Interaction between enrofloxacin and monensin in broiler chickens

Enrofloxacin, a fluoroquinolone, and its interaction with monensin, an ionophore drug, was studied to explore the influence of enrofloxacin on drug metabolizing enzymes that can lead to physiological and toxicological consequences upon coadministration with monensin in broiler chickens. Group I, treated with 100 mg monesin/kg feed from 1 d old to 41st d of age, did not show any influence on aniline hydroxylase and cytochrome b5 levels. Group II, treated with 10 mg enrofloxacin/kg body weight per os for three consecutive days on 33rd, 34th, 35th d of age, had a highly significant decrease in aniline hydroxylase on 38th d (ie on 3rd d post-treatment with enrofloxacin); a reversal effect was noticed on the 41st day (ie on 6th d post-treatment with enrofloxacin). There was no alteration in cytochrome b5 level. Group III with monensin and enrofloxacin coadministration 100 mg monensin/kg feed from 1 d old to the 41st day + 10 mg enrofloxacin/kg body weight, per os for 3 consecutive days on the 33rd, 34th, 35th d of age) had a significant decrease in aniline hydroxylase level on the 3rd d post-treatment with enrofloxacin, but an elevation tending to reach normal on the 6th d post-treatment with enrofloxacin. Monensin + enrofloxacin coadministration did not produce any alteration in cytochrome b5 level. Creatine kinase (CK) and alanine amino transferase (ALT) levels significantly increased on the 3rd d post-treatment with enrofloxacin, but on the 6th d post-treatment with enrofloxacin the increase declined. Aspartate amino transferase (AST) significantly increased on the 6th d post enrofloxacin treatment. This study demonstrated the reversible competitive type of inhibition of enrofloxacin on CYP450 enzymes, and with coadministration with monensin produced increased CK, AST and ALT serum enzymes suggesting heart and liver injury. Simultaneous administration of enrofloxacin and monensin even at recommended levels could result in adverse interactions.