CiprofloxacinDose, contraindications and adverse effects for Cats, Dogs, Horses and Poultry.

Fluoroquinolone antibiotic; bactericidal via inhibition of bacterial DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV. Ciprofloxacin is a broad-spectrum antibiotic with good gram-negative coverage. Because of its similar spectrum of activity, ciprofloxacin could be used as an alternative to enrofloxacin when an IV product is desired. It is important to note that ciprofloxacin and enrofloxacin cannot be considered equivalent because of pharmacokinetic differences (see Pharmacokinetics). Because of ciproflox

Ciprofloxacin is a bactericidal and concentration-dependent antibiotic, with susceptible bacteria cell death occurring within 20 to 30 minutes of exposure. Ciprofloxacin has demonstrated a significant postantibiotic effect in both gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria and is active in both the stationary and growth phases of bacterial replication.

There are potential concerns for cartilage damage in growing animals, although the incidence and highest risk periods are poorly defined. Bubble-like changes in articular cartilage have been noted when the drug was given at 2 to 5 times the recommended doses for 30 days, although clinical signs have only been reported at 5 times the recommended dose. The need for fluoroquinolones must be balanced with the potential risk in dogs younger than 8 months of age.

Potential adverse effects include cartilage abnormalities in young, growing animals (see Contraindications/Precautions/Warnings); GI distress (eg, vomiting, anorexia, esophagitis, diarrhea); crystalluria/urolithiasis (dogs); CNS stimulation; and hypersensitivity reactions (dogs). In a pharmacokinetic study in healthy mares,9 IV ciprofloxacin caused agitation, excitement, and muscle fasciculation, and all horses experienced diarrhea.

■ Clinical efficacy ■ Adverse effects