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.