Ciprofloxacin

Drug Info

• Common Name: Cipro®, Ciloxan®
• Drug Type: Quinolone antibiotic
• Used For: Bacterial infections
• Species: Dogs, Cats
• Administered: Injectable, 22.7 mg and 68 mg tablets, Ear medication
• How Dispensed: Prescription only
• FDA Approved: No

General Description
 

Ciprofloxacin is an antibiotic used to treat difficult bacterial infections in pets. It is effective against both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacterias. It is commonly used for urinary tract infection, skin infections and respiratory infections. There are available forms meant to treat ear infections and eye infections as well.

As with any antibiotic, make sure you finish all the medication given, even if the symptoms are no longer apparent.

How It Works

Ciprofloxacin works by preventing bacteria from being able to transcribe DNA. Ciprofloxacin makes it impossible for the enzyme associated with this task to read or uncoil the DNA, therefore killing the bacteria.

Storage Information

 

Store in a tightly sealed container at room temperature.

Missed Dose

Give the dose as soon as possible. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose, and continue with the regular schedule. Do not give your pet two doses at once.

Side Effects and Drug Reactions

Ciprofloxacin may result in these side effects:

• Loss of appetite
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Lethargy
• Convulsions
• Seizures in pets with CNS disorders
• Cataracts if given long-term

Ciprofloxacin may react with these drugs:

•  Aminoglycoside antibiotics
• Antacids
• Cephalosporin antibiotics
• Rimadyl (and other NSAIDs)
• Penicillin
• Aminophylline
• Cyclosporine
• Nitrourantoin
• Sucralfate
• Theophylline

DO NOT ADMINISTER THIS DRUG TO PREGNANT PETS - Ciprofloxacin has detrimental effects on growing joints and bones.

DO NOT ADMINISTER THIS DRUG TO DOGS UNDER ONE YEAR OF AGE - Ciprofloxacin has detrimental effects on growing joints and bones. It may effect large breeds dogs as old at 2 years old.

USE CAUTION WHEN ADMINISTERING THIS DRUG TO CATS - Use with extreme caution and only with the recommendation of an experienced veterinarian when giving this drug to cats, especially those with pre-existing kidney failure.

USE CAUTION WHEN ADMINISTERING THIS DRUG TO PETS WITH KIDNEY DISEASE, LIVER DISEASE, CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM DISORDERS, OR EPILEPSY