. Such reactions can occur unpredictably with varying intensity. Animals administered penicillin G procaine should be kept under close observation for at least one half hour. Should allergic or anaphylactic reactions occur, discontinue use of the product and call a veterinarian. If respiratory distress is severe, immediate injection of epinephrine or antihistamine following manufacturer's recommendations may be necessary.
As with all antibiotic preparations, use of this drug may result in overgrowth of nonsusceptible organisms, including fungi. A lack of response by the treated animal, or the development of new signs or symptoms suggest that an overgrowth of nonsusceptible organisms has occurred. In such instances, consult your veterinarian.
It is advisable to avoid giving penicillin in conjunction with bacteriostatic drugs such as tetracyclines.
Storage
Norocillin should be stored between 2 degrees to 8 degrees Celsius (36 degrees to 46 degrees Fahrenheit).