Veraflox 2.5% Oral Suspension (Pradofloxacin 25mg/ml) for Cats – 7-Day Antibiotic Treatment

What Is Veraflox Oral Suspension for Cats?

Veraflox Oral Suspension is a 2.5% pradofloxacin solution (25mg/ml), a third-generation fluoroquinolone antibiotic developed specifically for cats by Bayer Animal Health (now Elanco). It is supplied as a premixed, vanilla-flavoured oral suspension in a 15ml bottle with a dosing syringe — no reconstitution or refrigeration required.

⚠️ CATS ONLY. DO NOT USE IN DOGS. Pradofloxacin causes severe bone marrow suppression in dogs (thrombocytopenia and neutropenia). If you need a pradofloxacin product for dogs, see Veraflox 60mg tablets or Veraflox 120mg tablets.

Why Veraflox Was Developed Specifically for Cats

Older fluoroquinolones — particularly enrofloxacin (Baytril) — caused serious retinal toxicity in cats, leading to irreversible blindness at standard canine doses. This prompted the development of pradofloxacin, which was specifically engineered to have lower affinity for the feline retina while maintaining strong antibacterial activity. Veraflox is the only third-generation fluoroquinolone approved specifically for cats in oral suspension form, and is considered the preferred fluoroquinolone for feline use over enrofloxacin.

Despite this improved profile, fluoroquinolones still carry a retinopathy risk in cats — Veraflox should be used with caution and not exceed the approved dose or duration.

How Pradofloxacin Works

Pradofloxacin is bactericidal. It kills bacteria by simultaneously blocking two enzymes — DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV — that bacteria require to replicate their DNA. Blocking both targets simultaneously makes it very difficult for bacteria to develop resistance during a single treatment course. Unlike most other fluoroquinolones, pradofloxacin also has activity against anaerobic bacteria, which are commonly found in bite wound abscesses — the most common feline skin infection requiring antibiotic treatment.

After oral administration, pradofloxacin is rapidly absorbed in fasted cats, reaching peak serum concentrations in under 1 hour and distributing broadly into tissues.

Target Bacteria (Cats)

Veraflox Oral Suspension is active against the following pathogens in cats:

• Pasteurella multocida — the primary pathogen in cat bite wound abscesses
• Staphylococcus pseudintermedius and Staphylococcus felis
• Staphylococcus aureus
• Streptococcus canis

Indications for Use in Cats

• Skin infections — wounds and abscesses (the primary licensed indication, particularly bite wound abscesses)
• Upper respiratory tract infections (off-label but commonly used by vets)
• Urinary tract infections (off-label but commonly used)

Always follow your veterinarian’s directions. If using for a non-labelled indication, your vet should assess suitability.

Dosage for Cats — Veraflox 2.5% Oral Suspension

⚠️ Critical: Give on an Empty Stomach When Possible

Food significantly reduces the absorption of Veraflox in cats. Studies show that food reduces peak blood concentration by 53% and overall drug exposure (AUC) by 26%. Always give Veraflox to your cat on an empty stomach where possible. If your cat vomits or shows GI upset when given on an empty stomach, you may give it with a small amount of food — but avoid dairy products, antacids, or iron-containing foods, which further reduce absorption.

The approved dose is 7.5 mg/kg body weight (3.4 mg/lb) once daily for 7 consecutive days. Use the supplied dosing syringe for accuracy.

The 15ml bottle provides a full 7-day course for cats up to approximately 7 kg. Shake well before each use. Rinse the syringe between doses.

Duration of Treatment

Do not exceed 7 days of treatment in cats without veterinary supervision. Administration beyond 7 days is associated with reversible bone marrow suppression (decreased white blood cells). Reconsider the diagnosis if no improvement is seen within 3–4 days.

Contraindications

• Dogs — DO NOT USE. Ever. Pradofloxacin causes severe, potentially fatal bone marrow suppression in dogs.
• Do not use in cats with known hypersensitivity to fluoroquinolones (quinolone-class antibiotics)
• Do not use in kittens under 12 weeks of age — safety has not been established
• Do not use in pregnant, breeding, or nursing cats — safety has not been established
• Use with caution in cats with CNS disorders or seizure history — fluoroquinolones may lower seizure threshold
• Use with caution in immunocompromised cats (FIV, FeLV positive) — safety has not been evaluated in this population

Drug Interactions

Side Effects

• GI signs (vomiting, reduced appetite, salivation) — most common; usually mild and transient
• Retinopathy — risk with all fluoroquinolones in cats. Veraflox is specifically designed with lower retinal affinity than enrofloxacin, but caution is still required. Do not exceed recommended dose.
• Bone marrow suppression (reduced WBC) — risk increases significantly beyond 7 days of use. Signs: unusual weakness, bruising, pale gums.
• CNS effects / seizures — rare; higher risk in cats with pre-existing neurological conditions
• Elevated CPK, haematuria — reported rarely in clinical studies

Storage

• Store at room temperature below 30°C (86°F) — no refrigeration required
• Stable for 60 days after first opening
• Keep in original bottle; shake well before each use
• Keep out of reach of children — wash hands after handling; avoid eye contact

Frequently Asked Questions

Why must Veraflox Oral Suspension be given on an empty stomach?

Food reduces the peak blood concentration of pradofloxacin in cats by 53% — more than halving the peak drug level. This can significantly compromise treatment effectiveness. Giving Veraflox 30–60 minutes before feeding is ideal. If your cat vomits or refuses the medication on an empty stomach, giving it with a very small amount of food (not dairy) is acceptable, but may slightly reduce efficacy.

Can Veraflox Oral Suspension be used in dogs?

Absolutely not. Pradofloxacin oral suspension must never be given to dogs. It causes severe bone marrow suppression (thrombocytopenia and neutropenia) in dogs, which can be life-threatening. For dogs, use Veraflox 60mg or 120mg tablets, which are approved and safe at canine doses.

How long is the bottle good for after opening?

Veraflox Oral Suspension is stable for 60 days after first opening when stored at room temperature below 30°C. No refrigeration is required. The bottle should be shaken well before each dose.

What infections does Veraflox treat in cats?

The licensed indication is skin infections — specifically bite wound abscesses and wounds, where Pasteurella multocida is the dominant pathogen. Many vets also use it off-label for upper respiratory infections and urinary tract infections in cats. Treatment duration is 7 days for labelled indications; always follow your vet’s specific instructions.

Is Veraflox safe for kittens?

Safety has not been fully evaluated in kittens under 12 weeks of age. In the US clinical field study, cats as young as 0.3 years (approximately 4 months) were included. For kittens under 12 weeks, your vet should assess the risk-benefit balance and may prefer an alternative antibiotic.

Also available: Veraflox 60mg Tablets (dogs 15–30 kg) | Veraflox 120mg Tablets (dogs 30–80 kg) | Cerenia Injectable (anti-nausea for cats)