Orbax Tablet (Orbifloxacin)

Orbifloxacin is an oral fluoroquinolone antibiotic used in dogs and cats to treat various bacterial infections (ex. ear, skin and soft tissue infections). Orbifloxacin tablets are enteric coated to hide the natural bitter taste. Give this medication on an empty stomach. Orbifloxacin is available as 5.7 mg, 22.7 mg and 68 mg tablets.

What is this drug?

• Orbifloxacin is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic
• Given by mouth

Reasons for prescribing:

• Often used in ear, skin and soft tissue infections
• Effective against many bacteria types and uses lower doses than some fluoroquinolones, therefore fewer tablets/cost

What dogs/cats should not take this medication?

• Young, growing dogs due to potential for cartilage abnormalities
• Use with caution in animals with liver or kidney conditions, or those suffering dehydration
• Breeding, pregnant or nursing animals
• Use with caution in cats at high doses
• Use with caution in pets with a history of seizures or other central nervous system disorders
• Pets known to have had an allergic reaction to other quinolones

Directions:

Give on an empty stomach.

Give orbifloxacin 2 hours before or after any iron, dairy or calcium products.

Ensure there is water available for your pet to drink.

Give medication as directed by your veterinarian. This medication is usually given once daily.

Read and follow the label carefully.

Give the exact amount prescribed and only as often as directed. Missed doses reduce the effectiveness of therapy. Finish the entire course of treatment.

Ideally, give the medication at the same time daily.

What if a dose is missed?

If a dose is missed, give it as soon as you can. If it is time already for the next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to the normal schedule. Do not give two doses at the same time.

What to tell/ask veterinarian before giving medication?

• When your pet will need to be rechecked
• What tests may need to be performed prior to and during treatment with this drug
• Risks and benefits of using this drug

Tell your veterinarian about:

• If your pet has experienced side-effects on other drugs/products
• If your pet has experienced digestive upset now or ever
• If your pet has experienced liver or kidney disease now or ever
• If your pet has experienced any other medical problems or allergies now or ever
• All medicines and supplements that you are giving your pet or plan to give your pet, including those you can get without a prescription. Your veterinarian may want to check that all of your pet's medicines can be given together.
• If your pet is pregnant or nursing or if you plan to breed your pet

Storage and Warnings:

Store tablets in a tight, light resistant, childproof container in a cool, dry place at room temperature away from heat and direct sunlight.

People should not take this drug. Keep this and all medication out of reach of children and pets.

Not for use in food animals.

Call your physician immediately if you accidentally take this product.

Pet owners who are allergic to quinolones (such as ciprofloxacin or norfloxacin) should use caution when handling this drug.

Potential side effects:

• Decrease in appetite, fatigue, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea (high doses)
• High doses in cats may cause soft feces
• Damage to joint cartilage in dogs <8 months of age
• Possibility of urine crystals in dehydrated pets
• High doses of other fluoroquinolones in cats has reportedly caused blindness. Contact your veterinarian if your cat shows any signs of dilated pupils or any change in behavior.
• Rare incidences of dizziness, seizures, depression, lethargy and nervousness
• If you notice anything unusual, contact your veterinarian

Can this drug be given with other drugs?

• Yes, but possible interactions may occur with aminoglycosides, antacids, 3rd generation cephalosporins, clindamycin, nitrofurantoin, oral cyclosporine, probenecid, some penicillins, sucralfate, theophylline and medications containing aluminum, calcium, iron, magnesium and zinc.
• If your pet experiences any unusual reactions when taking multiple medications, contact your veterinarian

What else should I know?

As with all prescribed medicines, orbifloxacin should only be given to the dog/cat for which it was prescribed. It should be given only for the condition for which it was prescribed.

This is just a summary of information about orbifloxacin. If you have any questions or concerns about orbifloxacin or the condition it was prescribed for, contact your veterinarian.