Ibafloxacin
Also known as: Ibaflin · S-25030
Reviewed by the VetSheet Veterinary TeamUpdated Apr 5, 2026Evidence-based veterinary reference
Doses are a clinical reference for licensed veterinary professionals. Always confirm against the current label and the individual patient.
Dosing by species
🌎 NA — North America🌍 EU — Europe
Dogs
| Indication | Dose | Route | Frequency | Duration | Region |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Susceptible infections (dermal infections: superficial and deep pyoderma, wounds, abscesses) | 15 mg/kg PO once daily | PO | q24h | Usually a 10-day course is sufficient. In cases of deep pyoderma, reconsider treatment if sufficient improvement not seen in 21 days. | 🌎 NA |
- Susceptible infections (dermal infections: superficial and deep pyoderma, wounds, abscesses): Give at time of feeding. Reconsider treatment if no improvement after 5 days.
Cats
| Indication | Dose | Route | Frequency | Duration | Region |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Susceptible infections (dermal infections: soft tissue infections-wounds, abscesses; upper respiratory tract infections) | 15 mg/kg PO once daily | PO | q24h | Usually a 10-day course is sufficient. | 🌎 NA |
- Susceptible infections (dermal infections: soft tissue infections-wounds, abscesses; upper respiratory tract infections): Give at time of feeding. Reconsider treatment if no improvement after 5 days.
Doses are a clinical reference for licensed veterinary professionals. Always confirm against the current label and the individual patient.
Overview
Ibafloxacin is a veterinary-specific oral fluoroquinolone antibiotic primarily utilized in Europe (not available in the USA). It exhibits concentration-dependent bactericidal activity against a broad spectrum of Gram-negative and some Gram-positive bacteria (e.g., Enterobacteriaceae, Staphylococcus spp.).
Clinical Pearl: Unlike some other fluoroquinolones (such as enrofloxacin or marbofloxacin), ibafloxacin has limited efficacy against Pseudomonas spp., Streptococcus spp., and Proteus mirabilis.
Notably, there is currently no indication that ibafloxacin causes ocular/retinal toxicity in cats, which is a significant advantage over certain other drugs in this class.
Mechanism of action
Fluoroquinolones exert their bactericidal effect by targeting essential bacterial enzymes involved in DNA replication and transcription.
- Primary Target: Inhibits bacterial DNA-gyrase (topoisomerase II) → prevents DNA supercoiling → halts DNA synthesis.
- Secondary Target: Inhibits topoisomerase IV → interferes with the separation of interlinked replicated DNA molecules.
Ibafloxacin is metabolized into two active metabolites (8-hydroxy-ibafloxacin and 7-hydroxy-ibafloxacin), which contribute to its overall antimicrobial efficacy.
Safety & warnings
Contraindications
- Dogs less than 8 months of age
- Giant breed dogs less than 18 months of age
- Cats less than 8 months of age
- Known quinolone hypersensitivity
Adverse effects
- Diarrhea
- Soft feces
- Vomiting
- Dullness
- Anorexia
- Salivation
- Elevated hepatic enzymes (rare, class effect)
- Ataxia (rare, class effect)
- Seizures (rare, class effect)
- Depression/Lethargy (rare, class effect)
- Nervousness (rare, class effect)
Precautions
Use should be based upon susceptibility testing. Safety has not been established in pregnant cats or in lactating dogs and cats, though the UK label states it can be used during pregnancy in dogs. Use with caution in patients with central nervous system disorders.
Drug interactions
Should not be used with NSAIDs in dogs with a history of seizures due to increased risk of CNS stimulation.
Cations may bind to ibafloxacin and prevent its gastrointestinal absorption.
Fluoroquinolones may exacerbate the nephrotoxicity of systemic cyclosporine.
May antagonize the antimicrobial activity of fluoroquinolones; concomitant use is not recommended.
Increased risk for cardiotoxicity.
May inhibit absorption of ibafloxacin; separate doses by at least 2 hours.
Ibafloxacin may increase theophylline blood levels.
Monitoring
- Clinical efficacy
- Adverse GI effects (vomiting, hypersalivation, diarrhea, anorexia)
Pharmacokinetics
Half-life
Absorption
Dogs: Oral bioavailability is 70-80% with peak levels at ~1.5 hours. Cats: Rapidly absorbed; food slightly delays absorption but doubles peak levels and increases AUC compared to fasted administration.
Distribution
Dogs: Volume of distribution at steady state is 1.1 L/kg. Goats: Vd is 1.65 L/kg.
Metabolism
Presumably metabolized in the liver to at least two active metabolites: 8-hydroxy-ibafloxacin and 7-hydroxy-ibafloxacin.
Elimination
Eliminated in both urine and feces as unchanged drug and glucuronidated metabolites. Total clearance in dogs is 8.7 mL/min/kg.
Overdose
Specific information is limited. It is unlikely an acute overdose would result in signs more serious than anorexia or vomiting.
- Dogs: Doses of 75 mg/kg/day (5X) were apparently well tolerated.
- Cats: Doses up to 75 mg/kg/day demonstrated salivation and vomiting. If overdose occurs in cats, ophthalmic monitoring is recommended as a precaution, despite no reported ocular toxicity.
Available products
Formulations
- Oral gel (3%, 7.5%)
- Tablets (30 mg, 150 mg, 300 mg, 900 mg)
Veterinary
- Ibaflin 3% Oral Gel (30 mg ibafloxacin per gram of gel; 30.9 mg/mL) in 15 mL dial syringes
- 7.5% oral gel
- Tablets: 30 mg, 150 mg, 300 mg, 900 mg
Regulatory status
No regulatory data for: 🇺🇸 US · 🇪🇺 EU · 🇬🇧 UK · 🇭🇰 HK · 🇹🇼 TW · 🇯🇵 JP · 🇰🇷 KR · 🇦🇺 AU
Storage & stability
The oral gel should not be stored at temperatures more than 25°C. Once opened, it is recommended that the syringe be used within 8 weeks. Dispose of unused product once a course of treatment is completed.
Client information
- Administration: Please give this medication with food (at the time of feeding).
- Completion: It is crucial to finish the entire prescribed course, even if your pet seems completely healed. Stopping early can lead to antibiotic-resistant infections.
- Side Effects: Watch for mild stomach upset (vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, or loss of appetite). If these signs become severe or persist, contact your veterinarian immediately.
- Storage: Keep the oral gel at room temperature (below 25°C/77°F) and discard any remaining medication 8 weeks after opening.
VetSheet drug reference is intended for licensed veterinary professionals as a clinical decision-support aid, not a substitute for professional judgement or the manufacturer’s current label.