General Description: Enrofloxacin is an oral fluoroquinolone antibiotic used to treat various bacterial infections in dogs and cats (ex. urinary tract, respiratory, skin and soft tissue infections). Enrofloxacin should be given on an empty stomach. Enrofloxacin is available in tablets and ‘taste tabs’ in several different strengths.
What is this drug?
Enrofloxacin is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic
Given by mouth
Reasons for prescribing:
Often used in: bladder, ear, respiratory, skin and soft tissue infections
Effective against many bacteria types with fewer side effects than aminoglycoside type of antibiotics
What dogs/cats should not take this medication?
Young, growing animals due to potential for cartilage abnormalities
Use with caution in animals with liver or kidney conditions, or those suffering dehydration
Should not be used at high doses in cats (may cause blindness)
Breeding, pregnant or nursing animals
Pets who have a history of seizures or other central nervous system disorders
Pets known to have had an allergic reaction to other quinolones and/or sulfonamides
Directions:
Enrofloxacin tablets are enteric coated to hide the natural bitter taste. Hiding crushed tablets in the pet’s food will likely not be effective. Flavored tabs are available as a more palatable alternative. After administration, watch the pet closely to ensure the entire dose was consumed.
Give on an empty stomach.
Give enrofloxacin 2 hours before or after any iron, dairy or calcium products.
Ensure there is water available for your pet to drink.
Give medication as directed by your veterinarian. This medication is usually given one or two times daily.
Read and follow the label carefully.
Give the exact amount prescribed and only as often as directed. Missed doses reduce the effectiveness of therapy. Finish the entire course of treatment.
Ideally, give the medication at the same time daily.
What if dose is missed?
If a dose is missed, give it as soon as you can. If it is time already for the next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to the normal schedule. Do not give two doses at the same time.
What to tell/ask veterinarian before giving medication?
Talk to your veterinarian about:
When will your pet need to be rechecked
What tests may need to be performed prior to and during treatment with this drug
Risks and benefits of using this drug
Tell your veterinarian about:
If your pet has experienced side-effects on other drugs/products
If your pet has experienced digestive upset now or ever
If your pet has experienced liver or kidney disease now or ever
If your pet has experienced any other medical problems or allergies now or ever
All medicines and supplements that you are giving your pet or plan to give your pet, including those you can get without a prescription. Your veterinarian may want to check that all of your pet’s medicines can be given together.
If your pet is pregnant or nursing or if you plan to breed your pet
Storage and Warnings:
Store tablets in a tight, light resistant, childproof container in a cool, dry place at room temperature away from heat and direct sunlight.
People should not take this drug. Keep this and all medication out of reach of children and pets. Call your physician immediately if you accidentally take this product.
Pet owners who are allergic to quinolones (such as ciprofloxacin or norfloxacin) should avoid handling this drug as a photosensitivity reaction could occur with contact.
Potential side effects:
Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea (dogs/cats on high doses)
Excessive thirst, decrease in appetite
Damage to joint cartilage in dogs <8 months=”” of=””>
Urine crystals in dehydrated pets
May worsen existing obsessive behaviors
Rare incidences of dizziness, seizures, depression, lethargy and nervousness
Rare incidences in cats of vocalizing, aggression and dilated pupils
If you notice anything unusual, contact your veterinarian
Can this drug be given with other drugs?
Yes, but possible interactions may occur with aminoglycosides, antacids, 3rd generation cephalosporins, clindamycin, nitrofurantoin, oral cyclosporine, probenecid, sucralfate, theophylline and medications containing aluminum, calcium, iron and magnesium.
If your pet experiences any unusual reactions when taking multiple medications, contact your veterinarian
Overdosing?
Contact your veterinarian immediately if pet eats more than the prescribed amount.
What else should I know?
Notify your veterinarian if your animal’s condition does not improve or worsens despite this treatment.
As with all prescribed medicines, enrofloxacin should only be given to the dog/cat for which it was prescribed. It should be given only for the condition for which it was prescribed.
This is just a summary of information about enrofloxacin. If you have any questions or concerns about enrofloxacin or the condition it was prescribed for, contact your veterinarian.
