Orbifloxacin
Also known as: Orbax, Posatex
- **Administration:** Give this medication exactly as prescribed by your veterinarian. Do not stop giving it early, even if your pet seems to feel better, to prevent antibiotic-resistant infections. - **Food Interactions:** Do not give this medication at the same time as dairy products (like cheese or milk), antacids, or supplements containing calcium, iron, or zinc. These can block the drug from being absorbed. Separate these by at least 2 hours. - **Side Effects:** The most common side effects are vomiting, diarrhea, or loss of appetite. Contact your vet if these become severe. > **Important Note for Cat Owners:** Rarely, this class of drugs can cause vision problems in cats. If you notice your cat's pupils are unusually large or they seem to have trouble seeing, stop the medication and contact your veterinarian immediately.
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
- Skin infections (wounds and abscesses)
- Skin and other soft tissue infections
- Susceptible infections
- Susceptible infections
- Susceptible infections
- Urinary tract infections (cystitis) and skin/soft tissue infections (wounds and abscesses)
- Bacterial cystitis
- Skin and other soft tissue infections
- Otitis
How it is given
Possible side effects
- Anorexia
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Arthropathies (cartilage damage) in immature, growing animals
- Potential retinal toxicity/blindness in cats (rare, but reported with higher doses of fluoroquinolones)
- CNS stimulation (rare)
- Cartilage abnormalities in growing animals
- CNS adverse effects (potentiated by NSAIDs)
- Retinal blindness in cats (dose-dependent)
Cautions & contraindications
- Immature dogs during the rapid growth phase (2-8 months in small/medium breeds; up to 18 months in large/giant breeds)
- Known hypersensitivity to orbifloxacin or other quinolones
- Giant-breed dogs <18 months old
- Large breeds <12 months old
- Small and medium-sized breeds <8 months old
- Pregnant or lactating bitches
- Animals intended for breeding
- Animals <4 months of age (otic preparation)
- Animals with a ruptured tympanum (otic preparation)
- Use with caution in animals with known or suspected CNS disorders (e.g., seizure disorders) as fluoroquinolones have rarely been associated with CNS stimulation. Safety in breeding or pregnant dogs and cats has not been established. Use higher dosages carefully in cats due to the potential risk of retinal toxicity.
Drug interactions
- Antacids / Dairy Products: Cations (Mg++, Al+++, Ca++) bind to orbifloxacin and prevent its absorption; separate doses by at least 2 hours.
- Other Antibiotics (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.
- Flunixin: May increase the AUC and elimination half-life of fluoroquinolones.
- Glyburide: Severe hypoglycemia is possible.
- Iron, Zinc (oral): Decreased orbifloxacin 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: May alter phenytoin levels.
- Probenecid: Blocks tubular secretion, potentially increasing blood levels and half-life of orbifloxacin.
Frequently asked questions
What is Orbifloxacin used for in pets?
- **Administration:** Give this medication exactly as prescribed by your veterinarian. Do not stop giving it early, even if your pet seems to feel better, to prevent antibiotic-resistant infections. - **Food Interactions:** Do not give this medication at the same time as dairy products (like cheese or milk), antacids, or supplements containing calcium, iron, or zinc. These can block the drug from being absorbed. Separate these by at least 2 hours. - **Side Effects:** The most common side effects are vomiting, diarrhea, or loss of appetite. Contact your vet if these become severe. > **Important Note for Cat Owners:** Rarely, this class of drugs can cause vision problems in cats. If you notice your cat's pupils are unusually large or they seem to have trouble seeing, stop the medication and contact your veterinarian immediately.
Is Orbifloxacin 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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