Pradofloxacin

Also known as: Veraflox

Reviewed by the VetSheet Veterinary TeamUpdated Apr 5, 2026Evidence-based veterinary reference

WHO critically important antibiotic — use with caution, avoid unnecessary prescription

3-5 mg/kgPO· q24h· As directed by clinician based on infection type

Body weight— 🐕

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 bacterial infections	3-5 mg/kg	PO	q24h	As directed by clinician based on infection type	🌍 EU

Susceptible bacterial infections: See guidelines on responsible antibacterial use

Cats

Indication	Dose	Route	Frequency	Duration	Region
Susceptible bacterial infections	3-5 mg/kg	PO	q24h	As directed by clinician based on infection type	🌍 EU
Susceptible bacterial infections	5.0 mg/kg	PO	q24h	As directed by clinician based on infection type	🌍 EU

Susceptible bacterial infections: Tablet formulation
Susceptible bacterial infections: Suspension formulation

Doses are a clinical reference for licensed veterinary professionals. Always confirm against the current label and the individual patient.

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Overview

Pradofloxacin is a third-generation, broad-spectrum veterinary fluoroquinolone antibiotic. It exhibits concentration-dependent bactericidal activity against a wide range of Gram-negative and Gram-positive organisms, with notably improved efficacy against anaerobic bacteria compared to earlier fluoroquinolones (e.g., enrofloxacin).

Clinical Warning: Fluoroquinolone use should be reserved for infections where culture and sensitivity testing predicts a clinical response and where first- and second-line antimicrobials would not be effective.

Clinical Pearl: Pradofloxacin has exceptional lipid solubility, allowing it to attain high concentrations in tissues, especially in the urogenital tract including the prostate gland. Specific indications include superficial and deep pyodermas, wound infections (Staphylococcus pseudintermedius), urinary tract infections (Escherichia coli, S. pseudintermedius), severe periodontal disease (Porphyromonas spp., Prevotella spp.), and acute severe upper respiratory tract infections.

Mechanism of action

Pradofloxacin is a concentration-dependent bactericidal antibiotic. It works by entering the bacterial cell and inhibiting two key enzymes: DNA gyrase (topoisomerase II) and topoisomerase IV.

Inhibition of these enzymes → prevents DNA supercoiling and uncoiling → blocks bacterial DNA replication, transcription, and repair → rapid bacterial cell death.

Safety & warnings

Contraindications

Pregnant or lactating animals
Dogs < 12 months of age (< 18 months for giant breeds)
Cats < 6 weeks of age
Animals with persistent cartilage lesions
Dogs or cats with neurological disease (especially epilepsy)

Adverse effects

Mild gastrointestinal upset (vomiting, diarrhea, anorexia)

Precautions

Cartilage Toxicity: Do not use in growing animals (dogs <12 months, giant breeds <18 months, cats <6 weeks) due to the risk of arthropathy and cartilage lesions. Neurological Risk: Do not use in patients with a history of seizures or central nervous system disorders, as fluoroquinolones can lower the seizure threshold. Antimicrobial Stewardship: Use should be based on culture and susceptibility testing to prevent the development of multidrug-resistant bacteria.

Drug interactions

Antacids (Mg2+, Al3+)Major

Binds fluoroquinolones, preventing absorption from the GI tract

SucralfateMajor

Inhibits absorption; separate dosing by at least 2 hours

Zinc saltsModerate

Inhibits absorption; separate dosing by at least 2 hours

TheophyllineMajor

Increases plasma theophylline concentrations

CimetidineModerate

May reduce the clearance of fluoroquinolones

CiclosporinMajor

May decrease metabolism and increase nephrotoxicity; concurrent use best avoided

TacrolimusMajor

May decrease metabolism and increase nephrotoxicity; concurrent use best avoided

Oral anticoagulantsModerate

May increase the action of orally administered anticoagulants

Monitoring

Clinical efficacy (resolution of infection)
Gastrointestinal signs
Neurological status (especially in predisposed animals)

Pharmacokinetics

Half-life

CatsApproximately 7-9 hoursDogsApproximately 5-7 hours

Absorption

Well absorbed following oral administration.

Distribution

Exceptional lipid solubility, attaining high concentrations especially in the urogenital tract including the prostate gland.

Metabolism

Hepatic metabolism.

Elimination

Excreted via renal and biliary/fecal routes.

Overdose

Overdose may increase the risk of gastrointestinal upset, neurological signs (tremors, seizures), and cartilage damage in growing animals. Treatment is symptomatic and supportive. Emptying the stomach and administering activated charcoal may be beneficial if ingestion was recent.

Available products

Formulations

15 mg tablet
60 mg tablet
120 mg tablet
25 mg/ml oral solution

Veterinary

Veraflox 15 mg tablets
Veraflox 60 mg tablets
Veraflox 120 mg tablets
Veraflox 25 mg/ml oral suspension

Regulatory status

United States✓ ApprovedPrescription onlyFDA/CVM

🐈 Cats

Approved in the US only as an oral suspension for cats. Tablets are not approved for dogs in the US due to bone marrow suppression concerns at higher doses.

European Union✓ ApprovedPrescription onlyEMA

🐕 Dogs🐈 Cats

POM-V classification.

United Kingdom✓ ApprovedPrescription onlyVMD