Baytril

Baytril

Bayer Baytril's active ingredient is enrofloxacin. The drug belongs to the fluoroquinolone class of antibiotics, which include enrofloxacin, its counterpart for human use ciprofloxacin, and several others. These medications are active against many bacterial types including Pseudomonas. Enrofloxacin is excellent against gram-negative bacteria and good against some gram-positive bacteria and Mycoplasma species. It is considered to be a broad spectrum antibacterial. Baytril is the subject of some controversy in the U.S. In February of 2002 Senator Harry Reid asked Bayer to voluntarily comply with a government proposed ban on antibiotics similar to those used in fighting off human diseases that could be used in terrorist attacks. Apparently Baytril is extensively used on chicken farms to combat bacterial infections and there is a concern that antibiotic resistance to the active ingredient in Baytril will be passed on to humans. Baytril is almost identical to Ciprofloxacin (Cipro), a drug used to treat anthrax and other serious diseases in humans. As of the time of this writing (May, 2002), Bayer has refused to comply with the senator's request.

Anecdotal evidence from Koi hobbyists suggests that this drug is gradually losing its efficacy because of drug resistance.

Action

Enrofloxacin enters the blood and is also distributed throughout the body by the fish's own immune cells (macrophages and neutrophils). When it reaches the infection, it kills the bacteria by disrupting and destroying bacterial DNA. Without DNA, all cellular functions of the bacteria stop.

Fish DNA is shaped differently and remains unharmed.

Effective Against

Gram negative and some Gram positive bacteria. Particularly effective against Pseudomonas sp.

Treatment Regime Baytril is normally effective as a one-dose therapy. In larger fish it is usually injected.

Where to Get

Baytril is a prescription drug. Vets use it in their practice.

Oxolinic Acid is a relative of Baytril. It is found in common fish medications. We have no information on its effectiveness versus Baytril.

Bayer Baytril available in 5.7 mg, 22.7 mg, 68 mg & 136 mg tablet as a prescription from a vet.

Baytril can be stored at room temperature for up to a year.