Pet owners rely on antibiotics like Draxxin for disease prevention and growth promotion in cats. Understanding the proper use of Draxxin enables informed decisions about antibiotic use to maximize cat health while minimizing risks of antibiotic resistance.
Draxxin is an antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections and respiratory diseases in cats. This article provides an overview of Draxxin, including its uses, dosage, side effects, drug interactions, and alternatives.
What is Draxxin?
Draxxin is an antibiotic medication used to treat bacterial infections in cats. It contains the active ingredient tulathromycin, which belongs to a class of antibiotics called macrolides. Draxxin works by binding to bacterial ribosomes and interfering with protein synthesis, which eventually stops the growth and spread of the bacteria.
Draxxin is effective against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. Draxxin is commonly prescribed by vets to treat conditions like feline acne, abscessed wounds, infections caused by cat bites, and respiratory illnesses like pneumonia.
Uses of Draxxin in Cats
Draxxin is an injectable antibiotic that is used to treat certain bacterial infections in cats. Some of the main uses of Draxxin in cats include:
1) Upper Respiratory Infections
Draxxin can be used to treat upper respiratory infections in cats caused by susceptible bacteria. Upper respiratory infections in cats can cause symptoms like sneezing, nasal discharge, conjunctivitis, fever, and lethargy. Draxxin is effective against common bacterial causes of upper respiratory infections in cats like Bordetella bronchiseptica.
2) Skin Infections
Draxxin may be prescribed by veterinarians to treat bacterial skin infections in cats, such as wounds or abscesses. It can be used against skin infections caused by susceptible bacteria like Staphylococcus pseudintermedius and Streptococcus canis.
3) Wound Infections
Infected wounds, bites, or lacerations in cats may also be treated with a course of Draxxin if deemed appropriate by the veterinarian. Draxxin can help fight off bacterial wound infections and prevent further complications.
By treating underlying bacterial infections, Draxxin can help provide symptomatic relief and speed up recovery in cats suffering from various conditions caused by susceptible bacteria.
Dosage Information
Draxxin is given by injection and is dosed as a single injection. The dosage amount is based on the cat’s body weight, as prescribed by a veterinarian.
The recommended dosage is 1.1 to 2.3 mg per kg (0.5 to 1.0 mg per lb). The entire dose should be given in one injection under the skin (subcutaneously). Cats weighing 5.0 lb and over should be given 2.3 mg per kg body weight (1.0 mg per lb). For cats under 5.0 pounds, the recommended dose is 1.1 mg per kg (0.5 mg per lb).
Veterinarians determine the appropriate dose within the recommended range based on factors such as age, weight, and health condition being treated. Do not adjust or give more than the prescribed dose without consulting a veterinarian.
Administration of Draxxin Injection
Draxxin is administered by injection under the skin (subcutaneous injection) by a veterinarian. It should not be self-administered at home.
The veterinarian will determine the correct dosage amount to inject based on the cat’s body weight. Draxxin is provided as a ready-to-use sterile injectable solution, so no mixing or dilution is required before administration.
The injection can be given in the scruff of the neck or another area with loose skin, where the medication can be deposited under the skin easily. The veterinarian will part the fur to expose the skin and then insert the needle into the subcutaneous tissue rather than into the muscle.
Once the medication has been injected, the veterinarian will remove the needle and gently massage the injection site to distribute the medication. Most cats tolerate the injections well. Owners may notice a small temporary lump under the skin where the injection was given, but this should dissipate within a few days.
It’s important to follow up with the veterinarian as directed for any additional injections or exams, as Draxxin is usually given as more than one dose over days. The veterinarian will advise on the proper administration schedule and duration based on the cat’s condition being treated.
Duration of Draxxin Treatment
Draxxin is a long-acting antibiotic injection that provides 7-14 days of treatment from a single dose. The antibiotic was gradually released from the injection site over a week to two weeks, providing sustained levels of medication.
