Ciprofloxacin
“This page provides important general information for pet owners whose animals have been prescribed Ciprofloxacin for pets in Perth during a consultation by Dr Noor.”
Key Information
Note: This handout is meant to address common questions. It does not include every detail that exists about this medicine. It also does not replace medical guidance from your veterinary care team.
Description
Ciprofloxacin for pets in Perth is a medicine used to treat certain infections caused by bacteria in animals.
- Type of medicine: A fluoroquinolone antibiotic (an antibiotic type).
- Forms available: Tablets and liquid taken by mouth.
Other common names
- Cipro
Uses of Ciprofloxacin for pets
This medicine is not specifically approved for animals, but it is approved for people. Your veterinarian may still choose to prescribe it in a way that is allowed outside the label for:
- Treating certain bacterial infections in dogs, cats, and other species.
Before this medication is given
No medicine is completely safe for every patient. Before your pet starts this medicine, talk with your veterinarian about:
- Any other medicines or supplements your pet is currently receiving.
- Any health problems your pet has now, or has had before.
- Any unwanted reactions your pet has had to medicines in the past.
- The possible risks of using this medicine if your pet is pregnant or nursing.
Warnings for animals
Do not use:
- In animals that have an allergy to ciprofloxacin or to other fluoroquinolone antibiotics.
- In young animals that are growing quickly.
Use with caution in:
- Animals that have had seizures before.
- Animals with liver, kidney, or heart problems.
- Animals that are dehydrated.
- Cats. Antibiotics in this group can harm a cat’s eyes.
- Animals that are pregnant or nursing.
Certain medicines are not permitted in some animal competitions. If your animal competes, check the rules while your animal is taking any medicine.
Warnings for humans
- Clean your hands after you handle any medicine.
- If you are allergic to quinolone antibiotics, wear gloves or do not handle this medicine.
How do I give this medication?
- Give this medicine exactly the way your veterinarian prescribed it. Always follow the directions on the prescription label.
- Give it when your pet’s stomach is empty.
- If your pet throws up or seems unwell after a dose, you may give it with a small treat, as long as the treat does not contain dairy or iron.
- Do not give multivitamins, calcium supplements, iron supplements, dairy foods, antacids, or laxatives within 2 hours of giving ciprofloxacin. These items can stop ciprofloxacin from working properly.
- Make sure your pet always has plenty of clean water available so they do not become dehydrated.
- If you are using a liquid form, shake it well before each dose for about 15 seconds.
- For liquids, use an oral dosing syringe, a medicine cup, or a dosing spoon to measure. Do not use kitchen spoons or other household measuring tools.
Side effects
Common – contact your veterinarian if any of these signs are strong, keep happening, or get worse over time:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Eating less than usual
This medicine may also make your pet more sensitive to sunlight. This can raise the chance of sunburn, especially on areas with little or no hair such as the nose, eyelids, and ears. Avoid direct or long periods of sun exposure while your pet is taking this medicine, especially if your pet has a thin coat or light-colored coat.
In cats, this medicine can cause harmful eye effects, including possible blindness, especially if high doses are used. Contact your veterinarian right away if your cat develops enlarged pupils.
Severe – stop the medication and contact your veterinarian immediately if you notice any of these signs:
- Trouble walking (this may indicate damage to joints or cartilage)
- Restlessness or acting overly excited
- Problems urinating, urinating often, or blood in the urine
- Blindness or enlarged pupils in cats
- Not eating at all
- Fever, skin rashes, or trouble breathing (these can be signs of an allergic reaction to the medicine)
How will I know it's working?
Most animals begin to feel better within 1 to 2 days.
Call your veterinary clinic if your pet’s signs get worse or do not improve.
How long will the medication effects last?
This medicine will no longer work within 24 hours after the final dose.
If your animal’s kidneys do not work as well, the effects may continue longer.
How long do I give it for?
The length of treatment can vary. Give it for the full time your veterinarian instructs.
It is important to complete the full treatment course, even if your animal seems better.
Overdose
Possible overdose signs include:
- Vomiting
- Not wanting to eat
- Acting depressed
- Difficulty walking
Cats may also have seizures or may develop blindness that cannot be reversed.
If you see or think an overdose has happened, contact your veterinarian or an animal poison control service right away (a consultation fee may apply):
- If possible, have the medicine container or label with you.
Missed dose
In most situations, if you forget a dose:
- Give it as soon as you remember, and then go back to the usual schedule.
If it is almost time for the next dose:
- Do not give the missed dose.
- Give the next dose at the regular scheduled time.
If you are not sure what to do, call your veterinary clinic. Do not give two doses at once and do not give extra doses.
Continue the regular dosing schedule.
Storage
- Keep the medicine in its original container at room temperature.
- Store it where children and animals cannot reach it.
Disposal
- Throw away liquid mixtures 14 days after they are mixed with water.
- Do not pour this medicine into a sink and do not flush it down a toilet.
Ways to get rid of unused or expired medicine include:
- Medicine take-back locations: This is the best option when available. To find a nearby location, contact local law enforcement or your waste management office.
- At-home disposal: Mix the medicine with coffee grounds or kitty litter. Put the mixture into a sealed plastic bag and place it in the trash.
Do not keep leftover medicine for later use and do not give it to anyone else.
Questions?
Speak with your veterinarian.
“Disclaimer: The information on this page is provided as general educational material only. Every animal’s health situation is unique, and treatment decisions must be based on a full veterinary assessment. Always follow the specific instructions given during your consultation, and contact the prescribing veterinarian if you have any concerns.”