Pharmacologic considerations in the treatment of neonatal septicemia and its complications

This article reviews the pharmacology of drugs commonly used in the treatme nt of neonatal septicemia and its associated complications. Emphasis is pla ced on the use of therapeutic agents in newborn foals, particularly as they relate to altered drug disposition and the effect of the disease state. Wh ere appropriate, new research and pertinent pharmacokinetic data are presen ted. From this information, it is anticipated that the equine practitioner will have a firmer foundation upon which to base important decisions regard ing the selection and initiation of drugs commonly used in the treatment of generalized bacterial infections in newborn foals.