Why has my veterinarian prescribed Difloxacin for my dog?
Difloxacin is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic with a broad spectrum of antimicrobial activity. This medication has been prescribed for your dog to treat a bacterial infection. It may be prescribed to treat wounds or abscesses and urinary tract infections.
How do I give Difloxacin to my dog ?
- Give this medication to your dog as directed by your veterinarian. READ THE LABEL CAREFULLY.
- Give this medication on an empty stomach, unless otherwise directed by your veterinarian.
- Ensure there is water available for your dog to drink.
- Give this medication for as long as prescribed by your veterinarian, even if it appears your dog is feeling better. This will help to ensure the infection is completely cleared up.
- DO NOT give tyour dog more medicine than directed.
- DO NOT give the medicine more often than directed.
- Try not to miss giving any doses.
- To avoid the possibility that the activity of difloxacin may be decreased, give this medication one hour before or two hours after any of the following: iron, aluminum, calcium, magnesium, zinc, sucralfate, antacid, multivitamins or dairy products.
What if I miss giving a dose?
Give the dose as soon as possible. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose, and continue with the regular schedule. Do not give the dog two doses at once.
How do I storeDifloxacin?
- Keep this medicine out of reach of children.
- Store tablets at room temperature. Store away from heat and direct sunlight. Do not expose to excessive heat.
- Do not store this medicine in the bathroom, near the kitchen sink or in other damp places. The medicine may break down if exposed to heat or moisture.
What are the potential side effects?
- Difloxacin tablets are generally well tolerated. Potential adverse effects may include vomiting, loss of appetite, diarrhea and anal irritation. If these symptoms persist and appear troublesome, contact your veterinarian.
- This medication should not be administered to young dogs since it may damage cartilage.
- Other side effects may occur. If you notice anything unusual, contact your veterinarian.
Are there any possible drug interactions?
- Make sure to tell your veterinarian what other medication(s) or supplements you are giving your dog.
- Quite often your veterinarian may prescribe two different medications, even if a drug interaction may occur. In this case, your veterinarian may vary the dose and/or monitor your pet more closely.
- The following drugs can potentially interact with difloxacin: antacids, sucralfate, multivitamins, iron, calcium, magnesium and zinc.
- Contact your veterinarian if your dog experiences any unusual reactions when different medications are given together.
REMEMBER! READ THE LABEL.
Based on material written by Rita Ozolins, B.Sc., Phm. and modified with permission from Lifelearn Inc.
© Copyright 2005 Lifelearn Inc.
