Bayer Baytril 2.5 % (enrofloxacin) sold per ml

Baytril is a very powerful antibiotic. Extreme care should be taken when giving this medication. Some mild side effects are common, but if they are severe, it is your responsibility to get your pet to the vet immediately.

Treatment for: Bacterial infections and respiratory infections.

Side effects: Loss of appetite, lethargy, diarrhea, depression, behavior changes and seizures (in animals with central nervous system disorders, such as epilepsy). Allergic reaction symptoms include facial swelling, hives, excessive scratching, severe diarrhea, and seizures. Stop giving Baytril if you notice any severe or life threatening symptoms and consult your vet immediately.

Dehydration can increase risk of seizures and could cause crystals to develop in the urine. Keep the animal well hydrated during treatment.

Signs of toxicity/overdose: Lack of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, and seizures (in animals with central nervous system disorders, such as epilepsy).

Cautions for using Baytril: This is a highly cytotoxic and nephrotoxic medication. If giving my injection, SC/IC fluids must be administered. If you are not sure how to do that, then giving this medication orally is recommended.

Recommended dosage: For reptiles: 5mg/kg by injection or 10mg/kg if giving orally. Give every 24 hours for 10 days. Do not give calcium or multi vitamins within 2 hours (before or after) of giving Baytril.

For snakes: 5mg/kg every 24 hours by injection, or 10mg/kg every 24 hours if you would rather inject the Baytril into a frozen/thawed mouse and feed the mouse as you normally would. Give every 24 hours for 10 days.

Tortoises: 7.5 - 10mg/kg by injection. For injection, dilute with saline and give by intramuscular injection in the front legs only. You can give this medication orally, however, it is best to give first dose by injection (have your vet do this if you are unsure) then the remaining doses can be given orally. Give every 24 hours for 10 days (up to 21 days max). Can increase the dose to 15mg/kg for 72 hours (3 days max) for upper respirtory infections. Do not give calcium or multi vitamins within 2 hours (before or after) of giving Baytril.

What can I mix Baytril with for oral administration? Do not mix with calcium, multi vitamin or any dairy products as they will decrease the absorption rate and effectiveness of the medication. You can mix with a flavoring syrup to make it more palatable (Torani is a flavored coffee syrup, and can usually be found at your grocery store in the coffee aisle - cherry and raspberry seem to work good). You can also try concentrated fruit juices (have had good results with pineapple and grape juice), baby food (banana seems to work well), canned pumpkin, and pureed strawberries.

Only mix as much as you need for one dose at a time. Baytril is extremely bitter and giving it unflavored is not recommended.

Storage: Keep in a sealed vial in a dark location (no direct sunlight) and at room temperature (do not refrigerate, freeze or keep above 100 degrees F).