General Drug Information and Indications

Fluoroquinolone antibiotic (ciprofloxacin) for susceptible gram-negative and gram-positive bacterial infections; topical ophthalmic for corneal ulcers and conjunctivitis; systemic infections in dogs and cats. Fluoroquinolone antibiotic (ciprofloxacin HCl). Mechanism: inhibits bacterial DNA gyrase (topoisomerase II) and topoisomerase IV → prevents DNA replication and transcription (bactericidal). Concentration-dependent killing. Broad gram-negative spectrum with moderate gram-positive activity. Key information Ciprofloxacin — see ciprofloxacin entry. Fluoroquinolone. Do not use in growing animals. Chelated by calcium/antacids — separate by 2 hours.

How to Give this Medication

Oral: Administer orally. May be given with food to improve compliance and reduce GI upset. Administer on an empty stomach for optimal absorption. for best absorption; may give with food if GI upset. Separate from antacids and dairy by 2 hrs. Ophthalmic: Instill into the conjunctival sac; avoid touching dropper tip to eye or periocular tissue. Store at room temperature; protect from light. If a dose is missed Administer as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and resume the normal schedule. Never double up doses to make up for a missed one. Complete the full antibiotic course.

Side Effects

GI: vomiting, diarrhea, anorexia. Cartilage toxicity: articular damage in growing animals. CNS: seizures (rare), tremors. Tendinopathy (rare). Photosensitivity. Crystalluria. Retinal toxicity in cats (do not use high doses). Drug interactions: chelation with divalent cations (antacids, dairy, iron) reduces absorption.

Precautions

For animals CONTRAINDICATED in growing animals (cartilage toxicity). Cats: avoid high doses (retinal toxicity risk — similar to enrofloxacin but lower risk). Do not administer with dairy, antacids, or multivalent cation supplements (chelation, reduced absorption). Reduce dose or extend interval in renal impairment. For people handling this medication Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling. Avoid contact with eyes; if contact occurs, flush with water for 15 minutes and seek medical attention. Keep out of reach of children. If accidental ingestion occurs, contact Poison Control (1-800-222-1222). Fluoroquinolone — Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling. after handling. Photosensitivity possible. Keep out of reach of children. Pregnant women and women of childbearing age should avoid contact.

Overdose

Contact your veterinarian. Ciprofloxacin overdose causes GI and possible neurological signs.

Ciprofloxacn Tab dosage forms

ProductStrengthFormSizeType
CIPROFLOXACN TAB 500MG (Aurobindo)500 MGTablet1Commercial
CIPROFLOXACN TAB 500MG (Solco)500 MGTablet1Commercial

Sources

This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for advice from your veterinarian. Source: Merck Veterinary Manual (merckvetmanual.com); Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook (Plumb, D.C., app.plumbs.com)