Enrofloxacin

Generic Name of Enrofloxacin: Enrofloxacin

Indications for Enrofloxacin

Enrofloxacin belongs to the category of antiinfectives and is used in the treatment of bacterial diseases of dogs, cats, pigs, cattle and poultry. It is useful against both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria such as E. coli, Salmonella spp., Pasteurella spp., Bordetella spp., Haemophilus spp etc. This broad-spectrum medication could also be used against Mycoplasma and a host of bacterial infections of respiratory and digestive organs apart from treating skin and soft tissue wounds.

Precautions when using Enrofloxacin

Enrofloxacin should not be used in dogs less than 1 year of age and/or in cats of less than 8 weeks of age. It is also not recommended for prophylaxis and in birds meant for human consumption. Ensure complete sterility and the recommended dosage should never be exceeded as there is no antidote for overdose. Enrofloxacin should neither be administered to animals prone to seizures nor stored above 25°C.

Side Effects of Enrofloxacin

Common symptoms might include diarrhea or vomiting, elevated liver enzymes, seizures, depression and nervousness. Local tissue reactions may occasionally occur at the injection site. Enrofloxacin injections might have an effect on the articular cartilage of dogs during the period of rapid growth. Enrofloxacin injections might result in seizures hence should be used with care in animals with central nervous system disorders. Overdose in cats can result in ocular damage and in extreme cases, irreversible ocular damage or even blindness could happen.

Dosage for Enrofloxacin

Enrofloxacin injections could be given as subcutaneous injection in cats and dogs and as intravenous or intramuscular injection in cattle and pigs. It is available in various strengths such as 2.5%, 5% and10% for varied requirements. The normal dosage for dogs is 1ml of product per 5 kg bodyweight (5 mg enrofloxacin per kg bodyweight) by subcutaneous injection once daily for 3-5 days.