Enrofloxacin

Description

Enrofloxacin is a broad spectrum bactericidal antibiotic, effective against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria.  It is not effective against anaerobic bacteria and may be variable against Streptococcus infections. Enrofloxacin is easily absorbed when given orally and can be given as a long-term antibiotic for difficult-to-treat infections.

Usage

Enrofloxacin is used to treat infections requiring long-term treatment, such as osteomyelitis, sinus infections, soft tissue infections, peritonitis, and pleuritis or pneumonia.  While enrofloxacin is well-absorbed orally and intravenously, it is usually not used intramuscularly because it is too irritating.

Dosage and Administration

Side Effects

Some horses experience oral mucous membrane irritation, and most veterinarians recommend diluting the drug with a sweetening agent of choice that allows it to be syringed into the mouth in a diluted form, both to prevent membrane irritation and also to minimize the terrible taste.

Precautions

Enrofloxacin can cause developmental cartilage abnormalities, and most veterinarians avoid use in young horses.

Animals with severe kidney or liver problems may need a reduced dose.  Hydration should be monitored and fluid therapy used in animals that tend to become dehydrated.

Enrofloxacin should be used with caution or avoided in animals at risk for seizures.

Used as an oral medication, enrofloxacin can cause mucous membrane irritation, redness, slobbering, and swelling.

Enrofloxacin is not FDA approved for use with horses.  It is commonly used and considered accepted practice.  It is a prescription drug and U.S. federal law restricts this drug to use by or on the written prescription of a licensed veterinarian.

Enrofloxacin is forbidden in drug-free competitions.  It is important to check with the proper regulatory organization.

Interactions

Dosing with enrofloxacin should be separated by at least two hours from sucralfate and some antacids which may interfere with absorption.

Enrofloxacin should not be used with chloramphenicol or rifampin.

Blood levels should be monitored when bronchodilators, such as theophylline and aminophylline, are given because enrofloxacin interferes with metabolism of those drugs.

Overdose

No specific information is found in literature regarding overdose in horses.