Marbofloxacin for use in Companion Animals
If you believe your pet has developed a bacterial infection, your pet should be seen by a veterinarian as soon as possible. Medications are available that can quickly resolve the infection and get your pet back to good health.
Depending on your pet’s diagnosis, marbofloxacin may be the antibiotic your veterinarian prescribes because it is effective against a variety of infections.
What Is Marbofloxacin?
Marbofloxacin is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic, which has proven to be highly effective against a wide range of bacterial types. This includes some of the more difficult to treat infections. Marbofloxacin prevents bacterial cells from replicating and rapidly causes cell death. In its class, marbofloxacin remains a more potent option due to how the body metabolizes the drug.
Why Marbofloxacin Is Prescribed in Veterinary Medicine
Marbofloxacin is a common drug used by veterinarians to treat bacterial infections in cats and dogs. It is widely used to treat infections in the skin, kidneys, bladder, or the prostate.
Other Uses for Marbofloxacin in Veterinary Medicine
Marbofloxacin is used by veterinarians to treat a range of bacterial infections, but it is most commonly prescribed to pets diagnosed with skin infections and urinary tract infections.
Marbofloxacin may be prescribed with other antibiotics in severe cases as an “empiric therapy” while your veterinarian isolates the cause of the infection.
Dosage and Administration of Marbofloxacin
Marbofloxacin is available as the brand ZENIQUIN® in 25mg, 50mg, 100mg, or 200mg tablets. Other strengths and dosage forms, such as an oral liquid, are required to be compounded at the direct discretion of your veterinarian. The dosage of your pet may vary based on the infection being treated, your pet’s species, and your pet’s weight. Most commonly this medication is given once daily for a short period of time (10-14 days), but may be prescribed for a longer duration if deemed necessary by your veterinarian.
When giving an oral form of the drug, it is best administered to the pet on an empty stomach. However, if signs of nausea or vomiting occur, give the medication with a small portion of food, or treat. Do not give this medication with dairy (including cheeses), antacids or multivitamins.
Special Precautions for Using Marbofloxacin
Marbofloxacin is a strong antibiotic, so it should not be given to small- and medium-breed dogs younger than 8 months of age, large-breed dogs younger than 12 months of age, or giant-breed dogs younger than 18 months of age. It should also be avoided in cats less than one year of age.
This drug should be used with extra caution in pets that are pregnant or nursing, pets diagnosed with kidney or liver problems, and in pets that are prone to seizures.
Possible Side Effects of Marbofloxacin
Marbofloxacin is usually well tolerated by animals when the drug is administered as directed, but occasionally, side effects can present themselves. Common side effects are usually limited to the GI tract (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea). Rare, more serious side-effects include increased hepatic enzymes, lethargy, ataxia, seizures, and, more so in cats, ocular toxicity.
Known Drug Interactions With Marbofloxacin
If your pet is taking other medications, supplements, vitamins, or herbal therapies, be sure to discuss them with your veterinarian and pharmacist before starting enrofloxacin. Avoid concomitant use with antacids, corticosteroids, multivitamins containing metals, cyclosporine, and theophylline. Other less commonly prescribed medications can have severe interactions with this medication. Caution use with other antibiotics.
Proper Storage and Disposal of Marbofloxacin
Marbofloxacin should be stored at a controlled room temperature away from moisture, heat, and direct sunlight. Do not store it in the freezer. If your veterinarian discontinues your pet’s use of enrofloxacin, the remaining medication should be disposed of in the trash. To dispose of this medication, remove it from its original container and mix it with an undesirable substance such as coffee grounds or cat litter. Put the medication in a sealable bag or container and dispose of in regular trash.
Sources:
https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/marbofloxacin
https://veterinarypartner.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=19239&id=5811559
https://m.petmd.com/pet-medication/marbofloxacin-zeniquin
https://www.plumbsveterinarydrugs.com/
https://www.zoetisus.com/_locale-assets/cat/products/zeniquin/asset/zeniquin-marketing-package-insert.pdf
