Baytril

Baytril is an antibacterial chewable tablet for dogs and cats. This medication is formulated for the management of diseases associated with certain bacteria including those causing skin, urinary and respiratory tract infections. Baytril kills a wide-range of disease-causing bacteria directly at the sight of infection and has been used for this purpose for over 20 years.

For: Cats and Dogs

Benefits

• Treats bacterial infections
• Chewable tablets are flavored so your pet will enjoy eating them
• Sold individually (per tablet)

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.

View Baytril Drug Facts Sheet.

All tablet sizes are double scored for accurate dosing.

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 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.

All tablet sizes are double scored for accurate dosing.

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 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 toxicology was used to establish the upper limit of the dose range for dogs and treatment duration for dogs and cats.

INDICATIONS: Baytril® (brand of enrofloxacin) Antibacterial Tablets are indicated for the management of diseases associated with bacteria susceptible to enrofloxacin. Baytril Antibacterial Tablets are indicated for use in dogs and cats.

EFFICACY CONFIRMATION:

Dogs: Clinical efficacy was established in dermal infections (wounds and abscesses) associated with susceptible strains of Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumonia, Proteus mirabilis, and Staphylococcus intermedius; respiratory infections (pneumonia, tonsillitis, rhinitis) associated with susceptible strains of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus; and urinary cystitis associated with susceptible strains of Escherichia coli, Proteus mirabilis, and Staphylococcus aureus.

Palatbility: Free choice palatability Baytril® Taste Tabs® was confirmed in a study in which 350 individual dosings resulted in a voluntary ingestion rate of 73%.

Cats: Clinical efficacy was established in dermal infections (wounds and abscesses) associated with susceptible strains of Pasteurella multocida, Staphylococcus aureus, and Staphylococcus epidermidis.

CONTRAINDICATIONS: Enrofloxacin is contraindicated in dogs and cats known to be hypersensitive to quinolones.

Dogs: Based on the studies discussed under the section on Animal Safety Summary, the use of enrofloxacin is contraindicated in small and medium breeds of dogs during the rapid growth phase (between 2 and 8 months of age). The safe use of enrofloxacin has not been established in large and giant breeds during the rapid growth phase. Large breeds may be in this phase for up to one year of age and the giant breeds for up to 18 months. In clinical field trials utilizing a daily oral dose of 5.0 mg/kg, there were no reports of lameness or joint problems in any breed. However, controlled studies with a histological examination of the articular cartilage have not been conducted in the large or giant breeds.

ADVERSE REACTIONS:

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 cased 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 reaction are listed in decreasing order of frequency by body system.

Gastrointestinal:
• anorexia
• diarrheas
• vomiting
• elevated liver enzymes

Neurologic:
• ataxia
• seixures

Behavioral:
• depression
• lethargy
• vocalization
• aggression

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Compounds that contain metal cations (e.g., aluminum, calcium, iron, magnesium) may reduce the absorption of some Quinolone-class drugs from the intestinal tract. Concomitant therapy with other drugs that are metabolized in the liver may reduce the clearance rates of the quinolone and the other drug.

Dogs: Enrofloxacin has been administered to dogs at a daily dosage rate of 10 mg/kg concurrently with a wide variety of other health products including anthelmintics (praziquantel, febantel, sodium disophenol), insecticides (genthion, pyrethrins), heartworm preventatives (diethylcarbamazine) and other antibiotics (ampicillin, gentamicin sulfate, penicillin, dihydrostreptomycin). No incompatibilities with other drugs are known at this time.

Cats: Enrofloxacin was administered at a daily dosage rate 5 mg/kg concurrently with anthelmintics (praziquantel, febantel), an insecticide (propoxur) and another antibacterial (ampicillin). No incompatibilities with other drugs are known at this time.

WARNINGS: For use in animals only. In rare instances, the use of this product in cats has been associated with Retinal Toxicity. Do not exceed 5 mg/kg 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.

What results can I expect? Baytril is absorbed from the intestinal tract and is carried by the bloodstream to many tissues of the body where it kills susceptible bacteria. To be effective, Baytril must be given multiple days in a row. If doses are missed, or the entire treatment regimen is not completed, the infection could recur or worsen. Consult your veterinarian if the animal's condition does not improve or worsens after beginning treatment with Baytril.

What should I discuss with my veterinarian while considering Baytril? Talk to your veterinarian about what tests and exams may be necessary while your pet is taking Baytril. Also, discuss how long the treatment period will be and what type of outcome is expected.

Tell your veterinarian if your pet has a history of seizures, may be pregnant or is nursing, or if you intend to breed your pet.

Notify your veterinarian of any other medications or supplements your pet is taking, and also if your pet has had any reactions to previous medications.

What should I do if I miss a dose? If you miss a dose, give it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to the regular schedule. Do not give two doses at once.

What is the most important information I should know? Follow your veterinarian's directions and give the full course of Baytril as prescribed. Consult your veterinarian if the animal's condition does not improve or worsens after beginning treatment with Baytril. Do NOT use in rapidly growing dogs unless under the supervision of a veterinarian. Do not use above the recommended dose in cats.

Who should not take it? Not for use in animals hypersensitive (allergic) to Baytril or similar drugs such as ciprofloxacin (Cipro®).

Use with caution in animals with central nervous system (CNS) disorders, such as epilepsy, as it could cause seizures. Use with caution in pets with liver or kidney disease.

May cause problems in the development of bones/joints of young growing animals, including large breeds of dogs under 18 months of age. Only use in growing animals if under the supervision of a veterinarian.

Do not use in breeding animals or pregnant or lactating dogs (female dogs nursing their young) unless the benefits outweigh the risks. The safety of Baytril in breeding or pregnant cats has not been determined.

Do not use above the recommended dose in cats.

In pets taking enrofloxacin, dehydration increases the risk of seizures and crystals developing in the urine. Make sure your pet has access to clean drinking water while taking this medication. This medication should only be given to the pet for which it was prescribed.

What side effects may be seen when taking Baytril? You may see a lack of appetite and vomiting. Central nervous system (CNS) disorders, such as seizures or dizziness could potentially occur but are rare. May also see depression, dizziness, nervousness, or other behavior changes. If you observe any of these signs, contact your veterinarian.

In cats, you may rarely see changes in vision or dilated pupils. If you notice these signs, contact your veterinarian immediately.

If your pet experiences an allergic reaction to the medication, signs may include facial swelling, hives, scratching, sudden onset of diarrhea, vomiting, shock, seizures, pale gums, cold limbs, or coma. If you observe any of these signs, contact your veterinarian immediately.

What should I do if I know of or suspect there has been an overdose? May see lack of appetite, vomiting, dizziness, or seizures. In cats, you may see vision loss. If you know or suspect your pet has had an overdose, or if you observe any of these signs in your pet, contact your veterinarian immediately.

What should I avoid when giving my pet Baytril? Consult your veterinarian before using Baytril with any other medications, including vitamins and supplements, antacids, other antibiotics, sucralfate, warfarin, phenytoin, oral cyclosporine, theophylline, or probenecid, since interactions may occur.

Do not use within 2 hours of giving antacids, sucralfate, or iron, aluminum, calcium, or dairy products, as absorption will be decreased.