Brand name: Cipro

Brands: Cetraxal, Cipro XR, Otiprio, Ciloxan, and Cipro in D5W

Available in: 

•   Immediate-release tablets: 100 mg, 250 mg, 500 mg, 750 mg
•   Extended-release tablets: 500 mg, 1000 mg
•   Oral suspension: 250 mg per 5 mL, 500 mg per 5 mL
•   Injection: Various
•   Ophthalmic drops: 0.3%
•   Otic drops: 0.2%

Overview

Ciprofloxacin is a fluoroquinolone antibacterial (broad spectrum, systemic antibacterial agent) approved in humans for the treatment of susceptible bacterial infections.

Fluoroquinolone antibacterials are synthetic. They were created because many bacteria have developed resistance to older antimicrobials.

How Do Fluoroquinolones Work?

Fluoroquinolones work by damaging bacterial DNA and can reach most infection sites. Vulnerable bacteria die quickly, and fluoroquinolones are excellent choices for many infections. However, when bacteria develop resistance to other antibiotics or fluoroquinolones, that resistance will prevent many other drugs from working.

How This Drug Is Used

Ciprofloxacin is available as an injection, immediate- or extended-release tablet, oral suspension, or ophthalmic. It is also available as a generic product that does not have a brand name. Ciprofloxacin may be compounded into a preparation that is specific to your pet. None of these products are approved for use in animals but are used “off-label.” Other fluoroquinolones have been approved for use in animals. Enrofloxacin is an example. It is very similar to ciprofloxacin. Because ciprofloxacin is very important in human health, your veterinarian may want to use a drug approved for use in animals.

The injectable form is safely administered in a veterinary hospital. 

For the oral formulation, read and follow the prescription label carefully. Give this medication for as long as your veterinarian directs. Do not skip doses or stop giving the medication without consulting your veterinarian. Finish the entire course of treatment. If a dose is missed, give it as soon as you remember. If it is time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume the normal schedule. 

Ciprofloxacin is not well absorbed in dogs. Fluoroquinolones work best if a large amount of the drug reaches the bacteria all at once. If used in dogs, the dose must be very high. Usually, the dose only needs to be given every 24 hours. However, for difficult infections, the drug may need to be given every 12 hours. It is not absorbed in cats. 

Discuss with your veterinarian if this medication is to be given with food. If your pet experiences digestive upset after taking the medication, try offering a small amount of food. However, food can decrease the amount of drug that is absorbed.

This drug is best used only if the cause of your pet’s bacterial infection is known. Your veterinarian may want to collect a sample from the infection in your pet for a culture and susceptibility report. This report will help decide if this drug will work against the bacteria causing the infection.

Ciprofloxacin should not be used if the bacteria causing the infection have resistance to any fluorinated quinolone.

Any drug used to treat infections will only work well if properly dosed. Your pet must receive the total dose prescribed of ciprofloxacin prescribed by your veterinarian.

Interactions With Other Drugs

Antacids and other drugs containing high amounts of calcium, aluminum, magnesium, or iron will decrease the absorption of this drug.

Safety In Pregnant and Nursing Animals

No risks to the fetus have been seen, although drug transfer through the placenta occurs. Discuss this concern with your veterinarian.

Potential Side Effects

• nausea
• decreased appetite
• vomiting and diarrhea
• pain at the injection site

Although rare, allergic reactions can occur. If your pet shows signs of irregular breathing, rash, fever, swelling, or anything else unusual, stop the medication and contact your veterinarian immediately.

In immature dogs (less than eight months of age), damage to developing joint cartilage can occur. This is rare and only seen in growing dogs. It is better not to use this medication in puppies unless the severity of the infection warrants it.

Storage

Ciprofloxacin tablets should be stored in a cool, dry place in the original packaging or bottle. Keep away from heat and sunlight.

Concerns and Cautions

This drug may not be as effective if:

• used with antacids
• used with iron or blood-building supplements
• used with sucralfate
• used with milk or any milk product
• if the patient was recently treated with any antimicrobial drug
• if the bacteria causing the infection have resistance to any fluorinated quinolone

Tell your veterinarian about any other medication your pet is receiving. This includes drugs or supplements.

Do not use this drug with:

• cimetidine
• cyclosporine
• theophylline

Reach out to your veterinarian if your pet experiences severe vomiting or diarrhea.

Other Considerations

• The use of this drug increases the chance of making bacteria resistant.
• People with allergies to this drug should not handle it since allergic reactions could occur from contact.
• Notify your veterinarian of any changes and if your pet’s condition improves or worsens on this medication.
• Only use this medication for the pet and the purpose for which it was prescribed.