Enrofloxacin
If you believe your pet has developed a bacterial infection, your pet should be seen by a veterinarian as soon as possible. Medications are available that can quickly resolve the infection and get your pet back to good health.
Depending on your pet’s diagnosis, enrofloxacin may be the antibiotic your veterinarian prescribes because it is effective against a variety of infections.
What Is Enrofloxacin?
Enrofloxacin is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic, which has proven to be highly effective against a wide range of bacterial types. This includes some of the more difficult to treat infections. Enrofloxacin prevents bacterial cells from replicating and rapidly causes cell death.
Why Enrofloxacin Is Prescribed in Veterinary Medicine
Enrofloxacin is used by veterinarians to treat a range of bacterial infections, but it is most commonly prescribed to pets diagnosed with skin infections and urinary tract infections.
Enrofloxacin may be prescribed with other antibiotics in severe cases as an “empiric therapy” while your veterinarian isolates the cause of the infection.
Dosage and Administration of Enrofloxacin
The dosage of enrofloxacin varies depending on your pet’s species, weight, and the specific organism causing the infection. When giving an oral form of the drug, it is best administered to the pet on an empty stomach. However, if signs of nausea or vomiting occur, give the medication with a small portion of food or treat. Do not give this medication with dairy (including cheeses), antacids or multivitamins. Injectable forms of the medication should only be administered by a trained professional.
Results may be noticeable in just a few days, but do not stop the course of treatment until it is complete or instructed by your veterinarian. Stopping a course of antibiotics early may create further complications for your pet.
Special Precautions for Using Enrofloxacin
Enrofloxacin should be used with caution in cats due to increased risk of severe side-effects. It should also be used with caution in breeding, pregnant, or nursing animals as well as in pets diagnosed with kidney or liver disease or seizure disorders. Do not allow your pet to become dehydrated while taking this medication.
This medication should be avoided in pets with known allergies or sensitivities to the drug. Avoid use in small to medium breeds aged 8 months or younger or in large breeds 18 months or younger due to increase risk of cartilage and tendon damage.
Possible Side Effects of Enrofloxacin
Enrofloxacin is usually well tolerated by animals when the drug is administered as directed, but occasionally, side effects can present themselves. Common side effects are usually limited to the GI tract (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea). Rare, more serious side-effects include increased hepatic enzymes, lethargy, ataxia, seizures, and, morseso in cats, ocular toxicity.
Known Drug Interactions With Enrofloxacin
If your pet is taking other medications, supplements, vitamins, or herbal therapies, be sure to discuss them with your veterinarian and pharmacist before starting enrofloxacin. Avoid concomitant use with antacids, corticosteroids, multivitamins containing metals, cyclosporine, and theophylline. Other less commonly prescribed medications can have severe interactions with this medication.Caution use with other antibiotics.
Proper Storage and Disposal of Enrofloxacin
Enrofloxacin should be stored at a controlled room temperature away from moisture, heat, and direct sunlight. Do not store it in the freezer. If your veterinarian discontinues your pet’s use of enrofloxacin, the remaining medication should be disposed of in the trash. To dispose of this medication, remove it from its original container and mix it with an undesirable substance such as coffee grounds or cat litter. Put the medication in a sealable bag or container and dispose of in regular trash
Enrofloxacin is a broad-spectrum antibiotic used by vets to treat a variety of bacterial infections in animals. Learn more about enrofloxacin here.
Sources:
https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/enrofloxacin
https://marvistavet.com/enrofloxacin.pml
https://bayerdvm.com/products/baytril-enrofloxacin-antibacterial-tablets/
https://drugs.com/vet/baytril-enrofloxacin-antibacterial-tablets.html
https://1800petmeds.com/Baytril+Taste+Tabs-prod10048.html
https://m.petmd.com/pet-medication/baytril
https://plumbsveterinarydrugs.com/
