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Enrofloxacin is a broad spectrum bactericidal antibiotic. Although the mechanism of action is not well understood, Enrofloxacin is effective against a broad spectrum of gram positive and gram negative bacteria including most species of the following: Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella, E.coli., Enterobacter, Campylobacter, Shigella, Salmonella, Aeromonas, Haemophillus, Proteus, Yersinia, Serratia, Vibrio, Brucella, Chlamydia, Staphylocci (including some methicillin resistant strains), Mycoplasma, and Mycobacterium. It is not effective against anaerobic bacteria, and may be variably effective against Streptococcus infections. Enrofloxacin has a similar spectrum of activity as ciprofloxacin but enrofloxacin has been shown to have better bioavailability. With the exception of cerebral spinal fluid, enrofloxacin attains therapeutic levels in most tissues of the body. This makes it a very attractive antibiotic choice for difficult to treat infections, particularly those that need long term antibiotics. Some examples might be osteomyelitis, sinus infections, otitis, difficult soft tissue infections, peritonitis, and pleuritis or pneumonia.
Enrofloxacin is eliminated by both renal and hepatic metabolism. Animals
with impaired kidney or liver function may need extra monitoring and dose adjustments to
prevent excess drug accumulation.
Enrofloxacin is approved for use in dogs and cats. In dogs it may be given orally, intramuscularly or intra-venously. It is only approved for oral use in cats although there is published information regarding intra muscular use. One of the positive features of enrofloxacin is that it is well absorbed orally and in many cases may be given once a day.
Fluroquinolones including enrofloxacin have been shown to cause articular
cartilage abnormalities when the drug is given at high dose levels. The age and breed of the
patient should be considered when using enrofloxacin. Large and giant breeds may be more at
risk because of a longer period of growth. Enrofloxacin has been shown to be safe in pregnant
dogs and lactating dogs, however because of the problems with articular cartilage it should
be avoided unless the benefits clearly outweigh the risk to the puppies. This work has not
been repeated in cats.
Enrofloxacin is well absorbed orally and intravenously. It is generally not
used intramuscularly because it is too irritating. Although studies have not been done in the
horse, there is the risk of developmental cartilage abnormalities with the fluorquinolone
antibiotics. Since horses are expected to be athletes, the use of enrofloxacin in the young
horse should be carefully weighed against the potential risk of cartilage abnormality.
• Enrofloxacin and the other fluroquinolone antibiotics can cause developmental cartilage abnormalities. As a consequence most veterinarians try to avoid these drugs in young animals.
• Dogs: GI side effects including vomiting, diarrhea, and elevated liver enzymes; Rare CNS signs including ataxia seizures, depression, and anxiety.
• Cats: GI side effects include vomiting, diarrhea, anorexia, elevated liver enzymes. CNS signs include ataxia, seizures, depression; vocalization, and aggression. Rare ocular toxicity may occur.
• Horses: When injectable enrofloxacin is given orally, it can cause mucous membrane irritation, redness, slobbering and swelling.
• Animals with severe kidney or liver problems may need a reduced dose of enrofloxacin. Hydration should be monitored and fluid therapy used in animals at risk for dehydration.
• Enrofloxacin should be used with caution or avoided in animals at risk for seizures. This drug is not used in humans due to central nervous system stimulation.
• Enrofloxacin should not be used for regional antibiotic perfusion because it is too irritating and will cause vasculitis.
• Sucralfate and some antacids may interfere with the absorption of enrofloxacin. These drugs should be administered two hours apart.
• Enrofloxacin may be used with aminoglycosides, some cephalosporins, and some penicillins in infections where it is warranted based on bacterial sensitivity.
• Enrofloxacin should not be used with nitrofurantoin, chloramphenicol or rifampin.
• Probenicid blocks the renal excretion of enrofloxacin.
• Enrofloxacin interferes with the metabolism of the bronchodilators theophylline and aminophylline. If these drugs are to be used at the same time, blood levels should be monitored.
• A single overdose is unlikely to cause toxicity. In dogs given ten times the normal dose over a period of two weeks, adverse effects were limited to loss of appetite and vomiting.
Dr.
Barbara Forney is a veterinary practitioner in Chester County, Pennsylvania.
She has a master's degree in animal science from the University of Delaware
and graduated from the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine
in 1982.
She began to develop her interest in client education and medical writing 1997. Recent publications include portions of The Pill Book Guide to Medication for Your Dog and Cat, and most recently Understanding Equine Medications published by the Bloodhorse.
Dr. Forney is an FEI veterinarian and an active member of the AAEP, AVMA, and AMWA.
You can purchase books by Dr. Forney at www.exclusivelyequine.com
The information contained on this site
is general in nature and is intended for use as an informational aid. It does
not cover all possible uses, actions, precautions, side effects, or interactions
of the products shown, nor is the information intended as medical advice or
diagnosis for individual health problems or for making an evaluation as to the
risks and benefits of using a particular product. You should consult your doctor
about diagnosis and treatment of any health problems. Information and statements
have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration ("FDA"),
nor has the FDA approved the products to diagnose, cure or prevent disease.
Wedgewood compounded veterinary medicines are not intended for use in food and food-producing animals.
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