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
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
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.
References
References
Textbooks & handbooks
- Plumb, D.C. Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook. 10th ed., Wiley-Blackwell, 2023.
- Vail, D.M., Thamm, D.H., & Liptak, J.M. (eds.). Withrow & MacEwen's Small Animal Clinical Oncology. 6th ed., Saunders/Elsevier, 2020.
- Riviere, J.E., & Papich, M.G. (eds.). Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics. 10th ed., Wiley-Blackwell, 2018.
- National Research Council. Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats. National Academies Press, Washington DC, 2006.
- The Merck Veterinary Manual. Merck & Co., Online edition. https://www.merckvetmanual.com/
Clinical guidelines & consensus
- Fletcher, D.J., Boller, M., Brainard, B.M., et al. "RECOVER Evidence and Knowledge Gap Analysis on Veterinary CPR." Journal of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care, 2012;22(S1):S102–S131.
- American Animal Hospital Association. 2018 AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines for Dogs and Cats. AAHA Press.
Journals & peer-reviewed studies
- Hogan, D.F., Fox, P.R., Jacob, K., et al. "Secondary prevention of cardiogenic arterial thromboembolism in the cat: The FAT CAT study." Journal of Veterinary Cardiology, 2015;17(Suppl 1):S306–S317.
- Boswood, A., Häggström, J., Gordon, S.G., et al. "Effect of Pimobendan in Dogs with Preclinical Myxomatous Mitral Valve Disease and Cardiomegaly: The EPIC Study — A Randomized Clinical Trial." Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 2016;30(6):1765–1779.
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Toxicology and Poison Management Guidelines. American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control
Regulatory & approvals
- Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), Government of India. Veterinary Drug Approval Registry, 1969–2026. Directorate General of Health Services. https://cdsco.gov.in/
Databases
- Washington State University, College of Veterinary Medicine. Veterinary Clinical Pharmacology Laboratory (VCPL) — MDR1 Multidrug Sensitivity Database. https://vcpl.vetmed.wsu.edu/
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.
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