Inhibits bacterial protein synthesis by binding to the 50S ribosomal subunit; bacteriostatic; does not cause aplastic anaemia unlike chloramphenicol
At a glance
Class
Amphenicol antibiotic (fluorinated chloramphenicol analogue)
Storage
Store below 25°C, protect from light
Dosing
Susceptible bacterial infections (respiratory, soft tissue)
Max dose
1000 mg/dose; 2000 mg/day
Duration: 7–14 days
Susceptible bacterial infections
Max dose
250 mg/dose; 500 mg/day
Duration: 7–14 days
Educational reference only
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet.
Find a vet near you →Safety
Absolute contraindications — do not use
Adverse effects
Common
Decreased appetite
Soft stools
Transient pain at injection site
Serious
Bone marrow suppression (reversible)
Optic neuritis (prolonged use)
CBCClinical responseAppetite
Educational reference only
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet.
Find a vet near you →Interactions
No documented interactions.
Brands
International
Nuflor
Merck Animal Health
FAQs
Frequently asked questions
›What is Florfenicol?
Florfenicol is a amphenicol antibiotic (fluorinated chloramphenicol analogue) used in pets. Inhibits bacterial protein synthesis by binding to the 50S ribosomal subunit; bacteriostatic; does not cause aplastic anaemia unlike chloramphenicol
›What is Florfenicol used for in pets?
Florfenicol is used in veterinary medicine for: Susceptible bacterial infections (respiratory, soft tissue); Susceptible bacterial infections.
›What is the Florfenicol dose for dogs?
For dogs, Florfenicol is typically dosed as follows — Susceptible bacterial infections (respiratory, soft tissue): 20–30 mg/kg PO/IM/SC BID. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›What is the Florfenicol dose for cats?
For cats, Florfenicol is typically dosed as follows — Susceptible bacterial infections: 20–25 mg/kg PO/IM/SC BID. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›What are the side effects of Florfenicol?
Common: Decreased appetite, Soft stools, Transient pain at injection site. Serious (call your vet immediately): Bone marrow suppression (reversible), Optic neuritis (prolonged use).
›Does Florfenicol need a prescription?
Yes. Florfenicol is a prescription medication and should only be administered under veterinary supervision.
›When should Florfenicol not be used?
Do not use Florfenicol if: Known hypersensitivity to amphenicols.
Educational reference only
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet.
Find a vet near you →References
References
The PetCare.AI drug reference is built from 13 authoritative sources cited across 580 drug monographs.
Textbooks & handbooks — 5
- Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook
- Withrow & MacEwen's Small Animal Clinical Oncology
- Merck Veterinary Manual
- NRC Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats
- Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics (Riviere & Papich)
Clinical guidelines & consensus — 4
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center Guidelines
- AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines
- ASPCA Poison Control Guidelines
- RECOVER CPR Guidelines
Journals & peer-reviewed studies — 2
- EPIC Study (J Vet Intern Med 2016)
- JVIM FAT CAT Study
Regulatory & approvals — 1
- CDSCO Veterinary Drug Approval Registry (1969–2026)
Databases — 1
- Washington State University VCPL MDR1 Database