Difloxacin
Difloxacin is used in veterinary medicine for susceptible bacterial skin, wound and respiratory infections.
Group
Fluoroquinolone antibacterial
Mechanism of Action
Inhibits bacterial DNA gyrase.
Dose Rates
Dog
| Use / stage | Dose | Route | Schedule | Instructions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bacterial infection | 5–10 mg/kg | PO | Every 24 h | Do not use in: Growing animals |
Horse
| Use / stage | Dose | Route | Schedule | Instructions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bacterial infection | 5 mg/kg | PO | Every 24 h | Do not use in: Growing animals; Low oral exposure; susceptibility-dependent. |
| Susceptible bacterial infection | 7.5 mg/kg | PO | Every 24 h | Non-fasted animals; studied for organisms with MIC ≤0.25 mcg/mL. Clinical safety and efficacy evidence is limited. |
Indications
- Susceptible bacterial skin, wound and respiratory infections
Contraindications
- Avoid in growing animals
- Feline safety and dosing are not established.
Interactions
- Cations and sucralfate reduce absorption.
- May raise theophylline concentrations.
Adverse effects
- Gastrointestinal upset
- CNS toxicity and cartilage injury
Preparations
| Preparation | Form | Strength | Route |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dicural source-described tablet 11.4 mg | Tablet | 11.4 mg / tablet | PO |
| Dicural source-described tablet 45.4 mg | Tablet | 45.4 mg / tablet | PO |
| Dicural source-described tablet 136 mg | Tablet | 136 mg / tablet | PO |
Monitoring and Administration
Use susceptibility results; activity against Pseudomonas is weaker and urine exposure can be limited.
Equine oral use is restricted by low exposure; the source suggests organisms with MIC below 0.12 mcg/mL.
Current availability of historical Dicural presentations is not established.