Enrofloxacin

(en-roe-flox-a-sin)

Other names for this medication: Baytril, Enroflox, Enroquin, Zobuxa

Enrofloxacin is an antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections.

•Do not give multivitamins, calcium or iron supplements, antacids, dairy products, or laxatives within 2 hours of giving enrofloxacin. These products can prevent enrofloxacin from working well.

•The most common side effects are vomiting, nausea, and diarrhea.

•This medication can cause sensitivity to sunlight and increase risk for sunburn. Prevent direct or prolonged sun exposure, especially in animals with thin or light-colored coats.

•In cats, this medication can cause negative effects on the eyes including possible blindness, especially at high doses. Contact your veterinarian immediately if your cat develops large pupils.

•It is important to finish the entire course of treatment, even if your animal starts feeling better.

Description

•Fluroquinolone antibiotic

•Available as oral tablets and chewable tablets

Uses

FDA-approved uses in animals:

•Treatment of bacterial infections in dogs and cats

At the discretion of your veterinarian, this medication may be used in different species (extra-label use).

Before this medication is given

No medication is 100% safe in all patients. Discuss the following with your veterinarian:

•Any other medications or supplements your animal is taking

•Any conditions or diseases your animal currently has or has had in the past

•Any side effects your animal has had to medications in the past

•The risks of using this medication if your animal is pregnant or nursing

Warnings for animals

Do not use:

•In animals that are allergic to it or other fluoroquinolone antibiotics

•In young, rapidly growing animals

•In cats with kidney disease

Use with caution in:

•Cats. This medication can negatively affect the eyes in cats.

•Animals with a history of seizures

•Animals with decreased liver function

•Dogs with decreased kidney function

•Dehydrated animals

•Animals that are pregnant or nursing

Certain medications are not allowed in some animal competitions. Check rules and regulations when your animal is taking a medication.

Warnings for humans

•Wash your hands after handling any medication.

•Wear gloves or avoid handling if you are allergic to quinolone antibiotics.

How do I give this medication?

•Give with or without food.

•Make sure your animal has plenty of fresh water available to prevent them from becoming dehydrated.

•Do not crush film-coated tablets. Enrofloxacin is very bitter, and breaking the film coating may make giving this medication more difficult.

•Do not give enrofloxacin 2 hours before or 2 hours after any multivitamins, calcium or iron supplements, antacids, dairy products, or laxatives. These products can prevent enrofloxacin from working well.

Give exactly as your veterinarian has prescribed. Always follow the instructions on the prescription label.

Side effects

Common – contact your veterinarian if any of these signs are severe, continue to occur, or worsen over time:

•Nausea

•Vomiting

•Decreased appetite

Enrofloxacin can also cause sensitivity to sunlight. This can increase risk for sunburn, especially on hairless areas like the nose, eyelids, and ears. Prevent direct or prolonged sun exposure when your animal is taking this medication, especially animals with thin or light-colored coats.

Severe – stop the medication and contact your veterinarian immediately if you notice any of these signs:

•Seizures

•Blindness or enlarged pupils

•Complete loss of appetite

•Trouble walking. This may be a sign of joint or cartilage damage.

•Fever, rashes, or trouble breathing. These may be signs of a medication allergy.

How will I know it's working?

•Your animal should start feeling better within 1 to 2 days.

Contact your veterinary clinic if your animal’s signs worsen or do not improve.

How long will the medication effects last?

•This medication will stop working within 24 hours of the last dose.

•It may last longer if your animal has reduced kidney or liver function.

How long do I give it for?

This medication can be given for different lengths of time. Give it for as long as your veterinarian tells you. You may need to refill the prescription.

•It is important to finish the entire course of treatment, even if your animal starts feeling better.

Overdose

Signs of an overdose may include vomiting, loss of appetite, depression, and difficulty walking. Cats may also have seizures or develop irreversible blindness.

If you witness or suspect an overdose, call your veterinarian or an animal-specific poison control center (consultation fee applies):

•ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center: (888) 426-4435

•Pet Poison Helpline: (855) 764-7661

Have the product or label with you if possible.

Missed dose

In most cases, if you miss a dose:

•Give it when you remember, then return to the regular dosing schedule.

If it is close to the time for the next dose:

•Skip the missed dose.

•Give the next dose at the next scheduled time.

•Continue the regular dosing schedule.

If you are unsure, call your veterinary clinic. Do not double-up doses or give extra doses.

Storage

•Store in the original container at room temperature.

•Keep out of reach of children and animals.

‐The chewable forms of this medication are meant to be appealing to animals. Secure storage that is well out of reach is important to prevent accidental overdose.

Disposal

Do not flush this medication down the toilet or wash it down the sink. Options for disposing of unused or expired medications include:

•Drug take-back sites: This is preferred whenever possible. To find a site near you, contact your local law enforcement or waste management authorities.

•Home disposal: Mix the medication in with coffee grounds or kitty litter, seal the mixture in a plastic bag, and throw it away in the trash.

Do not save leftover medication or give it to others to use.