Difloxacin
Also known as: Dicural
Difloxacin is an antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections. * **Administration:** It is best to give this medication on an empty stomach. However, if your dog vomits or acts sick after receiving it, you can give future doses with a small amount of food. * **Important Interactions:** Do **not** give this medication at the same time as dairy products (like cheese or yogurt), antacids, or supplements containing iron, zinc, or calcium. These can bind to the drug and prevent it from working. Space them out by at least 2 hours. * **Completion of Therapy:** Give the medication exactly as prescribed for the full length of time, even if your pet seems completely better. Stopping early can cause the infection to return and become harder to treat. * **Side Effects:** Contact your veterinarian if your pet experiences severe diarrhea, loss of appetite, facial swelling, or any unusual neurological signs (like tremors or seizures).
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
What it is used for
- Susceptible infections (MIC ≤ 0.25 micrograms/mL)
- Susceptible infections
How it is given
Possible side effects
- Anorexia
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Cartilage abnormalities (arthropathies) in growing animals
- CNS stimulation or seizures (rare)
- Facial erythema and edema (at high doses)
- Weight loss (at high doses)
Cautions & contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to difloxacin or other quinolones
- Immature dogs during the rapid growth phase (2-8 months in small/medium breeds; up to 18 months in large/giant breeds)
- Cats (relative contraindication due to nausea/vomiting and unknown ophthalmic/retinal safety)
- Food-producing animals (extra-label use prohibited by federal law)
- Use with caution in animals with known or suspected CNS disorders (e.g., seizure disorders), as fluoroquinolones have rarely been associated with CNS stimulation and seizures. Use with caution in patients with hepatic insufficiency, renal insufficiency, or dehydration. Safety in breeding or pregnant dogs has not been established.
Drug interactions
- Antacids (Mg++, Al+++, Ca++): May bind to difloxacin and prevent its absorption; separate doses by at least 2 hours.
- Dairy Products: Calcium content may decrease absorption; separate doses by at least 2 hours.
- Aminoglycosides, 3rd-gen Cephalosporins, Extended-spectrum Penicillins: Unpredictable synergism may occur against some bacteria, particularly Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
- Cyclosporine: May exacerbate nephrotoxicity and reduce the metabolism of systemic cyclosporine.
- Glyburide: Severe hypoglycemia is possible.
- Iron and Zinc supplements: Decreased difloxacin absorption; separate doses by at least 2 hours.
- Methotrexate: Increased methotrexate levels possible, resulting in toxicity.
- Nitrofurantoin: May antagonize the antimicrobial activity of fluoroquinolones; concomitant use is not recommended.
- Phenytoin: Difloxacin may alter phenytoin blood levels.
- Probenecid: May block tubular secretion and increase the blood level and half-life of difloxacin.
Frequently asked questions
What is Difloxacin used for in pets?
Difloxacin is an antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections. * **Administration:** It is best to give this medication on an empty stomach. However, if your dog vomits or acts sick after receiving it, you can give future doses with a small amount of food. * **Important Interactions:** Do **not** give this medication at the same time as dairy products (like cheese or yogurt), antacids, or supplements containing iron, zinc, or calcium. These can bind to the drug and prevent it from working. Space them out by at least 2 hours. * **Completion of Therapy:** Give the medication exactly as prescribed for the full length of time, even if your pet seems completely better. Stopping early can cause the infection to return and become harder to treat. * **Side Effects:** Contact your veterinarian if your pet experiences severe diarrhea, loss of appetite, facial swelling, or any unusual neurological signs (like tremors or seizures).
Is Difloxacin safe for my pet?
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If your pet is unwell, please consult a veterinarian.
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