Pradofloxacin
**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: 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.
Dosing by species
- Susceptible bacterial infections · 3-5 mg/kg · PO · q24h · As directed by clinician based on infection type · See guidelines on responsible antibacterial use
- Susceptible bacterial infections · 3-5 mg/kg · PO · q24h · As directed by clinician based on infection type · Tablet formulation
- Susceptible bacterial infections · 5.0 mg/kg · PO · q24h · As directed by clinician based on infection type · Suspension formulation
Doses are a clinical reference for licensed veterinary professionals. Always confirm against the current label and the individual patient.
Routes of administration
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)
Drug interactions
- Antacids (Mg2+, Al3+) · Binds fluoroquinolones, preventing absorption from the GI tract · major
- Sucralfate · Inhibits absorption; separate dosing by at least 2 hours · major
- Zinc salts · Inhibits absorption; separate dosing by at least 2 hours · moderate
- Theophylline · Increases plasma theophylline concentrations · major
- Cimetidine · May reduce the clearance of fluoroquinolones · moderate
- Ciclosporin · May decrease metabolism and increase nephrotoxicity; concurrent use best avoided · major
- Tacrolimus · May decrease metabolism and increase nephrotoxicity; concurrent use best avoided · major
- Oral anticoagulants · May increase the action of orally administered anticoagulants · moderate
Monitoring
- Clinical efficacy (resolution of infection)
- Gastrointestinal signs
- Neurological status (especially in predisposed animals)
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.
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.