To avoid retinal toxicity associated with enrofloxacin, which antibiotic is preferred?

To avoid retinal toxicity associated with enrofloxacin, which antibiotic is preferred?

• A. Pradofloxacin
• B. Enrofloxacin
• C. Moxifloxacin
• D. Ciprofloxacin

Answer: (A)

Retinal toxicity is a known risk of fluoroquinolones in cats, with enrofloxacin being the classic culprit that can cause feline retinal degeneration and blindness even at therapeutic doses. Choosing a drug with a safer retinal safety profile is important when this toxicity is a concern. Pradofloxacin has a markedly lower risk of inducing retinal toxicity in cats, while still providing broad antimicrobial coverage. That safer retinal profile makes it the preferred option over enrofloxacin in situations where retinal toxicity is a worry. The other fluoroquinolones exist for similar uses, but they do not have as clear a safety advantage in the retina as pradofloxacin, so the choice to minimize retinal risk is pradofloxacin.

Retinal toxicity is a known risk of fluoroquinolones in cats, with enrofloxacin being the classic culprit that can cause feline retinal degeneration and blindness even at therapeutic doses. Choosing a drug with a safer retinal safety profile is important when this toxicity is a concern. Pradofloxacin has a markedly lower risk of inducing retinal toxicity in cats, while still providing broad antimicrobial coverage. That safer retinal profile makes it the preferred option over enrofloxacin in situations where retinal toxicity is a worry. The other fluoroquinolones exist for similar uses, but they do not have as clear a safety advantage in the retina as pradofloxacin, so the choice to minimize retinal risk is pradofloxacin.