Marbofloxacin

Major Uses

Marbofloxacin belongs to the fluoroquinolone class of antibiotics and is effective against many types of bacteria, including the difficult to treat Pseudomonas. The drug works by deactivating bacterial enzymes needed for DNA transcription, which in turn leads to the death of the bacterial cell.

A broad-spectrum antibiotic, marbofloxacin is used in cats and dogs to treat a variety of infections, most commonly those caused by Pseudomonas and other gram-negative bacteria. It is also an effective treatment for infections caused by Staphylococci.

Common Precautions

The most common side effects associated with use of marbofloxacin include diarrhea, vomiting, and reduced appetite. Reddening of the skin, dehydration, tremors, weight loss, drooling, facial swelling, and lethargy are also possible with use of this medication.

Marbofloxacin should not be used in dogs less than 8 months of age due to a risk of joint damage occurring. This problem does not appear to affect cats and is only seen in growing dogs. Additionally, marbofloxacin may lower the seizure threshold in animals with a pre-existing disorder.

Some fluoroquinolones are associated with retinal damage and blindness in cats. The risk is greatest at higher doses. Although marbofloxacin appears less likely to cause this adverse event, the risk is still present and should be a consideration before treating cats with high doses of the drug. This drug is known to interact with a number of medications. It should be given at least 2 hours apart from sucralfate, iron supplements, and antacids containing magnesium and calcium. The drug also interacts with theophylline, which is an airway dilator, and oral cyclosporine.

Marbofloxacin is not for use in pregnant or nursing animals unless the severity of infection leaves no other choice. The drug should be used with caution in animals with brain or spinal cord disorders.

Marbofloxacin should not be used in animals with a known allergy or hypersensitivity to the drug. Overdose of marbofloxacin is possible and is a medical emergency. Symptoms of overdose may include vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, dizziness, seizures, and dilated pupils or blindness is cats. Any known or suspected overdose should be reported to a veterinarian right away.

Storage

Marbofloxacin should be stored in its original packaging, away from heat, light, and moisture. The medication should not be kept in a bathroom or above the kitchen sink, and it must be stored out of reach of children and pets.

Administration

Marbofloxacin is available as 25 mg, 50 mg, 100 mg, and 200 mg tablets.

Marbofloxacin is typically dosed at 1.25 mg/lb (2.5 mg/kg) once daily. Depending on the severity of the infection, the dose may be increased to 2.5 mg/lb (5 mg/kg) once daily. Skin and soft tissue infections typically require treatment for 30 days, while urinary tract infections may only require dosing for 10 days.

Doses may vary in different species, when the drug is given by a different route or concurrently with other medications, and with regards to a patient's age, breed, and health status. A veterinarian's dosing instructions and/or those printed on the medication label should be followed closely.

If a dose of this medication is missed, it should be given as soon as possible. If it is almost time for the next dose of marbofloxacin, the missed dose should be skipped and the regular schedule should be resumed. It is important not to give two doses of this drug at once.