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CONTRIBUTOR(S): Vetstream Ltd, Linda Horspool, Fear Free,

Medication: Enrofloxacin

Medication: Enrofloxacin

Your dog has been prescribed enrofloxacin for the treatment of a bacterial infection of the skin, soft tissue (such as a wound), urogenital tract (including prostate) or other location.

Key points:
• Antibiotic.
• Do not use in young actively growing dogs as articular cartilage development may be affected; dogs <12 months old; large breed dogs <18 months old. 
• Do not use in dogs that are epileptic or suffer from seizures.
• Use with caution in dogs with impaired renal function.
• Dosage: once daily.

This information sheet is designed to help answer commonly asked questions and help you give the medication safely and effectively to your pet. It does not contain all available information for this medication. If you have other questions or need more information, contact your veterinarian or pharmacist. Always follow the dosing instructions provided by your veterinarian. 

Name, Brand names, Class of medication and Storage

Name
  • Enrofloxacin (en-ro-FLOX-a-sin).
Brand name
  • Baytril® (Europe & UK, US).
  • Enrocin® (UK).
  • Enroquin® (US).
  • Enrotron® (Europe & UK).
  • Enrox® (Europe & UK).
  • Floxabactin® (Europe & UK).
  • Xeden® (Europe & UK).
  • Zobuxa® (US).
Class of medication
  • Antibiotic.
  • Antimicrobial.
  • Fluoroquinolone.
Storage
  • Store at <30°C (86°F) and in a dry environment.

Why has my dog been prescribed enrofloxacin?

Your veterinarian has prescribed enrofloxacin for the treatment of infections caused by:

  • Gram-negative bacteria:
    • Pseudomonas aeruginosa
    • Klebsiella spp
    • Escherichia coli
    • Proteus spp
    • Salmonella spp.
  • Other bacteria:
    • Staphylococcus spp
    • Pasturella spp
    • Brucella spp
    • Chlamydia spp
    • Mycoplasma spp and some Mycobacteria spp.

How is the medication given?

Enrofloxacin is given by injection or orally, as tablets once daily (or divided into two equal doses twice daily). Tablets can either be administered directly into your dog’s mouth or along with some food. The tablets are well accepted by dogs, and some brands of tablet are flavored.

Are there any side-effects or drug interactions?

The following side-effects have been reported:

  • Digestive tract disorders (anorexia, vomiting or diarrhea)
  • Depression, lethargy, nervousness
  • A moderate, transient local reaction at the injection site.

Drug interactions can occur with:

  • Antibiotics: do not use in combination with antibiotics of the phenicol, macrolide or tetracycline classes as these may produce antagonistic effects.
  • Compounds containing metal cations (magnesium, aluminum, iron, calcium, zinc) like adsorbents and some supplements: may reduce the absorption of fluoroquinolones; separate doses of these drugs by at least 2 hours.
  • Theophylline: do not use concurrently as the elimination of theophylline may be delayed (leading to side effects).
  • NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs: care should be taken during concomitant use to avoid side effects (ie seizures in susceptible dogs) due to reduced drug clearance (pharmacodynamic interaction).

How long will my dog need to receive this medication?

Enrofloxacin tablets should be administered according to your veterinarian’s instructions. The treatment course usually extends for at least 2-3 days beyond the resolution of clinical signs. Severe and/or complicated infections may require more prolonged therapy, up to 30 days. If no improvement is seen within 5 days, your veterinarian may recommend a different course of therapy.

How should I dispose of this medication if I don’t use it all?

Dispose of any unused enrofloxacin safely – do not flush down the toilet or sink. Ask your veterinary team if they take back medication for disposal. Do not save enrofloxacin for future use or give to other pets.

What if I miss a dose or give an extra dose?

If you miss a dose, give the dose as soon as possible but do not give a double dose. Make sure the dose given does not exceed the total recommended dose in any 24-hour period.

My dog is unwell, should I still give the drug?

If your pet is unwell, contact your veterinarian for advice.

What should I do if this medication is accidentally given to another pet or taken by a human?

Enrofloxacin should only be given to the dog that it has been prescribed for:

  • Do not give to other pets in the household
  • Do not use in dogs <12 months of age (< 18 months for large breed dogs)
  • Do not use in cats <8 weeks of age or <0.5 kg
  • Do not use in dogs with persistent cartilage lesions
  • Do not use in dogs with neurological disease, especially epilepsy
  • Do not use in pregnant or lactating dogs (European Union & UK); use of oral tablets during pregnancy is licensed for dogs in US
  • If accidentally given to other pets, contact your veterinarian for advice.

If accidentally consumed by a human, speak to your primary care physician or poison control center.

Will my dog need to be monitored while on enrofloxacin?

No specific tests are required while your dog is taking enrofloxacin.

Further information

If you have any concerns, further information on enrofloxacin can be found on the package insert and the following websites:

Europe & UK

USA

Always follow the recommended dosage and contact your veterinary team or pharmacist if you have any questions regarding your dog’s medication.

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