Orbifloxacin

Major Uses

Orbifloxacin is a fluoroquinolone antibotic that is used primarily to treat bacterial infections in dogs and cats. It may also be useful for treating susceptible gram-negative infections in horses.

Common Precautions

Caution should be exercised when giving orbifloxacin to growing animals, as it can cause arthropathies. Patients with known or suspected CNS disorders may also experience complications with this drug. Patients hypersensitive to quinolones should not use orbifloxacin.

Possible side effects caused by orbifloxacin include anorexia, vomiting, and diarrhea. Animals have also experienced depression and lethargy while using orbifloxacin. While extremely rare, blindness can be caused by this drug.

Orbifloxacin should not be used in animals with a known allergy or hypersensitivity to the drug. A veterinarian should be contacted immediately if an overdose is suspected, the symptoms of which include soft feces and decreased body weight.

Storage

The tablet form of orbifloxacin should be kept at a temperature between 36-86 degrees Fahrenheit and stored in a tightly sealed, childproof container that is resistant to light. The drug should be carefully protected from excessive moisture. The oral suspension should be stored upright at a temperature of 36-77 degrees Fahrenheit and shaken well before administration.

Administration

When treating dogs and cats with the tablet form of orbifloxacin, a typical dose is 2.5-7.5 mg/kg once daily. When using the suspension, a typical dose for dogs is 2.5-7.5 mg/kg once daily. For cats, a typical dose using the suspension form is 7.5 mg/kg once daily. For treating horses, a typical dose is 5-7.5 mg/kg once daily. Should a dose be missed, it should be given as soon as possible. If it is nearing time for the next scheduled dose, the missed dose should be skipped and the regularly scheduled dose should be administered. Two doses should not be given at the same time.

Doses may vary in different species, when the drug is given by a different route or concurrently with other medications, and with regards to a patient's age, breed, and health status. A veterinarian's dosing instructions and/or those printed on the medication label should be followed closely.