ORBIFLOXACIN
(For veterinary information only)
IMPORTANT NOTE: Please tell the veterinarian if your pet has ever had seizures.
As with all medications, it is extremely important that this medication be used ONLY for the pet for which it is prescribed.
BRAND NAME: ORBAX®
HOW THIS MEDICATION IS USED
Orbifloxacin is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic effective against certain gram positive and gram negative bacteria. This medication may be used in either dogs or cats to combat different types of infections, especially those involving Pseudomonas. Orbifloxacin is also active against Staphylococci, and thus is commonly used for infections of the skin. It has minimal activity against anaerobic bacteria (those which do not require oxygen).
It is especially rapidly and completely absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract which means that a lower dose of orbifloxacin can be given than related medications.
It will not cure illnesses caused by viruses.
SIDE EFFECTS
At approximately ten times the recommended dose, vomiting and diarrhea may be seen with this medication. At normal doses, this should not be seen. Dogs with Pseudomonas ear infections commonly require very high doses of orbifloxacin and nausea may indeed become a problem.
In immature dogs (less than 8 months of age) damage to joint cartilage can occur. This phenomenon is only seen in growing dogs and does not seem to be a problem in cats. It is preferable not to use this medication in puppies unless the severity of the infection present warrants it.
The use of enrofloxacin (a medication similar to orbifloxacin) can produce crystals in urine. These crystals may show up on a laboratory test thus it is important to be aware of this side effect. While this has not been reported with orbifloxacin, there is no reason to think that orbifloxacin cannot form crystals in urine as well.
The recently described problem with blindness in cats associated with higher doses of enrofloxacin has not been reported in orbifloxacin.
INTERACTIONS WITH OTHER DRUGS
Sucralfate (a medication used to treat stomach ulcers) may bind orbifloxacin and prevent it from entering the body. These medications should be given at least 2 hours apart if they are used together.
Theophylline (an airway dilator) blood levels may be higher than usual if this medication is used concurrently with orbifloxacin.
If orbifloxacin is used with oral cyclosporine (an immunosuppressive medication used for inflammatory bowel disease), the kidney damaging properties of cyclosporine may become worse.
Medications or supplements containing iron, zinc, magnesium or aluminum will bind orbifloxacin and prevent absorption into the body. Such medications should be separated from orbifloxacin by at least 2 hours.
CONCERNS AND CAUTIONS
Orbifloxacin tablets are coated to hide the drug's naturally bitter taste. If the tablets are crushed for some reason, the bitter taste is more readily apparent. Crushing tablets to put in an animal's food is unlikely to be an effective way to administer orbifloxacin. It is best given without food.
Pseudomonas infections are especially common in ears. In this location, especially high doses of orbifloxacin are commonly needed to clear this infection.
Orbifloxacin should be avoided in pregnant or nursing pets, and in immature dogs unless the severity of the infection warrants it.
Orbifloxacin may lower the seizure threshold (meaning that it can facilitate seizures). This is not a problem for normal animals but fluoroquinolones are best not used in animals with known seizure disorders.
Give this medicine exactly as your pet’s veterinarian prescribes. Do not give more or less or give it longer than prescribed. Do not stop giving this medication without your pet’s veterinarian’s approval, even if your pet feels better. If you stop giving it too soon, the infection may return.
Do not miss any doses. If you miss a dose, give it as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for the next scheduled dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and give the next one as directed. Do not give double doses. If you are not sure of what to do if you miss a dose, or if you miss more than one dose, contact your pet’s veterinarian.
Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
If you have any questions, please feel free to call us at 672-7800.