Mastisan

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Mastisan

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Medically reviewed

Marina Burgos

Last updated on 22/12/2025

This page provides general, reference-level information compiled from official medical sources. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For decisions about your health, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.

Overview of Mastisan

Quick Facts

Property Description
Active Ingredients Benzylpenicillin, Neomycin
Form Oily Homogeneous Suspension
Pharmacological Class Combination Antibiotic (beta-lactam/Aminoglycoside)
General Purpose Addressing bacterial infections
Route Type Localized (Intramammary)

What Type of Medicine is Mastisan?

Mastisan is a complex antibacterial drug classified as a combination antibiotic used in veterinary medicine, joining two distinct active substances: the beta-lactam Benzylpenicillin and the aminoglycoside Neomycin. The beta-lactam group is recognized for its bactericidal action, disrupting the bacterial cell wall synthesis of target organisms. The combination approach provides a more comprehensive antibacterial profile than a single-agent medicine. The clinical strategy of combining these two classes is intended to broaden the spectrum of coverage against Gram-positive and Gram-negative pathogens. This synergy means the drug achieves a potent bactericidal action against susceptible microorganisms, offering a therapeutic strategy for localized infections.


Composition and Form: The Unique Oily Suspension

The medicine contains Benzylpenicillin (as procaine salt) and Neomycin (as sulfate salt), formulated within an oily homogeneous suspension. This specific formulation is a key differentiating factor, as it is classified for intramammary administration—a specialized delivery method targeting the mammary gland in cattle. The oily base is designed to allow the formulation to achieve a sustained concentration at the local site. The combination creates a synergistic product, leveraging the characteristics of both a cell-wall inhibitor and a protein synthesis inhibitor. The classification as an intramammary suspension is therefore central to the identity of the product, as it denotes a specialized delivery method integral to its function.

Regulatory References

  1. National Library of Medicine - MedlinePlus
  2. PubMed, Synergistic Mechanisms

What side effects are possible with Mastisan?

Possible Side Effects and Safety Information

The official safety profile for Mastisan (Benzylpenicillin/Neomycin combination) focuses on known risks associated with its active components, primarily the potential for allergic reactions, as documented by regulatory authorities.

Adverse Reactions and Regulatory Frequency

The most commonly cited potential adverse reaction is the development of a hypersensitivity reaction (an allergic response) to either the beta-lactam (Benzylpenicillin) or the aminoglycoside (Neomycin) component. This type of reaction is officially classified as Very Rare, meaning it is expected to occur in less than one in 10,000 treated animals, including isolated reports.

Category Regulatory Classification
Adverse Reaction Type Hypersensitivity Reaction
Frequency Classification Very Rare
System-Organ Class Immune System Disorders

Serious Reactions and Safety Constraints

The official documentation lists the potential for a severe allergic response, anaphylaxis, as the most serious adverse reaction, categorized within the Immune System Disorders.

Safety Restrictions and Limitations:

The medicine is strictly contraindicated in animals with a known history of hypersensitivity to any penicillin, cephalosporin (due to potential cross-reactivity), neomycin, or other aminoglycosides.

Regulatory safety notes advise against the concurrent systemic use of other drugs known to be nephrotoxic (potentially damaging to the kidneys) or simultaneous use with bacteriostatic antibiotics, due to the risk of antagonistic effects or increased toxicity. The product is indicated for use during the lactation period.

Overdose and Emergency Response

Overdose involving the active components of Mastisan requires immediate medical attention due to the high risk of severe systemic toxicities and life-threatening events documented in regulatory profiles. The Benzylpenicillin component, at excessive systemic levels, may result in severe Central Nervous System (CNS) excitation, including agitation, confusion, and seizures. Critically, the official documentation stresses the risk of anaphylactic shock and severe, life-threatening hypersensitivity reactions.

Overdose manifestations related to the Neomycin component primarily involve organ-specific toxicities—specifically, the potential for irreversible ototoxicity (hearing and balance impairment) and severe nephrotoxicity (acute renal impairment). Additionally, neuromuscular blockade is a documented risk, which can lead to the severe complication of respiratory paralysis.

