Broad-Spectrum Antibiotic Tablets for Dogs and Cats Product Description Ciprofloxacin 250mg Tablets are a prescription fluoroquinolone antibiotic that veterinarians prescribe for dogs, cats, and horses when dealing with stubborn or hard-to-treat bacterial infections. The medication works by stopping bacteria from replicating their DNA, which leads to cell death and clears the infection. The 250mg strength is well-suited for small to medium dogs and select cats where lower weight-based doses are needed. Veterinarians may also prescribe it as an off-label alternative when enrofloxacin is not available or when culture results support its use. Benefits Accurate Dosing for Small Dogs: The 250mg strength gives the right single-tablet dose for many small to medium dogs, reducing the need to split larger tablets. Urinary and Kidney Infections: Works well against susceptible bacterial infections of the urinary tract and kidneys in both dogs and cats. Respiratory Tract Infections: Targets susceptible bacterial infections affecting the airways and lungs in dogs, cats, and horses, helping clear the infection effectively. Skin and Wound Infections: Effective against skin infections, pyoderma, and wound infections caused by susceptible gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. Off-Label Enrofloxacin Alternative: Useful as an off-label option when enrofloxacin is unavailable or when culture results confirm the pet's infection responds to ciprofloxacin. Ingredients Active Ingredients Ciprofloxacin Hydrochloride 250mg How to Use Ciprofloxacin 250mg Tablets are a prescription-only medication. A valid veterinarian prescription is required to purchase this product. Please follow your veterinarian's specific instructions for the dosage and administration of this medication for your pet. Disclaimer: Dosage and administration of this medication must be determined by a licensed veterinarian. Always consult your veterinarian before administering or adjusting any prescription medication for your pet. Tucking the tablet inside a soft pill pocket or wrapping it in a pill wrap treat can make the whole process much smoother. Shop Pill Pockets for Dogs | Shop Pill Pockets for Cats Additional Information Precautions Not for Young Animals: Avoid use in dogs under one year, kittens, or large breed dogs under two years due to the risk of cartilage damage. Use Carefully in Cats: Cats are more sensitive to this medication, and the risk of serious side effects rises in cats with kidney problems. Not for Food Animals: Ciprofloxacin must not be used in any animal that is intended for human food consumption. Avoid During Pregnancy: Do not give to pregnant, lactating, or breeding animals as it may affect cartilage development in offspring. Space from Antacids and Minerals: Antacids, sucralfate, oral iron, calcium, aluminum, and dairy should be given at least two hours apart from each dose. Caution with Seizure History: Animals with a history of epilepsy or CNS disorders should only receive this medication under close veterinary supervision. Check for Drug Interactions: Let your veterinarian know if your pet is already taking theophylline, warfarin, cyclosporine, NSAIDs, probenecid, or insulin. Possible Side Effects Digestive Upset: Vomiting, diarrhea, and loose stools are the most commonly reported reactions and tend to be mild in most pets. Joint Cartilage Damage: Young or growing animals are at risk of irreversible cartilage damage in the joints if given fluoroquinolone antibiotics. Liver Enzyme Changes: Some pets may show elevated liver enzyme levels, particularly with longer courses of treatment that require regular monitoring. Neurological Signs: Tremors or seizures are rare but serious and require immediate veterinary attention if they occur during treatment. Severe Allergic Reactions: Hives, facial swelling, breathing difficulty, or sudden collapse are signs of a serious reaction needing emergency care right away. Storage Information Room Temperature Storage: Tablets should be kept in a well-sealed container at room temperature, protected from excess heat and humidity at all times. Protect from Light: Keeping tablets away from direct sunlight and stored in a dark, dry place helps preserve their strength and effectiveness over time. Keep Out of Reach: Store the medication safely away from children and other pets not currently being treated with it. Note: For generic medications, the product image shown may not reflect the actual item received. Generic medications can vary in size, color, and shape between orders depending on the manufacturer. Additionally, your medication may arrive packaged in a HardyPaw Pharmacy vial. Shipping & Return We offer ground, express, and priority delivery; see our shipping policy for details. For return instructions or product concerns, please refer to our detailed refund policy. Prescription items are NON-RETURNABLE and NON-REFUNDABLE. Frequently Asked Questions Q1: Can ciprofloxacin 250mg tablets be used in cats for bacterial infections? Ans: Ciprofloxacin may be used in cats when culture results confirm susceptibility and safer options are not appropriate. Cats are generally more sensitive to fluoroquinolone side effects than dogs, and the risk increases in cats with kidney issues. Your veterinarian will assess whether this medication is the right fit for your cat's specific condition. Q2: What types of infections does ciprofloxacin treat in dogs? Ans: Ciprofloxacin is prescribed in dogs for various susceptible bacterial conditions such as urinary tract and kidney infections, respiratory infections, and skin or wound infections involving gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. Your veterinarian will confirm it is the appropriate choice based on culture results. Q3: How does oral ciprofloxacin absorption work in dogs? Ans: Oral absorption of ciprofloxacin in dogs can be inconsistent and is generally lower than enrofloxacin, which is FDA-approved for veterinary use. This variability is one reason veterinarians may prefer enrofloxacin when available, and typically use ciprofloxacin only when culture susceptibility testing confirms it is the right choice. Q4: Can ciprofloxacin 250mg be used in cats for urinary tract infections? Ans: Ciprofloxacin may occasionally be used in cats for urinary tract infections when culture results confirm susceptibility and safer alternatives are not suitable. Cats with any degree of kidney compromise are at higher risk for adverse effects, so your veterinarian will carefully weigh the risks before recommending it for your cat. Q5: What is the risk of antibiotic resistance with ciprofloxacin use in pets? Ans: Fluoroquinolone resistance is a growing concern in veterinary medicine. Using ciprofloxacin without confirmed bacterial susceptibility through culture and sensitivity testing can contribute to resistance. Veterinary guidelines recommend reserving fluoroquinolones for cases clearly indicated by culture results and completing the full prescribed course.