This long-acting effect means Draxxin only needs to be administered once, compared to oral antibiotics that may need to be given daily. One injection of Draxxin can provide an entire course of antibiotic treatment.
The duration of the effect depends on the type of infection being treated. For skin infections, Draxxin typically provides 7 days of treatment. For more deep-seated infections like pneumonia, the duration is 14 days.
Veterinarians may recommend a second dose of Draxxin if the infection doesn’t fully resolve after the initial 7-14 days treatment period. But in most cases, just one injection every 7-14 days is sufficient.
This sustained-release antibiotic injection is very convenient compared to daily tablets or capsules. Pet owners only need to give one Draxxin shot, then the medication continues working for up to 2 weeks.
Side Effects
Draxxin is generally well tolerated in cats, but some side effects are possible. The most common side effects seen are:
1) Pain at the injection site: Some cats may experience pain, swelling, or irritation at the location where Draxxin was injected. This is usually mild and resolves within a day or two. Gentle massage of the area may help.
2) Lethargy: Draxxin may cause some cats to be less active or lethargic after receiving an injection. This effect is temporary and should pass within a day or two. Make sure your cat is eating and drinking normally.
3) Lack of appetite: In some cases, Draxxin can cause a temporary loss of appetite in cats. If your cat is not wanting to eat after receiving Draxxin, try tempting them with favorite treats/foods. Most cats regain their normal appetite within a couple of days. Monitor to make sure they are eating enough.
If any side effects persist for more than 2-3 days or seem to worsen, contact your veterinarian. Most side effects following Draxxin injections are mild and temporary. But it’s important to keep an eye on your cat and alert your vet to any reactions or changes following treatment.
Interactions With Other Drugs
Draxxin can interact with other medications. It’s important to tell your veterinarian about any medications or supplements your cat is taking.
1) Other Antibiotics
Draxxin should not be used with some other antibiotics like aminoglycosides. Using Draxxin and aminoglycosides together can cause kidney toxicity in cats.
2) Some Vaccines
Draxxin may reduce the effectiveness of some vaccines like the feline leukemia virus (FeLV) vaccine if given at the same time. It’s best to separate Draxxin and vaccine administration by at least 2 weeks.
Alternatives to Draxxin
There are a few alternatives that can be considered instead of Draxxin for cats:
1) Amoxicillin
Amoxicillin is a broad-spectrum antibiotic that can treat bacterial infections in cats that Draxxin targets, such as skin infections, urinary tract infections, and respiratory infections. It comes as an oral medication.
Amoxicillin is generally well-tolerated but can cause side effects like vomiting and diarrhea in some cats. The dosing of amoxicillin for cats is typically 5-10 mg per pound twice daily.
2) Azithromycin
Azithromycin is a macrolide antibiotic that can be used to treat respiratory infections in cats, similar to Draxxin. It is given orally. Common side effects include vomiting and diarrhea. Azithromycin for cats is dosed at 5-10 mg per pound once daily. Some bacterial infections are resistant to macrolides like azithromycin.
3) Clindamycin
Clindamycin is another antibiotic option for cats that can be used for skin infections, dental infections, and soft tissue infections. It comes as an oral liquid or capsule. Clindamycin may cause side effects like vomiting, diarrhea, or lack of appetite in some cats.
The typical dosage range is 5-10 mg per pound twice daily. Bacterial resistance can be a concern with long-term clindamycin use.
Storage
Draxxin requires refrigerated storage between 2°C and 8°C (36°F and 46°F). Do not freeze or expose to temperatures above 40°C (104°F). Failure to properly refrigerate Draxxin can lead to decreased efficacy.
Always monitor and document proper cold chain procedures. Discard if the color of the product changes or any precipitates are observed. Carefully follow all storage requirements printed on the product labeling.
Related: Best Antibiotics Used For Cat Abscess Treatment
Conclusion,
Monitoring your cat closely while they are on Draxxin is important. Alert your vet right away if you have any concerns about side effects or lack of improvement. Your veterinarian may be able to provide additional supportive care to keep your cat comfortable while on this medication.