Immediate Emergency Action Required:

Urgent medical help must be sought immediately by contacting emergency services for any life-threatening symptoms, such as collapse, severe seizure activity, respiratory distress, or signs of anaphylaxis (e.g., swelling of the face or throat). Management procedures are officially defined as symptomatic and supportive treatment, including the use of calcium salts to potentially reverse neuromuscular blockade and providing mechanical respiratory assistance if paralysis develops. Close hospital monitoring with specialized tests for renal function and audiometric assessment is required. Overdose severity is officially noted as amplified in individuals with impaired renal function, neonates, and elderly patients.

Therapeutic Uses of Mastisan

Mastisan is generally used to help with symptomatic support in conditions characterized by periods of heightened symptoms, such as acute mastitis. Therapeutic management in such cases is intended to address the animal's acute discomfort.

The primary therapeutic applications include managing acute symptom escalation, providing relief during symptom-driven discomfort, and contributing to the easing of overall symptom burden. It is considered relevant in clinical settings that involve acute or unstable symptom patterns. The product is applied when symptoms escalate temporarily, creating noticeable physiological strain, and when short-term symptomatic assistance is needed.

The goal of care is often to support comfort and functional stability during periods of acute inflammation.

The medication is used to help address symptom clusters that may become intense or disruptive, such as those related to inflammatory or irritative states. This assists with maintaining functional stability and supports general well-being during symptomatic phases.

Quick Fact: Focus on Symptom-Driven Discomfort Management

Eligibility and Restrictions for Use

Who Can and Cannot Use Mastisan?

Eligibility for Mastisan, a combination antibiotic intended for intramammary administration, is strictly defined by regulatory guidelines based on the animal's physiological state and health history.


Populations Excluded from Use (Contraindications)

Classification Population/Condition
Absolute Contraindication Lactating Cows (must not be used during active milk production).
Absolute Contraindication Animals with known Hypersensitivity to Penicillins, Neomycin, or related antibiotic classes.

Target and Restricted Populations

Classification Population/Condition
Allowed Population Adult Cattle (Cows) specifically during the Drying Off period.
Conditional Restriction Use is not recommended within the final 50 days before calving.
Caution Required Animals with compromised Renal Function or severe Gastrointestinal Inflammation due to the risk of increased systemic absorption of the Neomycin component.

Official documents restrict Mastisan to use only in non-lactating, adult dairy cows at the point of drying off. Use is absolutely prohibited in lactating animals and those with a history of allergy to the active ingredients. Eligibility is further limited by reproductive timing and by pre-existing conditions that may increase systemic risk.

What should I know about interactions with other medicines?

Interactions with other medicines and products

The official interaction profile for Mastisan (Benzylpenicillin/Neomycin intramammary suspension) is significantly shaped by its localized route of administration, resulting in minimal systemic exposure. Regulatory documents emphasize that this specialized delivery method contributes to an extremely low potential for systemic pharmacokinetic interaction, meaning no metabolic (CYP enzyme) or transporter-based interactions are officially documented in the product information.

The primary regulatory caution is a Pharmacodynamic Interaction risk. This profile is structured around the following official findings:

Interaction-Related Restrictions

Category Official Regulatory Finding
Interacting Product Category Other potentially nephrotoxic drugs and ototoxic drugs are identified as interacting categories.
Interaction-Related Restriction Co-administration with other potentially nephrotoxic drugs is a recommended contraindication for Neomycin-containing products due to risk amplification.

Official Interaction Statements

  • Risk Amplification: The co-administration with potentially nephrotoxic or ototoxic drugs increases the risk of additive nephrotoxicity and ototoxicity from the Neomycin component.
  • Population Note: The interaction risk is heightened in animals with compromised renal function when co-receiving other potentially nephrotoxic drugs.

This structure reflects the official regulatory classification, strictly documenting the pharmacodynamic caution and the assessment of low systemic risk.

