Enrofloxacin

Fluoroquinolone for susceptible bacterial infections in horses, dogs, and cattle; respiratory, urinary, skin, soft tissue, and neonatal foal septicemia. Fluoroquinolone antibiotic (enrofloxacin). Mechanism: inhibits DNA gyrase (topoisomerase II) and topoisomerase IV → prevents DNA replication and transcription (bactericidal). Concentration-dependent killing; excellent tissue penetration; broad-spectrum including Pseudomonas. Partially metabolized to ciprofloxacin. Avoid in young growing animals (potential cartilage toxicity). Key information Do NOT use in growing animals (cartilage damage). Cats: maximum 5 mg/kg/day — retinal degeneration at higher doses. Fluoroquinolone — watch for resistance. IV: dilute and administer slowly over 30 min. Chelated by antacids, dairy, minerals — separate by 2 hours.

Oral tablets: Administer orally. May be given with food to improve compliance and reduce GI upset. Administer with food to reduce GI adverse effects. Separate from antacids and multivalent cation supplements by 2 hrs. Injectable: IV (dilute in 0.9% NaCl; infuse over 30–60 min — do NOT rapid IV), SQ, or IM as labeled. 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 as prescribed.

GI: vomiting, diarrhea, anorexia. Cartilage/articular toxicity in growing animals (avoid in young dogs/cats/foals). CNS: seizures, tremors (high doses). Cats: retinal degeneration and blindness (do not exceed 5 mg/kg/day). IV administration too rapid: cardiovascular effects. Photosensitivity.

For animals CONTRAINDICATED in growing animals (cartilage damage). Cats: do not exceed 5 mg/kg/day — irreversible retinal degeneration and blindness. Avoid rapid IV infusion (CNS toxicity). Oral: separate from antacids, dairy, iron by 2 hrs. Reduce dose or extend interval in renal impairment. Not approved for use in food-producing animals. 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. Keep out of reach of children.

Contact your veterinarian immediately. Overdose causes GI signs, neurological signs (seizures), and retinal toxicity in cats. Contact your veterinarian, a veterinary emergency clinic, or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (888-426-4435) immediately. Do not induce vomiting unless specifically directed by a veterinary professional.