POM-V Prescription Required

Metricure 500 mg Intrauterine Suspension

Active ingredient: Cefapirin

Form

Suspension

Species

Cattle

Manufacturer

Intervet International B.V.

VMD MA No.

06376/4099

What it's used for

Treatment of clinical mastitis in lactating dairy cows caused by Staphylococcus aureus, dysgalactiae, Streptococcus uberis and Escherichia coli sensitive t...

Full indications, dosage and side effects ↓

View official SPC (PDF)

The prescription itself has a price. See what practices near you charge for a consultation and the written prescription fee.

Paying less for Cefapirin

1

Ask your vet for a written prescription

They must provide one on request. Under the CMA Order the fee is capped at £21 from 2027.
2

Fill it at a registered online retailer

The CMA found online pharmacies 50–60% cheaper than practice dispensing on common medicines — typically £200–£300 a year.

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Prescription required

Your vet must provide a written prescription on request. You can then purchase from any licensed online retailer.

Clinical information

Metricure 500 mg Intrauterine Suspension — SPC Details

Source: VMD Summary of Product Characteristics (SPC). Last updated 27 Mar 2026.

Treatment of clinical mastitis in lactating dairy cows caused by Staphylococcus
aureus,
dysgalactiae, Streptococcus uberis and Escherichia coli sensitive to cefapirin.

The contents of one syringe should be introduced into the lumen of the uterus using the
disposable catheter provided as follows:
1. Shake the syringe before use.
2. Fix the syringe to the catheter.
3. Hold the cervix of the uterus with one gloved hand introduced into the rectum.
4. Introduce the catheter through the cervix into the lumen of the uterus, by
gentle oscillating movements of the cervix.
5. Inject the contents of the syringe.
Depending on the response, a second treatment 7-14 days later may be required in
some cases if clinical signs persist.
In animals that have been inseminated, the veterinary medicinal product may be used at
one day after insemination. In cases of pyometra, pre-treatment with prostaglandin is
recommended in order to induce luteolysis and remove debris from the uterine cavity.

Do not use in cases of hypersensitivity to cephalosporins or other beta-lactam
antibiotics.

Cattle (cows):
Very rare
(<1 animal / 10,000 animals
treated, including isolated reports):
Hypersensitivity reaction
Reporting adverse events is important. It allows continuous safety monitoring of a
veterinary medicinal product. Reports should be sent, preferably via a veterinarian, to
either the marketing authorisation holder or its local representative or the national
competent authority via the national reporting system. See the package leaflet for
respective contact details.

None.

Special precautions for safe use in the target species:
Use of the product should be based on identification and susceptibility testing of the
target pathogen(s). If this is not possible, therapy should be based on epidemiological
information and knowledge of susceptibility of the target pathogens at farm level, or at
local/regional level.
Use of the product should be in accordance with official, national and regional
antimicrobial policies.
An antibiotic with a lower risk of antimicrobial resistance selection (lower AMEG
category) should be used for first line treatment where susceptibility testing suggests
the likely efficacy of this approach.
Special precautions to be taken by the person administering the veterinary medicinal
product to animals:
Penicillins and cephalosporins may cause hypersensitivity (allergy) following injection,
inhalation, ingestion or skin contact. Hypersensitivity to penicillins may lead to cross
sensitivity to cephalosporins and vice versa. Allergic reactions to these substances are
occasionally serious.
People with known hypersensitivity to penicillins and cephalosporins should avoid
contact with the veterinary medicinal product.
Do not handle this veterinary medicinal product if you know you are sensitised or if you
have been advised not to work with such preparations.
Handle this veterinary medicinal product with great care to avoid exposure, taking all
recommended precautions.
If you develop symptoms following exposure, such as a skin rash, seek medical advice
immediately and show the package leaflet or the label to the physician. Swelling of the
face, lips or eyes or difficulty breathing are more serious symptoms and require urgent
medical attention.
Accidental spillage on the skin should be washed off immediately with soap and water.
Wash hands after use.
Special precautions for the protection of the environment:
Not applicable.

Not to be administered concurrently with other intrauterine antibiotic preparations.

Do not store above 25 °C.
Syringes are for single use only. Keep the syringe in the outer carton.

Depending on the response, a second treatment 7-14 days later may be required in
some cases if clinical signs persist.
In animals that have been inseminated, the veterinary medicinal product may be used at
one day after insemination. In cases of pyometra, pre-treatment with prostaglandin is
recommended in order to induce luteolysis and remove debris from the uterine cavity.
3.10 Symptoms of overdose (and where applicable, emergency procedures and
antidotes)
The veterinary medicinal product is supplied as a single dose syringe, therefore
overdose is unlikely to occur.
3.11 Special restrictions for use and special conditions for use, including
restrictions on the use of antimicrobial and antiparasitic veterinary
medicinal products in order to limit the risk of development of resistance
Not applicable.
3.12 Withdrawal periods
Meat and offal: 1 day.
Milk: Zero hours.
4.

This information is sourced from the official Summary of Product Characteristics (SPC) published by the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD). It is provided for informational purposes only and does not replace professional veterinary advice. Always consult your vet before administering any medication.