Mechanism of Action

How Mastisan Works

Mastisan selectively adjusts receptor- or enzyme-mediated signaling and alters the downstream molecular response. Its mechanism centers on influencing distinct signaling patterns to modulate pathway activity within targeted biological systems.


Modulating Receptor-Mediated Signaling

Mastisan's primary action involves acting within domains that utilize receptor-mediated signaling. It is used to alter pathway activity by engaging with specific cell surface or intracellular receptors. This initiates or suppresses signaling sequences that modify early molecular steps, which results in the suppression of excessive mediator activity and serves to attenuate the signaling activity of overactive pathways.


Regulating Cellular Process Modulation

The drug engages mechanisms that influence feedback regulation within targeted signaling pathways. By targeting systems where specific transmitters or mediators dominate, Mastisan modifies early molecular steps that shape systemic physiological outcomes. This alters the activity of processes driven by distinct signaling patterns, resulting in modified systemic physiological outcomes.

Dosage and Administration Information

How Mastisan is Used: Official Administration Principles

Mastisan is strictly administered via the intramammary route, where the oily homogeneous suspension is delivered directly into the affected udder quarter through the teat canal. This route is used to achieve a high, sustained local concentration of the active ingredients, Benzylpenicillin and Neomycin.

Labeled Dosing and Frequency

The standard administration regimen involves infusing the entire contents of one single-dose syringe into each affected udder quarter. Dosing recommendations may vary by region and formulation; for example, some dry cow products contain 400 mg of Procaine Benzylpenicillin per dose.

Administration is typically scheduled once daily, at 24-hour intervals. The course duration is generally short-term, continuing for three to five consecutive days. Specialized formulations exist for specific use: Lactating Cow (MC) products are used during the milking period, while Dry Cow (DC) products are administered as a single course only at the end of the lactation period.

Key Procedural Instructions

Proper use involves specific procedural steps. The medicine is administered immediately after the complete milking out of the udder to facilitate drug retention. Prior to infusion, the teat and its orifice are thoroughly cleaned and disinfected to maintain aseptic conditions. After the product is infused, gentle massage of the udder is performed to aid in the suspension's upward dispersal into the quarter.

Recent Clinical Evidence

Research Evidence / Overview of Studies for Mastisan

Evidence for Use in Bovine Clinical Mastitis

Research exploring the use of Mastisan focused on the clinical condition of Bovine Clinical Mastitis, a condition associated with periods of heightened symptoms in dairy cows. Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) and Comparative Clinical Trials are the primary types of research available. The main objectives were to evaluate measured changes related to acute symptoms and the elimination of the causative bacteria in lactating dairy cows diagnosed with mild to moderate disease.

What Studies Reported on Outcomes and Delivery

Studies reported measured outcomes for Bacteriological Cure (pathogen elimination) and symptom resolution. Research highlights changes measured during the study period, but variability was observed depending on the specific bacterial type causing the infection.

Pharmacokinetic (PK) Studies were conducted to measure whether the specialized oily suspension formulation reaches the area linked to inflammation and to report the concentration levels of the active ingredients in the milk and udder tissue. This evidence describes the patterns of local concentration observed.

Research Limitations and Uncertainty

Follow-up durations in the primary efficacy studies were typically short-term (3 to 7 days) to medium-term (14 to 28 days) for final assessments. Consequently, long-term effects are not fully established, and certainty remains low for outcomes extending into later lactation periods.

Data for certain groups, such as cows with very severe or chronic cases, are limited. Subgroup findings are uncertain, as the outcomes observed may vary based on the pathogen’s susceptibility to the component antibiotics. Furthermore, comparative evidence is lacking between this combination antibiotic and many other approved treatments.

Key Studies & References

  1. Antibiotic Treatment vs. Non-Antibiotic Treatment in Bovine Clinical Mastitis During Lactation with Mild and Moderate Severity

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Common questions about Mastisan (FAQ)

Q: Is Mastisan available over the counter?

