Ataxin (Enrofloxacin 50mg) Tablets

Ataxin general information

What is Ataxin used for?

Ataxin tablets 50mg are a veterinary-specific antibiotic medication used to treat most common bacterial infections in dogs and cats in various parts of the body, caused by a wide range of susceptible bacteria.  Ataxin tablets 50mg are most commonly used for skin infections, including secondary wound infections, and ear infections (otitis externa) but are also used for infections of the gastrointestinal, respiratory and urogenital tracts.   

How does Ataxin work?

Ataxin tablets 50mg contain enrofloxacin that belongs to the fluoroquinolones group of antibiotics and is a synthetic broad spectrum antibiotic with antibacterial activity against a wide range of bacteria, including pseudomonas, staphylococcus, haemophilus, Enterobacter and E. coli.  Enrofloxacin in Ataxin tablets 50mg works by inhibiting specific bacterial enzymes (bacterial topoisomerase IV and DNA gyrase) needed for the bacteria to replicate and repair its DNA.  This action of enrofloxacin in Ataxin tablets 50mg blocks bacterial growth preventing the spread of infection.  Ataxin tablets 50mg are fast acting with long lasting effect, which enables once-daily dosing.  Ataxin tablets 50mg do not work against viruses which use a different mechanism to grow and replicate. 

What does Ataxin contain?

Ataxin tablets 50mg contain the active ingredient enrofloxacin a fluoroquinolone antibiotic used to treat most common bacterial infections in dogs and cats.

Treating bacterial infection in dogs and cats with Ataxin

Ataxin tablets 50mg contain enrofloxacin a broad spectrum fluoroquinolone antibiotic, used to treat most common bacterial infections in dogs and cats, including skin infections, secondary wound infections, ear infections (otitis externa) and infections of the gastrointestinal, respiratory and urogenital tracts.  Enrofloxacin in Ataxin tablets 50mg is effective against a wide range of bacteria including pseudomonas, staphylococcus, haemophilus, Enterobacter and E. coli and works by inhibiting specific bacterial enzymes (bacterial topoisomerase IV and DNA gyrase) needed for the bacteria to replicate and repair its DNA.  This action of enrofloxacin in Ataxin tablets 50mg blocks bacterial growth preventing the spread of infection.  Ataxin tablets 50mg are fast acting with long lasting effect, which enables once-daily dosing.   

What are the side effects of Ataxin?

The most commonly reported side effects when taking Ataxin tablets 50mg include loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhoea lethargy, convulsions or seizures in pets with CNS disorders, cataracts if given long-term.

When should Ataxin not be used?

You should not give Ataxin tablets 50mg to your pet if:

• your pet is allergic to enrofloxacin or any ingredients in Ataxin
• your pet is pregnant or are lactating
• your dog is less than one year of age or large breeds of dog with a longer growth period under 18 months of age, as articular cartilage may be affected during the period of rapid growth
• your cat is less than 8 weeks old
• your pet has kidney or liver disease or a central nervous system disorder
• your pet is taking medicines that interact with Ataxin including other antibiotics like cloramphenicol, cephalosporin, macrolides like erythromycin or tetracyclines like doxycycline, theophylline for respiratory problems

How should Ataxin be taken?

You should give Ataxin tablets 50mg to your pet once daily with or without food, preferably at the same time each day.  The dose you give should be 5 mg/kg based on the body weight of your pet.  You should continue to give Ataxin tablets 50mg to your pet for as long as recommended by your veterinary professional, which is usually 3-10 days.

Doses chart

Ataxin tablets are available in the following doses: 50mg and 150mg.

You should give Ataxin tablets to your cat or dog according to the following dosing chart:

• 5kg (11lb)               half 50mg tablet
• 10kg (22lb)              one 50mg tablet
• 15kg (33lb)              one and half 50mg tablet
• 20kg (44lb)              two 50mg tablets
• 30kg (66lb)              one 150mg tablet
• 45kg (99lb)              one and half 150mg tablet
• 60kg (132lb)            two 150mg tablets

How long should you give Ataxin?

You should continue to give Ataxin tablets 50mg to your pet for as long as recommended by your veterinary professional, which is usually 3-10 days.

Missed dose of Ataxin

If you miss a dose of Ataxin tablets 50mg give it as soon as you remember, unless it is time to give the next dose, then skip the missed dose.  Do not give a double dose.

How should Ataxin be stored?

You should store your Ataxin tablets 50mg below 25°C in a cool dry place.