Baytril Is a Fluoroquinolone Antibiotic
Baytril is known as a fluoroquinolone antibiotic. This is a relatively new branch of synthetic antibiotics that have shown to be safer, easier to administer and effective against a wider range of bacteria. It is a broad-spectrum antibiotic, known to treat infections of the urinary tract, skin, prostate, GI tract, liver and lungs. It can be taken orally or through injection, and is safe for daily or twice daily doses.
For ear infections resulting from bacteria, Baytril can be topically administered as ear drops. A specific brand of Baytril for ear infections in dogs is on the market known as Baytril Otic. It has been found to be highly effective in treating pseudomonas and Staphylococci infections of the skin. These bacteria are commonly found to be the source of most ear infections in dogs. However, the antibiotic in all forms does require a veterinary prescription.
Baytril Side Effects in Dogs
Side effects when using Baytril are rare, but some animals do have an allergic reaction. It is recommended to have your dog thoroughly checked for allergies to quinolones or sulfonamides before administering Baytril.
Some non-allergenic side effects that may occur are:
- Ear irritation
- Acute inflammation of the ear canal
- Loss of appetite
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Dizziness
- Lethargy
These side effects are likely not dangerous, but should be mentioned to your veterinarian. In the event of an allergic reaction, your dog may display other side effects, such as:
- Hearing loss
- Hives
- Difficulty breathing
- Swelling of the lips, tongue, or throat
If these occur it is important to stop giving your dog Baytril and to call your veterinarian immediately.
Other Considerations When Using Baytril
Baytril is not recommended for puppies under eight months of age due to the possibility of cartilage damage. It should also not be used on dogs that are nursing or pregnant, as there are no tests to establish the safety or efficacy of this drug on this group. Additionally, it has been recorded that Baytril may react with other drugs or prescriptions, particularly antacids or sucralfates, thus it is important to mention to your veterinarian any other prescriptions your dog may currently be taking. Using Baytril along with cyclosporine may result in kidney damage. Baytril should also not be given in conjunction with other vitamins or minerals.
Baytril is a highly effective prescription antibiotic that can be used both safely and efficiently to treat ear infections in dogs.