Enrofloxacin
“This page provides important general information for pet owners whose animals have been prescribed Enrofloxacin during a consultation by Dr Noor. Enrofloxacin for pets in Perth.”
Key Information
Important note: This handout is meant to address questions people often ask. It does not include every detail that exists about this medicine. It also does not replace guidance from your veterinary care team.
Description
Enrofloxacin is a type of antibiotic in the fluoroquinolone group (a group of antibiotics).
It comes as tablets that are swallowed, including regular tablets and chewable tablets.
Other common names
- Baytril
- Enroflox
- Enroquin
- Zobuxa
Uses
Approved uses in animals – Enrofloxacin for pets
This medicine is used to treat infections caused by bacteria in dogs and cats.
Your veterinarian may also choose to use it in other animal species. This is sometimes called “extra-label use,” meaning it is used in a way that is different from the approved label.
Before this medication is given
No medicine is completely safe for every animal. Before your pet starts this medicine, talk with your veterinarian about:
- Any other medicines or supplements your animal is currently receiving
- Any health problems your animal has now, or has had before
- Any bad reactions your animal has had to medicines in the past
- The possible risks of using this medicine if your animal is pregnant or nursing
Warnings for animals
Do not use this medication:
- If your animal has had an allergy to this medicine or to other fluoroquinolone antibiotics
- In young animals that are growing quickly
- In cats that have kidney disease
Use with caution in:
- Cats, because this medicine can harm a cat’s eyes
- Animals that have had seizures before
- Animals with reduced liver function
- Dogs with reduced kidney function
- Animals that are dehydrated
- Animals that are pregnant or nursing
Some animal competitions do not allow certain medicines. If your animal is competing, check the rules while your animal is taking any medication.
Warnings for humans
- Wash your hands after you handle any medication.
- If you are allergic to quinolone antibiotics, wear gloves or do not handle this medication.
How do I give this medication?
Enrofloxacin is an antibiotic used to treat infections caused by bacteria.
Give this medicine exactly the way your veterinarian prescribed it. Always follow the directions on the prescription label.
You may give it with food or on an empty stomach.
Do not give the following within 2 hours of giving enrofloxacin:
- Multivitamins
- Calcium supplements
- Iron supplements
- Antacids
- Dairy products
- Laxatives
These items can keep enrofloxacin from working properly.
Do not crush tablets that have a film coating. Enrofloxacin tastes very bitter, and breaking the coating can make it harder to give.
Make sure your animal always has plenty of fresh water available so they do not become dehydrated.
Side effects
Common — contact your veterinarian if these problems are strong, keep happening, or get worse over time:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Reduced appetite
This medicine may also make your animal 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 sun or long periods in the sun while your animal is taking this medicine, especially if your animal has a thin coat or a light-colored coat.
Severe — stop giving the medication and contact your veterinarian right away if you notice any of the following:
- Seizures
- Blindness or very large pupils
- Not eating at all
- Trouble walking (this may be a sign of damage to joints or cartilage)
- Fever, skin rashes, or trouble breathing (these may be signs of an allergic reaction to the medication)
Cats: This medicine can cause harmful eye effects in cats, including possible blindness, especially when high doses are used. Contact your veterinarian immediately if your cat develops large pupils.
How will I know it's working?
Most animals should begin to feel better within 1 to 2 days.
Call your veterinary clinic if your animal’s symptoms get worse or do not start improving.
How long will the medication effects last?
After the final dose, this medicine should stop working within 24 hours.
If your animal’s kidneys or liver do not work as well, the effects may continue longer.
How long do I give it for?
Your veterinarian may prescribe this medicine for different lengths of time. Give it for the full time your veterinarian instructs.
Even if your animal seems better, finishing the full treatment course is important.
You may need to get the prescription refilled.
Overdose
Possible signs of giving too much include:
- Vomiting
- Not wanting to eat
- Depression
- Trouble 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 right away.
If possible, have the product container or label with you.
Missed dose
In most situations, if you forget a dose:
- Give the dose 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 time.
- Continue with the normal schedule.
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.
Storage
Keep this medicine in its original container at room temperature.
Store it where children and animals cannot reach it.
Chewable versions are designed to taste good to animals. Store them securely and well out of reach to help prevent accidental overdose.
Disposal
Do not flush this medicine down a toilet and do not pour it into a sink.
Ways to get rid of unused or expired medicine include:
- Medication take-back locations: This is the preferred option when available. To find a nearby location, contact local law enforcement or your local waste management office.
- At-home disposal: Combine 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 and do not give it to anyone else to use.
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.”