Home

>

Dog

>

Health & Wellbeing

>

Orbifloxacin

Orbifloxacin: Uses for Pets, Dosage and More 

Updated on February 03, 2023
Reviewer Profile Photo
Reviewed by Dr. Jennifer Coates
DVM

How it works | What it treats | Administering to pets | Side effects | Risk factors | Drug interactions

Cat at veterinarian

When a pet gets a bacterial infection, antibiotics are often critical to recovery. Orbifloxacin—often sold under the brand Orbax—is a commonly prescribed antibiotic for dogs and cats. It can also be used to treat rabbits, birds and other pets.  

Pet parents can’t buy orbifloxacin over the counter. Your veterinarian will need to diagnose your pet’s infection and prescribe the drug with specific dosage instructions. Once you have a prescription in hand, you can order it from a variety of places, including our Petco pharmacy fulfilled by Vetsource. Read on to learn how Orbax works, what it fights and when it may not be the best option for your pet. If you don’t have a regular vet, check out our comprehensive veterinary services. 

How orbifloxacin works  

This medication is considered a broad-spectrum antibacterial agent, which means it can be used to treat different kinds of bacterial infections. Orbax for cats and dogs works by inhibiting bacterial DNA gyrase enzymes, which leads to bacterial death. Orbax can also stop bacterial RNA from replicating, delivering a double dose of stopping power.  

When orbifloxacin is administered orally, nearly 100% of the medication is absorbed into the body. It begins working quickly—in as little as one hour. The half-life of Orbax for companion animals is about five and a half hours—this means about half of the dose has left their body within five and a half hours. You should see a gradual improvement, but your pet may not fully recover for several days or weeks depending on the type of infection.  

What orbifloxacin treats 

Although this medication can treat many infections, it is prescribed more commonly for some infections than others. The drug is often used in cats to fight skin infections caused by wounds and abscesses. Orbax for dogs is usually administered for soft tissue and urinary tract infections. When the drug is used to treat skin issues, your vet may also recommend other dog grooming supplies to help keep the area clean. The drug is specifically indicated for infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Pasteurella multocida.

Secondary uses for Orbax include treating kidney infections, respiratory infections and prostate issues. When pets take antibiotics, their gut bacteria are affected—even the good bacteria. Talk to your vet about whether cat and dog supplements like probiotics can help. 

How do I administer Orbifloxacin to my pet? 

Orbax antibiotic medication is administered orally in tablet form or as a liquid solution. It is typically recommended that you give pills without food. However, if your pet throws up after getting their medication, you can begin administering the tablets with a small amount of food. The recommended dose will depend on your pet’s size and the infection being treated. This medication should not be given with dairy products or foods or medications containing aluminum, calcium or iron. 

Your vet will determine the correct dosage for your pet. Per the manufacturer, the general recommendation is 1.1 to 3.4 mg per pound of body weight once per day for dogs and cats, but these doses aren’t appropriate under all circumstances.  

Remember that even after your dog or cat starts to feel better, they may need to keep taking the medication. The oral suspension and tablets are usually prescribed to be taken for at least two days after your pet’s symptoms have disappeared.  

Potential side effects  

Orbifloxacin for cats and dogs is tolerated well by most pets. However, you’ll need to keep your eyes peeled for potential side effects. As with any new medication, there is a chance your pet could have a negative reaction. Gastrointestinal issues are not uncommon.  

In dogs and cats, common side effects of Orbax include vomiting, diarrhea, poor appetite and lethargy. Gastrointestinal side effects tend to go away if the medication is given with a little bit of food. Orbax should generally not be given to young, growing dogs because it can cause joint damage. It should also be used with caution in pets who have neurologic problems as it has been associated with seizures. Most side effects are non-life-threatening and should resolve on their own with time or when the round of antibiotics is over.  

Dog and cat supplements may also help with recovery. If you notice any of the above symptoms occurring on a long-term basis or if they are severe, call your veterinarian right away.      

Risk factors  

Some pets are more likely to react negatively to this medicine. Risk factors are highest in pets who: 

  • Are pregnant or lactating 
  • Have a history of seizures 
  • Have a history of kidney or liver disease 
  • Are young and still growing 

This medication usually isn’t prescribed for growing pets because it could lead to joint disease. Small- to medium-size dogs must be at least 8 months old to take Orbax. Large breed dogs and cats can take the medication at 12 months, and giant breeds must be at least 18 months old to safely take orbifloxacin.  

Drug interactions for orbifloxacin 

Some of the following medications can cause problems when given with Orbax.  

  • Antacids  
  • Iron, calcium and zinc supplements  
  • Some antibiotics  
  • Warfarin  
  • Cimetidine  
  • Cyclosporine  
  • Sucralfate
  • Theophylline
  • Flunixin  
  • Methotrexate 

Always let your vet know everything your cat or dog is taking to make sure there aren’t any contraindications for orbifloxacin.  

Does orbifloxacin need to be refrigerated?  

You can put Orbax tablets and liquid suspension in the refrigerator, but you don’t have to. The medication can be kept at room temperature in a dry environment. Don’t store the medicine in places where humidity tends to be high, like a kitchen cabinet near the stove.  

image

Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Book Now
image

Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Book Now
image

Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Book Now

Filed Under

Sponsored