Orbifloxacin

What is orbifloxacin

A broad-spectrum antibiotic veterinary drug, orbifloxacin belongs to a class known as fluoroquinolones along with drugs like ciprofloxacin, enrofloxacin, and marbofloxacin.Being a bactericide, it works against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria (including Enterobacter aggloerans, Staphylococcus intermedius, and Pasteurella multtocida). Orbifloxacin is prescribed for treating skin, urinary tract (UTI), and respiratory infections, as well as infected wounds ^{[4, 8, 9]} in both dogs and cats.

Quick Information
Orbifloxacin	Generic Name: Orbifloxacin Brand Name: Orbax Type: Broad-spectrum antibiotic Who can take it: Dogs, cats FDA Approved: Yes [2] Availability: Prescription only Available forms: Tablets, oral suspension Cost: $1.92/22.7 mg

How does it work

The antibiotic simply inhibits the synthesis of DNA in the bacteria, thus killing it ^[3].

Dosage: How much to give

It is not recommended to give this medication to your pet without first consulting with the veterinarian. The dose usually prescribed is 1.25-3.25 mg/lb (2.5-7.5 mg/kg) per day, given orally. How long the course will last depends on the condition for which orbifloxacin is being given, and how the pet reacts to the medicine.

The medication should not be discontinued as soon as you start seeing improvements because not completing a full course can make the infection recur, and also become resistant to orbifloxacin ^{[4, 2]}.

What to do in case of a missed dose

If you forget giving a dose, give it as soon as you remember. But if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the one you have missed, and carry on with the regular dosing schedule. It is never recommended to give two doses at once.

Side effects

Although rare, some of the side effects that can occur from higher doses of orbifloxacin are ^[2]:

• Allergic reactions like swollen face and anaphylaxis
• Depression (your pet sleeping a lot and acting lethargic)
• Vomiting
• Lack of appetite (your pet eating a little, or not at all)
• Diarrhea

In some cases, seizures (your pet jerking, stiffening, twitching, drooling a lot, and collapsing) and lack of coordination have been reported as well.

Orbifloxacin has been known to cause blindness in cats. In some cases, the condition subsided after some time, but in others, the blindness was permanent ^[9]. So, your pet should be monitored properly both by you and vet.

Signs of overdose

Discolored feces, vomiting, excess salivation, weight loss, reduced food intake and dilated pupils are some of the symptoms that might suggest an overdose. Stop giving the medicine immediately and take your pet to the vet for a checkup. If the vet is not available you can call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center Helpline (1-888-426-4435) ^[1].

Contraindications: When not to give

Always communicate to the vet about whatever medication your pet might be on, or if it is allergic to anything. Orbifloxacin should not be given to ^[8]:

• Pets allergic to the quinolones
• Puppies (2-8 months old small and medium-sized, up to 18 months in larger ones) and kittens ^[9]

Administration of this medication in younger pets may result in the cartilages of their joints getting damaged ^[4].