A: No. Official documents state that Mastisan is a Prescription Animal Drug (Rx). Regulatory information indicates its use is limited to under the direct supervision and prescription of a veterinarian.

Q: Do I need to see a specialist to get a prescription for Mastisan?

A: As a Prescription Animal Drug, regulatory information states it is to be prescribed and administered under the direct supervision of a licensed veterinarian. This requirement is in place to ensure proper use in the target animal population.

Q: What is the meaning of the 'route of administration' for Mastisan?

A: The 'route of administration' refers to the official method by which a drug is delivered to the body. For Mastisan, this is the specialized intramammary route, meaning the product is infused directly into the udder quarter of the cow.

Q: What does contraindication mean in relation to Mastisan?

A: A contraindication is a condition or circumstance that makes a particular drug treatment improper or potentially harmful. For Mastisan, official contraindications include known hypersensitivity (allergy) to the active ingredients and its use in lactating cows.

Q: Can Mastisan be used to prevent a condition?

A: Regulatory documents indicate that Mastisan is intended to both treat existing infections and assist in preventing new infections that might occur during the dry period of the animal. This is referred to as prophylaxis.

Q: Does Mastisan need to be taken at the same time every day?

A: Official administration principles recommend that the product be given at a 24-hour interval. This means daily administrations are intended to occur at approximately the same time each day to maintain consistent drug concentration at the site of infection.

Q: How long does it usually take for Mastisan to start working?

A: The oily suspension formulation is designed for intramammary use to delay the release of the active ingredients and provide a sustained local concentration. Studies show that effective concentrations of the drug are maintained at the site of infection for up to 24 hours after administration.

Q: What are the most common side effects listed for Mastisan?

A: The most frequently cited potential adverse reaction in official documents is a hypersensitivity reaction (an allergic response) to the active components. This reaction is officially classified as Very Rare, meaning it is expected to occur in less than one in 10,000 treated animals.

Q: Does Mastisan cause tiredness or drowsiness?

A: The official safety profile for Mastisan does not list tiredness, drowsiness, or any Central Nervous System (CNS) effects as known or reported adverse reactions.

Q: Can Mastisan affect my sleep?

A: The official safety profile does not contain any reports or warnings related to sleep disturbances or insomnia.

Q: Is it normal to feel a slight headache when starting Mastisan?

A: Official product information and the adverse reaction profile do not list headache or similar symptoms as known or reported effects of the medicine.

Q: Is it possible to become dependent on Mastisan?

A: The regulatory safety profile for this medicine does not contain any warnings or information regarding the potential for dependence or abuse.

Q: Does taking Mastisan affect blood sugar levels?

A: There is no mention of an effect on blood sugar levels or endocrine function in the regulatory adverse reaction profile for the product.

Q: Can Mastisan affect the results of lab tests?

A: The active ingredient benzylpenicillin is known to potentially cause a false positive result in some human diagnostic lab tests, such as certain non-enzymatic methods for detecting glucose in urine.

Q: Can Mastisan be crushed or split?

A: No. Mastisan is a pre-measured, sterile oily suspension in a single-dose syringe intended only for intramammary infusion. The product is not intended to be altered for administration.

Q: Does Mastisan have a shelf life or expiration date?

A: Yes. Regulatory documents state the official shelf-life of the product as packaged for sale is typically 2 years when stored according to the mandated temperature and light protection requirements.

Q: Is Mastisan safe to use during pregnancy?

A: Yes, regulatory documents indicate the product is permitted for use in cows during pregnancy. However, one regulatory authority advises against use within the final 50 days before calving.

Q: How does Mastisan get removed from the body?

A: Due to the specialized intramammary route, systemic absorption is generally low. The neomycin component is known to have poor diffusion across biological membranes and can result in residues in tissues like the kidney cortex.

Q: What is the strength (dose) of Mastisan most commonly studied in research?

A: Research has investigated various doses of the active ingredient procaine benzylpenicillin. The most commonly labeled strength for certain dry cow formulations is 400 mg (equivalent to 400,000 IU) per dose.

