Identity

Enrofloxacin is an active therapeutic medicine and a synthetic second-generation fluoroquinolone chemotherapeutic agent whose use is restricted within the poultry sector.

Overview

Enrofloxacin is a high-priority antimicrobial used in the Indian poultry industry, specifically indicated for targeting systemic Gram-negative pathogens. Upon oral administration, it is rapidly absorbed and widely distributed, heavily concentrating in the liver and kidneys. To ensure compliance with food safety and regulatory standards, its use is restricted and requires a strict statutory withdrawal period. A key metabolic feature in poultry is its deethylation into ciprofloxacin, a critically important antimicrobial in human medicine.

Structured Facts

Indications

Systemic Gram-negative pathogens, severe systemic infections, colibacillosis, fowl cholera, infectious coryza, and salmonellosis.

Mechanism of Action

Exerts rapid concentration-dependent bactericidal action by inhibiting bacterial DNA gyrase (a type II topoisomerase) and topoisomerase IV. This blocks the supercoiling of bacterial DNA and halts replication and transcription, leading to rapid cell death.

Dosage

10-12 mg/kg body weight daily.

Administration Route

Water.

Duration

3 to 10 days.

Withdrawal Period

9 Days (India/Japan); 5 Days (EU).

Contraindications

Restricted for use in poultry; prohibited in white-feathered silky fowl due to extremely slow tissue clearance.

Quantitative Data

• Dose: 10-12 mg/kg body weight daily
• Concentration: Oral Solution: 10%-20% w/v active enrofloxacin
• Withdrawal: 9 Days

Relationships

• Target Diseases: Colibacillosis, salmonellosis, infectious coryza, fowl cholera
• Related Medicines: Ciprofloxacin (its primary active metabolite)