Orbifloxacin

Orbifloxacin is a synthetic antibiotic of the fluoroquinolone class. It is used in veterinary medicine to treat a wide range of bacterial infections in animals, particularly dogs and cats.

History

Orbifloxacin was first developed by the Japanese pharmaceutical company Nippon Zenyaku Kogyo in the late 1980s. It was approved for use in the United States by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1997.

Mechanism of Action

Orbifloxacin works by inhibiting the DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV, two enzymes necessary for bacterial DNA replication, transcription, repair, and recombination. This leads to the death of the bacterial cells and the resolution of the infection.

Uses

Orbifloxacin is primarily used to treat skin infections (wounds and abscesses) caused by susceptible strains of bacteria in dogs and cats. It is also used to treat urinary tract infections, respiratory tract infections, and soft tissue infections.

Side Effects

The most common side effects of orbifloxacin include vomiting, diarrhea, and loss of appetite. In rare cases, it can cause seizures in pets with a history of epilepsy.

Precautions

Orbifloxacin should not be used in animals with a known hypersensitivity or allergy to the drug. It should also be used with caution in animals with severe kidney or liver disease.

Dosage and Administration

Orbifloxacin is available in tablet form and is typically administered orally. The dosage and duration of treatment depend on the type and severity of the infection being treated.

See Also

• Fluoroquinolone
• Veterinary medicine
• Antibiotic resistance