What is pradofloxacin?
Pradofloxacin (brand name Veraflox®) is an antimicrobial medication used to treat bacterial infections. It is used to treat skin, urinary tract, and respiratory tract infections in cats. Pradofloxacin is approved for use in dogs in certain countries (not approved for use in dogs in the United States).
It may be used “off label” or “extra label” to treat other types of infections in cats and some types of infections in dogs. Many drugs are commonly prescribed for off-label use in veterinary medicine. In these instances, follow your veterinarian’s directions and cautions very carefully.
How do I give my pet pradofloxacin?
Pradofloxacin comes in oral liquid and tablet forms (tablets not available in the United States).
- Give on an empty stomach. If your pet vomits or acts sick after getting it on an empty stomach, give with food or small treat (no dairy products, antacids, or iron) to see if this helps. If vomiting continues, contact your veterinarian.
- Measure liquid forms of this medication carefully using the syringe provided to ensure accuracy of dosing to the nearest 0.1 mL. Shake liquid medication well before each use.
- Give this medication to your pet for the entire time prescribed by your veterinarian, even if it appears that your pet is feeling better.
What if I miss giving my pet the medication?
Give the missed dose as soon as you remember and then continue with the regular dosing schedule. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with the regular schedule. Do not give the pet two doses at once.
Are there any potential side effects from pradofloxacin?
Pradofloxacin may cause the following side effects:
- gastrointestinal upset (vomiting, diarrhea)
- reduced appetite
The following reactions are rare; if they occur, contact your veterinarian immediately:
- an allergic reaction such as irregular breathing, rash, fever, puffiness and swelling around the face
- signs of bone marrow suppression (bleeding, bruising, lethargy)
- lack of appetite, especially in cats
Drug sensitivities can develop over time with repeated exposure. Your pet may have no reaction after the first few doses, but may develop a sensitivity later. It is important to watch for signs of an allergic reaction over the entire course of treatment.
Other side effects may occur. If you notice anything unusual, contact your veterinarian immediately. This short-acting medication should stop working within 24 hours.
Are there any risk factors for this medication?
This medication should be AVOIDED in:
- animals who are allergic to it or other fluoroquinolone drugs (e.g., enrofloxacin)
- kittens less than 6 weeks old
- young dogs (less than 8 months old for small or medium sized breeds and less than 18 months old for larger breeds)
- animals who are pregnant, unless the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the offspring.
Use this medication with CAUTION in animals:
- with kidney or liver disease
- with a history of epilepsy or seizures
- that are dehydrated
Are there any drug interactions I should be aware of?
Certain medications should be USED WITH CAUTION when given with pradofloxacin, including:
- antacids containing aluminum, calcium, or magnesium
- digoxin
- nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- corticosteroids (e.g., dexamethasone, prednisone)
- retinoid acids
- cimetidine
- cyclosporine
- dairy products
- glyburide
- sevelamer
- sucralfate
- theophylline
- QT prolonging agents (e.g., cisapride, erythromycin, ondansetron)
- oral iron or zinc
Be sure to tell your veterinarian about any medications (including vitamins, supplements, or herbal therapies) that your pet is taking before starting any new treatment.
Is any monitoring needed with this medication?
Your veterinarian may schedule a follow-up visit after the course of medication is complete to ensure the infection has been cleared and/or do additional testing (e.g., white blood cell count) to ensure this is the right medication for the type of infection present. In this case, follow your veterinarian’s directions.
How do I store pradofloxacin?
- Store the medication in its original container, protected from light, at room temperature.
- Follow label instructions for expiration time after opening.
- Keep medication out of reach of children and pets.
What should I do in case of emergency?
If you suspect an overdose or an adverse reaction to the medication, call your veterinary office immediately. If they are not available, follow their directions in contacting an emergency facility.
