CONTRIBUTOR(S): Vetstream Ltd, Andrea Tarr,
Medication: Pradofloxacin
Medication: Pradofloxacin
Your dog has been prescribed the active ingredient pradofloxacin to treat a bacterial infection.
Key points:
• Antibiotic.
• Do not use in dogs <12 months of age (< 18 months for giant breed dogs).
• Do not use in dogs with persistent cartilage lesions.
• Do not use in dogs with neurological disease especially epilepsy.
• Do not use in pregnant or lactating dogs.
• Dosage: 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
- Pradofloxacin (Pra-doe-flox-a-sin).
Brand name
- Veraflox® (Europe & UK, US).
Class of medication
- Antibiotic.
- Antimicrobial.
- Fluoroquinolone.
Storage
- Store at <30°C (86°F) and in a dry environment.
Why has my dog been prescribed pradofloxacin?
Pradofloxacin is a broad-spectrum bactericidal antibiotic. It can be used for the treatment of:
- Wound infections caused by susceptible strains of the Staphylococcus intermedius group (including S. pseudintermedius).
- Superficial and deep pyoderma (skin infection) caused by susceptible strains of the Staphylococcus intermedius group (including S. pseudintermedius).
- Acute urinary tract infections caused by susceptible strains of Escherichia coli and the Staphylococcus intermedius group (including S. pseudintermedius).
- Severe periodontal disease (severe infections of the gingiva and periodontal tissues caused by susceptible strains of anaerobic organisms, eg Porphyromonas spp. and Prevotella spp).
How is the medication given?
Pradofloxacin is given by mouth as tablets (15 mg, 60 mg, 120 mg (EU, UK)).
Are there any side-effects or drug interactions?
Pradofloxacin can cause mild digestive tract disorders including vomiting rarely (in more than 1 but less than 10 animals in 1,000 animals treated). Increased production of saliva may occur following administration of the product and it may increase the sensitivity of the skin to sunlight.
The following drug interactions can occur with pradofloxacin:
- Antibiotics: combination with antibiotics such as chloramphenicol, macrolide antibiotics or tetracyclines may produce antagonistic effects.
- Anticoagulants: fluoroquinolones such as pradofloxacin may increase the anticoagulant effect of warfarin.
- Ciclosporin: concurrent use of oral cyclosporin with fluoroquinolones may cause transient elevations in creatinine and increase the risk of kidney damage.
- Theophylline: increases plasma theophylline levels (in humans) – monitor carefully.
- With NSAIDS: potential interactions could lead to seizures (in susceptible animals).
- Avoid the combined use of fluoroquinolones such as pradofloxacin with digoxin because of potentially increased absorption of digoxin.
- Should not be administered concurrently with antacids, sucralfate, multivitamins or dairy products, as absorption of pradofloxacin may be decreased.
How long will my dog need to receive this medication?
The duration of the treatment depends on the nature and severity of the infection and on the response to treatment. If no improvement after starting the treatment is observed within 3 days, or in cases of superficial pyoderma 7 days, and in cases of deep pyoderma 14 days, your veterinarian may reconsider the treatment.
Infections and usual duration of treatment
- Superficial pyoderma: 14-21 days
- Deep pyoderma: 14 -35 days
- Wound infections: 7 days
- Acute infections of the urinary tract: 7-21days
- Severe infections of the gingiva and periodontal tissues: 7 days.
How should I dispose of this medication if I don’t use it all?
Dispose of any unused pradofloxacin safely – don’t flush down the toilet or sink. Ask your veterinary team if they take back medication for disposal. Do not save pradofloxacin 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 dog 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?
Pradofloxacin should only be given to the dog that it has been prescribed for:
- Do not give to other pets in the household
- Do not use in dogs <12 months of age (< 18 months for giant breed dogs)
- Do not use in dogs with persistent cartilage lesions
- Do not use in dogs with neurological disease especially epilepsy
- Do not use in pregnant or lactating dogs
- If accidentally given to other pets, contact your veterinarian for advice.
If accidentally eaten by a human, speak to your primary care physician or poison control center.
Will my dog need to be monitored while on pradofloxacin?
No specific tests are required while your dog is taking pradofloxacin.
Further information
If you have any concerns, further information on pradofloxacin can be found on the package insert and the following website:
Europe & UK
- European Medicines Agency. Veraflox. Website: https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/product-information/veraflox-epar-product-information_en.pdf
Always follow the recommended dosage and contact your veterinary team or pharmacist if you have any questions regarding your dog’s medication.