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Enrofloxacin (Baytril): Bacterial Infection Antibiotic for Pets
Enrofloxacin is a broad-spectrum antibiotic of the fluoroquinolone classification.
Summary
Used For:
Enrofloxacin is a broad-spectrum antibiotic used to treat susceptible bacterial infections.
Brands:
Baytril®
Species:
Dogs, cats, ferrets, swine, cattle, ferrets, rabbits, rodents, birds, alpacas, reptiles
Other names:
Enrofloxacin
Drug type:
Antibiotic
Prescription required:
Yes
Pregnancy and lactation:
Not recommended for use in pregnant or lactating animals.
Side effects:
Vomiting, diarrhea, decreased appetite.
General description
Enrofloxacin is an antibiotic used to treat a variety of susceptible bacterial infections. Effective against gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria but not effective against anaerobes.
While many medications are often administered for ‘off-label’ or 'extra-label' use in veterinary medicine, it is important to know that off- or extra- label use of a medication can only be done by a veterinarian when there are no other more appropriate medications for a particular pet's circumstances. Your veterinarian must also know all vitamins, supplements, medications etc. your pet is taking to help avoid complications. You must also be sure to follow all instructions provided by your vet carefully and consult your veterinarian with any questions or concerns if they arise.
Uses
Susceptible urinary tract infections, respiratory diseases, gastrointestinal tract infections, and skin infections
How it works
Enrofloxacin is a bactericidal antibiotic that works by blocking the bacteria's ability to make DNA, causing the bacteria to die.
Dosage
Information provided below outlines what a typical dose might look like. Always consult your veterinarian on the appropriate dose for your specific animal when using any vitamin, supplement, off-label or prescription products. Some vets may prescribe outside of these ranges based on specific needs of the patient.
- Dogs: 5-20 milligrams per kilogram per day orally; dose may be given once daily or divided and given every 12 hours.
- Cats: 5 milligrams per kilogram per day orally; dose may be given once daily or divided and given every 12 hours.
- Cattle: 2.5-5 milligrams per kilogram subcutaneously once daily for 3-5 days or 7.5-12.5 milligrams per kilogram subcutaneously once. It is not for use in cattle intended for dairy production or in veal calves. Cattle must not be slaughtered for 28 days from the last treatment if used for human consumption.
- Swine: 7.5 milligrams per kilogram subcutaneously once. Swine must not be slaughtered for 5 days when used for human consumption.
- Rabbits/Rodents/Small Mammals: used as an extra-label drug with the dose ranging from 5-20 milligrams per kilogram orally, subcutaneously, or intramuscular twice daily.
- Alpacas: 5 milligrams per kilogram subcutaneously once daily or 10 milligrams per kilogram once daily.
- Birds: 15-20 milligrams per kilogram orally or subcutaneously every 12-24 hours.
- Reptiles: 5-15 milligrams per kilogram intramuscularly every 3-5 days.
Forms
Oral tablets: 22.7, 68, and 136 milligrams. Canine approved injectable: 22.7 milligrams per milliliter (2.27%) in 20, 50, and 100 milliliter vials. Bovine approved injectable: 100 milligrams per milliliter in 100 and 250 milliliter bottles.
Storage information & handling
Tablets should be stored in a tight, light resistant, childproof container at room temperature. Injectable solution should be protected from light and stored at room temperature. Do not refrigerate, freeze, or store above 40°C. Always follow labeled instructions for storage as each product may have different requirements.
What results can I expect?
Resolution of the infection.
Missed Dosage
It is best to give the medication at the same time every day without skipping doses. If you miss a dose, give it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to the normal schedule. Do not give 2 doses at the same time.
Overdose / acute toxicity
May see lack of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, dilated pupils/blindness (in cats), or seizures. If you think your pet has had an overdose seek veterinarian care immediately.
Side effects
Common side effects are usually rare and related to gastrointestinal signs. If the animal is dehydrated, they have a higher chance of developing crystals in the urine which may appear on laboratory testing and should not be confused with more clinically relevant crystals. Severe side effects may be seen with use in immature dogs developing damage to joint cartilage that is not generally seen in adults. At higher doses retinal damage can occur in cats. If Strep. Canis has not been ruled out, other antibiotics should be considered as there can be an interaction between enrofloxacin and bacteria that leads to necrotizing fasciitis which generally results in loss of a large amount of tissue. When possible, consider other treatments before using enrofloxacin in these situations.
*Vomiting and diarrhea
*Decreased appetite
*Elevated liver enzymes (rare)
*Lethargy and depression (rare)
*Ataxia/staggering (rare)
*Dilated pupils, retinal degeneration, blindness (cats - rare)
*Seizures
*Urinary crystals
*Anxious behavior
*Retinal damage in cats, you may also see vocalization or aggression in this species.
*Articular cartilage abnormalities in young growing animals
Contraindications
- Previous sensitivity or allergy to enrofloxacin
- Young growing dogs
- Seizure disorders
- Liver disease
- Kidney disease
- Extra-label use is prohibited in animals to be used for human consumption
- Do not use in foals
*Do not use in pregnant animals
*Do not use in dehydrated animals
Drug interactions
Consult your veterinarian before using enrofloxacin with any other medications, even vitamins and supplements. Antacids, sucralfate, iron, zinc, aluminum, magnesium, calcium, or dairy products such as cheese should not be given at the same time as enrofloxacin and should be separated by at least 2 hours. Other antibiotics, corticosteroids, cyclosporine, flunixin, glyburide, levothyroxine, methotrexate, mycophenolate mofetil, nitrofurantoin, phenytoin, probenecid, quinidine, theophylline, warfarin may interact with enrofloxacin.
Precaution
Do not use in pregnant or lactating animals. Not for extra-label use in food animals. Use with extreme caution in young, growing animals. Use with caution in cats or animals with seizure disorders, liver disease, or kidney disease.
Always monitor your pet for adverse reactions such as dilated pupils or vison changes in cats. Your veterinarian may also request follow up visits to check health, rule out adverse effects, and ensure the antibiotic is working as intended.
Laboratory considerations
May cause false-positive urine glucose with certain testing methods.
Sources
Plumb's Veterinary Handbook
Manufacturer information
Disclaimer
The information contained on this page is for educational purposes only. This medication should only be given under the advice of a veterinarian who has examined your pet under the laws applicable to your state of residence.