Baytril (Enrofloxacin)

What is Baytril?

What Is Baytril? Baytril is a broad-spectrum fluoroquinolone antibiotic. The active ingredient of this drug is enrofloxacin. What is Baytril used for? Baytril was made to manage bacterial pathogens in canines and felines. It is usually prescribed to treat a number of infections, such as urinary tract infections, digestive infections, and respiratory infections. Baytril is also used to treat wound, skin, and ear infections. How does Baytril work? Baytril has been designed in a way that the antibiotic will be quickly absorbed by the animals digestive tract. Within two hours the drug will penetrate into all of the animals body fluids and tissues and will remain in their system for up to twelve hours after receiving the medication. Fluoroquinolone antibiotics, such as Baytril, interfere with DNA metabolism within bacteria by blocking the activity of two enzymes, Topoisomerase II (also known as DNA gyrase) and Topoisomerase IV. In Gram-negative bacteria, DNA gyrase is the main target, while in Gram-positive bacteria it is Topoisomerase IV that is most affected.

How to use Baytril

Baytril can be administered orally, by injection for systemic infections or there also ear drops for external ear infections. The Baytril dosage for your pet is determined by the individual needs of the animal being treated. It is typical for ear infections to require a higher dosage that will also be taken over a longer time period. Baytril for dogs is also available in an injectable solution that can be given under the dog's skin. Baytril can normally be found in 22.7 mg, 68 mg, and 136 mg chewable tablets. Coated tablets can be found in 22.7 mg and 68 mg tablets. Baytril can also be administered in the form of an Otic drop. It is a water based-emulsion that should be applied to any ear lesion and the ear canal. Shake the bottle well prior to each use. Normal sized dogs usually require a dose of around 5-10 drops, while dogs who weigh more than 35 pounds will likely need a dose of around 10-15 drops per treatment. It should be applied every day for 14 days. Baytril Otic drops are available in 15 and 30 ml bottles.

Baytril warnings and precautions

Vision loss and permanent blindness have been reported to occur in animals using fluoroquinolones. Young animals could potentially suffer cartilage abnormalities. The potential for dizziness, hypersensitivity reactions, and crystalluria occurring is possible, although they have not yet been reported in animals using the drug. Do not use Baytril in animals allergic to it or other fluoroquinolone antibiotics.

What do I do if I have missed a Baytril dose?

A small overdose of Baytril will not have any deadly effects. Overdosage of up to 10 times the amount that has been prescribed will likely only result in anorexia and vomiting. High overdoses of over 25 times the prescribed amount could result in death. If a dose is missed, wait until the next scheduled dosage time and continue as prescribed. It is not recommended to give the pet two doses at one time.

Baytril interactions

It is recommended to wait at least 2 hours to administer Baytril in the event your pet has consumed dairy products or antacids containing aluminum, calcium, or magnesium, as it could prevent the absorption of the antibiotic. Enrofloxacin could increase Theophylline blood levels. The tubular secretion of enrofloxacin can be blocked by probenecid, which can increase it's half life and blood level. When used in conjunction with extended-spectrum penicillins, cephalosporins, and aminoglycosides, synergism could occur.

Baytril side effects

While taking Baytril your pet could experience a lose of appetite or vomiting. Be sure to contact your veterinarian should these conditions persist. Less common Baytril side effects are upset stomach and and excessive thirst. Baytril for cats has been known to cause blindness on rare occasions. It has been reported in less than two percent of felines that are on high end doses of the medication. Baytril is not recommended for use in young animals because there is a small risk of cartilage defects.