Fluquin

Indications

Flumequine is a veterinary antibacterial medicine used in animals only, mainly in poultry (broilers, layers not producing eggs for human consumption, breeders) and sometimes in calves, pigs and fish. It is used to treat bacterial infections of the gut and airways caused by germs sensitive to it, such as E. coli (colibacillosis), Salmonella and Pasteurella. It is not for human use.

How It Works

Flumequine belongs to the quinolone group of antibacterials. It blocks an enzyme called DNA gyrase that bacteria need to copy their genetic material and divide. Without it, the bacteria cannot multiply and die, allowing the animal to recover.

Dosage and Administration

Give only as directed on the product label or by a registered veterinarian. Poultry products are usually given in drinking water or feed for 3 to 5 days. Prepare fresh medicated water each day and make sure it is the only drinking water during treatment. Complete the full course. Treatment should be based on diagnosis and, where possible, sensitivity testing.

Interactions

• Calcium, magnesium, iron and aluminium in feed, water or supplements, and very hard water, can reduce absorption; avoid giving mineral supplements at the same time.
• Do not combine with Tetracyclines, Chloramphenicol or Macrolides, which may work against it.
• Follow the veterinarian's advice about other medicines being used in the flock or herd.

Contraindications

• Not for human use.
• Do not use in laying birds producing eggs for human consumption.
• Do not use in animals with known resistance to quinolones or allergy to Flumequine.
• Avoid in young growing animals of some species (risk of joint cartilage damage) unless the veterinarian advises it.

Side Effects

At correct doses side effects are uncommon. Possible effects in animals include reduced water or feed intake, digestive upset and, in young animals, joint or cartilage problems. Overuse can lead to antibiotic resistance.

Contact a veterinarian urgently if treated animals show sudden illness, lameness, nervous signs, or if deaths increase. If a person accidentally swallows the product or develops a skin reaction, rash, swelling of the face or difficulty breathing after handling it, get urgent medical help and show the label.

Pregnancy and Lactation

For animals: safety in breeding, pregnant or milk-producing animals should be confirmed with a veterinarian; follow the label on use in lactating animals. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should avoid handling the product without gloves.

Precautions and Warnings

• Withdrawal period: meat, milk or eggs from treated animals must not be used for human food until the withdrawal time on the label has passed (for poultry, often several days after the last treatment).
• Use responsibly to limit antibiotic resistance; avoid routine or preventive use without diagnosis.
• People allergic to quinolones should avoid contact. Wear gloves and avoid inhaling dust when mixing.
• Wash hands after use.

Overdose

Overdose in animals may cause digestive upset, reduced intake and nervous signs. Stop medication and contact a veterinarian. If a person swallows the product, seek medical advice and show the label.

Therapeutic Class

Veterinary quinolone antibacterial

Storage

Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light, in the original closed container, out of the reach of children and away from food and animal feed.