Q: Why do official documents use the name [active ingredient] instead of Mastisan?

A: Official regulatory and scientific documents often prioritize the use of the chemical or active ingredient names (e.g., Benzylpenicillin and Neomycin). This helps ensure clarity and consistency across different regional brand names and products.

Q: Are there any foods or drinks I should avoid while on Mastisan?

A: Due to its localized intramammary administration, there is very little systemic absorption. Therefore, the regulatory profile states the potential for interaction with specific foods or drinks is extremely low.

Q: Does Mastisan interact with alcohol?

A: Because the product is administered locally and has very little systemic absorption, the regulatory profile does not list an interaction with alcohol.

Q: Does Mastisan interact with birth control pills?

A: Due to the localized intramammary route of administration and low systemic absorption, the regulatory profile does not list an interaction with hormonal contraceptives.

Q: Are there any common supplements that interact with Mastisan?

A: Because of the localized intramammary route of administration and low systemic absorption, the regulatory profile does not list interactions with common supplements.

Q: Can Mastisan be taken with a stomach protective medicine?

A: Due to its localized intramammary administration, systemic absorption is very low. The regulatory profile does not list an interaction with stomach protective medicines.

Q: Does Mastisan interact with vitamins?

A: Due to its localized intramammary administration, systemic absorption is very low. The regulatory profile does not list an interaction with vitamins.

Q: Is Mastisan safe to take with antidepressants?

A: Due to its localized intramammary administration, systemic absorption is very low. The regulatory profile does not list an interaction with antidepressants.

Q: What happens if Mastisan is taken with painkillers like ibuprofen?

A: The main regulatory caution relates to co-administration with other potentially nephrotoxic (kidney-damaging) drugs. Specific human painkillers are not named, but the warning applies to the class of drugs that may increase the risk of toxicity from the neomycin component.

Q: Can people with kidney problems use Mastisan?

A: Mastisan is a veterinary drug intended strictly for use in cattle and is not approved for human use. Official warnings are in place concerning the use in animals with compromised renal function.

Q: Is Mastisan suitable for older adults (seniors)?

A: Mastisan is a veterinary drug intended solely for use in cattle (adult cows) at the end of lactation. It is not approved for use in humans, including children, teenagers, or older adults.

Q: Is it true that Mastisan is not recommended for people with liver issues?

A: Mastisan is a veterinary drug. While it is not approved for use in people, the primary caution in animals is related to compromised renal function (kidney), not liver issues.

Q: What medical conditions would make a person ineligible to use Mastisan?

A: Mastisan is a veterinary drug intended strictly for use in cattle. It is not approved for use in people, and its contraindications relate to conditions found in the animal, such as lactation or known ingredient allergy.

Q: Can I take Mastisan if I have high blood pressure?

A: Mastisan is a veterinary drug intended solely for use in cattle. It is not approved for human use, and its safety has not been evaluated in human conditions like high blood pressure.

How should Mastisan be stored and disposed of?

Storage and Disposal: Official Regulatory Requirements

Scope Item Official Regulatory Requirement
Storage Temperature Store the product below 25 C; do not refrigerate or freeze
Handling & Stability Must be protected from light and stored in a dry place. The oily suspension must be warmed to 35 C to 39 C and shaken thoroughly before use to ensure homogeneity.
Packaging Rules Syringes are for single-use only and should be stored in the original container (e.g., outer carton).
Child Safety Keep out of the sight and reach of children.
Disposal Instructions Any unused product or waste material must be disposed of in accordance with local requirements to avoid release to the environment.

Official regulatory documents define the storage profile for Mastisan by mandating a specific temperature ceiling and protection from light and freezing to maintain chemical stability. The oily suspension requires a special handling step (warming and shaking) to overcome stratification. Disposal requires that any unused material and syringes be discarded in compliance with local regulations to prevent environmental contamination.

Attention! Always consult to a doctor or pharmacist before using pills or medicines.

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