Enrofloxacin Otic, also known as Baytril Otic®, is a broad-spectrum antibiotic used to treat ear infections in dogs caused by susceptible bacteria.
Enrofloxacin belongs to a general class of antibiotics known as fluoroquinolones. Other related drugs in this class include ciprofloxacin. Enrofloxacin is a common oral and injectable antibiotic but also comes in this formulation made for ear infections.
Enrofloxacin is thought to inhibit the synthesis of DNA within the bacteria, resulting in bacterial death.
This drug is most often thought of as an oral tablet but, recently, a preparation of enrofloxacin combined with silver sulfadiazine has become available specifically for the ear.
Enrofloxacin is a prescription drug and can only be obtained from a veterinarian or by prescription from a veterinarian.
Enrofloxacin otic is used to treat otitis externa caused by bacteria, fungi and yeast. While enrofloxacin is highly effective, some bacteria are resistant to its effects.
Precautions and Side Effects
While generally safe and effective when prescribed by a veterinarian, enrofloxacin can cause side effects in some animals.
Enrofloxacin should not be used in animals with known hypersensitivity or allergy to the drug.
The drug should be avoided in animal with known allergy to the fluoroquinolone class of drugs.
Enrofloxacin otic should be administered cautiously in the presence of a ruptured ear drum.
Enrofloxacin may interact with other medications. Consult with your veterinarian to determine if other drugs your pet is receiving could interact with enrofloxacin. Such drugs include antacid medications, iron supplements and some stomach protectants.
Very rarely, enrofloxacin otic has precipitated some behavior changes in animals or seizures.
Young animals treated with enrofloxacin otic may develop damage to the cartilage of their joints. Swollen joints and lameness are clinical signs that may be observed.
Enrofloxacin otic should not be administered to puppies. Those between the ages of four and 28 weeks are the most susceptible to joint and cartilage abnormalities.
How Enrofloxacin Otic Is Supplied
Enrofloxacin otic is available in 15 ml and 30 ml bottles.
Dosing Information of Enrofloxacin Otic for Dogs
Medication should never be administered without first consulting your veterinarian.
The typical dose administered to dogs weighing less than 35 pounds is 5 to 10 drops per ear twice daily for up to 14 days.
The typical dose administered to dogs weighing over 35 pounds is 10 to 15 drops per ear twice daily for up to 14 days.
Duration of administration will depend on the severity of the infection treated.
The duration of administration depends on the condition being treated, response to the medication and the development of any adverse effects. Be certain to complete the prescription unless specifically directed by your veterinarian. Even if your pet feels better, the entire treatment plan should be completed to prevent relapse or prevent the development of resistance.
