Baytril

Enrofloxacin is a synthetic chemotherapeutic agent from the class of the quinolone carboxylic acid derivatives. It has antibacterial activity against a broad spectrum of Gram negative and Gram positive bacteria (See Tables I and II). It is rapidly absorbed from the digestive tract, penetrating into all measured body tissues and fluids (See Table III).

Tablets are available in two sizes (22.7 and 68.0 mg enrofloxacin).

CHEMICAL NOMENCLATURE AND STRUCTURAL FORMULA:

1-cyclopropyl-7-(4-ethyl-1-piperazinyl)-6-fluoro-1,4-dihydro-4-oxo-3-quinolinecarboxylic acid.

Dogs: Two of the 270 (0.7%) dogs treated with Baytril® (brand of enrofloxacin) Tablets at 5.0 mg/kg per day in the clinical field studies exhibited side effects, which were apparently drug-related. These two cases of vomition were self-limiting.

Post-Approval Experience: The following adverse experiences, although rare, are based on voluntary post-approval adverse drug experience reporting. The categories of reactions are listed in decreasing order of frequency by body system.

Gastrointestinal: anorexia, diarrhea, vomiting, elevated liver enzymes

Neurologic: ataxia, seizures

Behavioral: depression, lethargy, nervousness

Cats: No drug-related side effects were reported in 124 cats treated with Baytril® (brand of enrofloxacin) Tablets at 5.0 mg/kg per day for 10 days in clinical field studies.

Post-Approval Experience: The following adverse experiences, although rare, are based on voluntary post-approval adverse drug experience reporting. The categories of reactions are listed in decreasing order of frequency by body system.

Ocular: Mydriasis, retinal degeneration (retinal atrophy, attenuated retinal vessels, and hyperreflective tapeta have been reported), loss of vision. Mydriasis may be an indication of impending or existing retinal changes.

Gastrointestinal: vomiting, anorexia, elevated liver enzymes, diarrhea

Neurologic: ataxia, seizures

Behavioral: depression, lethargy, vocalization, aggression

For medical emergencies or to report adverse reactions, call 1-800-422-9874.

For use in animals only. In rare instances, use of this product in cats has been associated with Retinal Toxicity. Do not exceed 5 mg/kg of body weight per day in cats. Safety in breeding or pregnant cats has not been established. Keep out of reach of children.

Avoid contact with eyes. In case of contact, immediately flush eyes with copious amounts of water for 15 minutes. In case of dermal contact, wash skin with soap and water.

Consult a physician if irritation persists following ocular or dermal exposure. Individuals with a history of hypersensitivity to quinolones should avoid this product. In humans, there is a risk of user photosensitization within a few hours after excessive exposure to quinolones. If excessive accidental exposure occurs, avoid direct sunlight.

For customer service or to obtain product information, including Material Safety Data Sheet, call 1-800-633-3796.

Quinolone-class drugs should be used with caution in animals with known or suspected Central Nervous System (CNS) disorders. In such animals, quinolones have, in rare instances, been associated with CNS stimulation which may lead to convulsive seizures.

Quinolone-class drugs have been associated with cartilage erosions in weight-bearing joints and other forms of arthropathy in immature animals of various species.

The use of fluoroquinolones in cats has been reported to adversely affect the retina. Such products should be used with caution in cats.

Dogs: Administer orally at a rate to provide 5-20 mg/kg (2.27 to 9.07 mg/lb) of body weight. Selection of a dose within the range should be based on clinical experience, the severity of disease, and susceptibility of the pathogen. Animals which receive doses in the upper-end of the dose range should be carefully monitored for clinical signs that may include inappetance, depression, and vomition.

Cats: Administer orally at 5 mg/kg (2.27 mg/lb) of body weight. The dose for dogs and cats may be administered either as a single daily dose or divided into two (2) equal daily doses administered at twelve (12) hour intervals. The dose should be continued for at least 2-3 days beyond cessation of clinical signs, to a maximum of 30 days.

Palatability: Most dogs will consume Baytril® Taste Tabs® Tablets willingly when offered by hand. Alternatively the tablet(s) may be offered in food or hand-administered (pilled) as with other oral tablet medications. In cats, Baytril® Taste Tabs® Tablets should be pilled. After administration, watch the animal closely to be certain the entire dose has been consumed.

Dogs & Cats: The duration of treatment should be selected based on clinical evidence.

Generally, administration of Baytril Tablets should continue for at least 2-3 days beyond cessation of clinical signs. For severe and/or complicated infections, more prolonged therapy, up to 30 days, may be required. If no improvement is seen within five days, the diagnosis should be reevaluated and a different course of therapy considered.

The lower limit of the dose range in dogs and the daily dose for cats was based on efficacy studies in dogs and cats where enrofloxacin was administered at 2.5 mg/kg twice daily. Target animal safety and toxicology were used to establish the upper limit of the dose range for dogs and treatment duration for dogs and cats.

1. Dougherty, T.J. and Saukkonenn, J.J. Aug 1985. Membrane Permeability Changes Associated with DNA Gyrase Inhibitors in Escherichia coli. Antimicrobial Agents and Chemoth. V 53:200-206.
2. Walker, R.D. et al. Dec 1992. Pharmacokinetic Evaluation of Enrofloxacin Administered Orally to Healthy Dogs. Am. J. Res. V 53(12):2315-2319.

Bayer HealthCare LLC
Animal Health Division

Shawnee Mission, Kansas 66201 U.S.A.

©2004 Bayer HealthCare LLC                            October, 2004