Pradofloxacin

Major Uses

Pradofloxacin is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic that eliminates infections caused by gram-negative, gram-positive, and anaerobic bacteria by targeting the enzymes needed for the replication of their DNA. The drug is approved for use in cats, but it should not be used in dogs due to toxic effects.

Pradofloxacin is beneficial in the treatment of skin wounds and abscesses caused by susceptible strains of Streptococcus canis, Streptococcus aureau, Staphylococcus felis, Staphylococcus pseudintermedius, and Pasteurella multocida. It may also be used to treat certain upper respiratory infections.

Common Precautions

Side effects associated with use of pradofloxacin include diarrhea, sneezing, excessive salivation, itching, and lethargy. Other side effects are possible.

Pradofloxacin is not for use in animals intended to be used as food. It is not known if this medication is safe for use in breeding, pregnant, or lactating cats or in those younger than 12 weeks of age. The safety of the drug in immune-compromised cats is also unclear. Pradofloxacin may cause bone marrow suppression in dogs, causing great illness. It should not be used in dogs.

The drug has been shown to induce reversible neutrophil, leuokcyte, and lymphocyte decreases in cats. It has also been associated with retinopathy in cats and should be used with extreme caution.

Pradofloxacin and similar antibiotics may cause erosion of the cartilage of weight-bearing joints in immature animals. Additionally, there is a risk of CNS stimulation leading to convulsive seizures in animals with a history of central nervous system disorders.

Pradofloxacin is known to interact with various other drugs and supplements, including sucralfate, antacids, and supplements containing calcium, magnesium, zinc, iron, and aluminum. Theophylline, cimetidine, cyclosporine, and some anticoagulants may also interact with pradofloxacin.

Pradofloxacin should not be used in animals with a known allergy or hypersensitivity to the drug. Any known or suspected overdose should be reported to a veterinarian right away.

Storage

Pradofloxacin should be stored at room temperature, in its original packaging, and away from children and animals.

Administration

Pradofloxacin is available as an oral suspension in bottles containing 15 ml or 30 ml.

The typical dose of pradofloxacin in cats is 3.4 mg/lb (7.5 mg/kg) of body weight once daily for 7 consecutive days. This medication is not for use in dogs.

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.

If a dose of pradofloxacin is missed, it should be taken as soon as possible. If it is almost time for the next dose, the missed dose should be skipped and the normal schedule resumed. Two doses of this medication should not be administered at once.