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CONTRIBUTOR(S): Vetstream Ltd, Andrea Tarr, Fear Free,

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Medication: Ciprofloxacin

Medication: Ciprofloxacin

Your cat has been prescribed the active ingredient ciprofloxacin to treat a bacterial infection.

Key points:
• Antibiotic.
• Do not use by mouth or injection in cats  < 6 weeks of age.
• Dosage: once daily.

This information sheet is designed to help answer commonly asked questions and help you give the medication safely and effectively to your pet. It does not contain all available information for this medication. If you have other questions or need more information, contact your veterinarian or pharmacist.Always follow the dosing instructions provided by your veterinarian. 

Name, Brand names, Class of medication and Storage

Name
  • Ciprofloxacin (Sip-roe-flox-a-sin).
Brand name
  • There are no officially authorized veterinary formulations of ciprofloxacin. When the drug is used in animals, human authorized brands are used.
  • Ciloxan® (Europe & UK).
  • Ciproxin® (Europe & UK).
  • Cipro® (US).
Class of drug
  • Fluoroquinolone antibiotic.
Storage
  • Store tablets in a tight container at room temperature (less than 86°F (30°C)) and protect from light.

Why has my cat been prescribed ciprofloxacin?

Your veterinarian has prescribed ciprofloxacin to treat a urinary tract, skin or eye infection caused by the following bacteria:

  • Staphylococcus spp
  • Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Ciprofloxacin is also sometimes used to treat infections caused by other types of bacteria.

How is the medication given?

Ciprofloxacin can be given by mouth, as tablets or as a suspension. Ciprofloxacin is not commonly used by mouth in cats – a similar antibiotic enrofloxacin is more commonly used. The tablets or suspension are most effective if given on an empty stomach (within 30 minutes before, or 2 hours after a meal).

The antibiotic can also be given as an injection or, for eye infections, as eye ointment or eye drops. For eye infections, one drop can be applied to the affected eye every 6 hours. Sometimes the veterinarian will prescribe one drop every 15 minutes for the first four doses (a loading dose), which helps to achieve effective levels of antibiotic more quickly. For some eye infections, intensive therapy using one drop every 30-120 minutes may be prescribed for 1-2 days.

Are there any side-effects or drug interactions?

When used as an eye drop, ciprofloxacin may cause local irritation after application. When used by mouth or injection, it may cause cartilage abnormalities in young and growing dogs.

Do not give calcium, iron, or aluminum (including sucralfate) at the same time a ciprofloxacin tablets or suspension because these can reduce the amount of ciprofloxacin absorbed.

How long will my cat need to receive this medication?

Ciprofloxacin will start working in about 1-2 hours after it is administered, and your cat should feel better in about 2 days. Always finish the course of medication as prescribed by your veterinarian even if your cat appears to be feeling better.

How should I dispose of this medication if I don’t use it all?

Dispose of any unused ciprofloxacin safely – don’t flush down the toilet or sink. Ask your veterinary team if they take back medication for disposal. Do not save ciprofloxacin for future use or give to other pets.

What if I miss a dose or give an extra dose?

If you miss a dose, give the dose as soon as possible but do not double up a dose. Make sure the dose given doesn’t exceed the total recommended amount in any 24-hour period.

My cat is unwell, should I still give the drug?

If your pet is unwell, contact your veterinarian for advice.

What should I do if this medication is accidentally given to another pet or taken by a human?

Ciprofloxacin should only be given to the cat that it has been prescribed for:

  • Do not give to other pets in the household
  • Do not use in cats <6 weeks of age
  • Do not use in cats with persistent cartilage lesions
  • Do not use in cats with a history of seizures
  • Do not use in cats with severe kidney or liver disease
  • Do not use in pregnant or lactating cats
  • If accidentally given to other pets, contact your veterinarian for advice
  • Your veterinarian may judge that some of the cautions above may not apply if the antibiotic is used as an eye drop.

If accidentally eaten by a human, speak to your primary care physician or poison control center.

Will my cat need to be monitored while on ciprofloxacin?

No specific tests are required while your cat is taking ciprofloxacin.

Further information

If you have any concerns, further information on ciprofloxacin can be found on the package insert and the following websites:

Europe & UK

USA

Always follow the recommended dosage and contact your veterinary team or pharmacist if you have any questions regarding your cat’s medication.

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