Marbofloxacin for Dogs - Uses, Dosage and Side Effects

Marbofloxacin is an antibiotic belonging to the fluoroquinolone group. It is a synthetic bactericidal agent whose mechanism of action is based on the inhibition of DNA gyrase within the class topoisomerase. This is an enzyme responsible for relaxing bacterial DNA to facilitate its unwinding and copying during cell division. By inhibiting this enzyme, bacterial replication is stopped. This prevents the bacteria from replicating their genetic material, multiplying and, consequently, surviving.

The spectrum of action of this antibiotic is very broad, including both Gram-positive bacteria (such as Staphylococcus intermedius) and Gram-negative bacteria (such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa , Proteus mirabilis and Escherichia coli). Due to the risk of developing antibiotic resistance, its use should always be carried out under veterinary prescription and supervision. It is used with caution and usually after other options have been deemed inappropriate.

Discover more about another type of fluoroquinolone antibiotic with our article on ciprofloxacin for dogs usage and dosage.

There are different preparations of marbofloxacin for dogs, each used to treat certain types of infection. Marbofloxacin is sold under the following types of preparations:

1. Marbofloxacin tablets: often sold in dosage strengths ranging from 5-100 mg and sold under trade names such as Zeniquin and Marbocyl.
2. Marbofloxacin ear drops: can be sold in combination with other active ingredients to provide a multi-action treatment. For example, it could contain clotrimazole to also treat a fungal infection. Trade names for this product include Marbodex, Marboquin and Aurizon.
3. Marbofloxacin cutaneous spray: in addition to marbofloxacin contains prednisolone and ketoconazole, making it useful for acute focal superficial dermatitis treatment.
4. Marbofloxacin injectable solution: sold in dosage of 100 mg/mL (i.e. 10% marbofloxacin). Useful for treating infected wounds, abscesses or lower urinary tract infections. Can also be used for the prevention of infections resulting from surgery by sensitive bacteria. Sold under the trade name Marbocyl.

As a broad-spectrum antibiotic, marbofloxacin is used to treat bacterial infections. As we have seen, some preparations of marbofloxacin are used in combination with other drugs which affect their usage. We can also look at the uses of marbofloxacin in dogs according to its preparation:

• Tablets: when administered in tablet format, the main indications of marbofloxacin are for skin and soft tissue infections, such as pyoderma, folliculitis, furunculosis, cellulitis and impetigo. It also may be used for infections of the lower urinary tract or respiratory system caused by microorganisms sensitive to the drug.
• Cutaneous spray: if administered as a cutaneous spray, its use is more restricted to an infected area of the skin. A common example is for dermatitis caused by bacteria sensitive to the active ingredient. Discover the different types of dermatitis for dogs in our related guide.
• Drops: marbofloxacin can also be part of medications in the form of ear drops, useful in the treatment of external otitis in canines.
• Injectable solution: this antibiotic may also be present in medications in the form of an injectable solution, intended to treat infected wounds, abscesses, infections resulting from a surgical procedure or lower urinary tract infections.

Some of the bacterial microorganisms which are sensitive to marbofloxacin include:

• Escherichia coli
• Proteus mirabilis
• Staphylococcus intermedius
• Pseudomonas aeruginosa

The way marbofloxacin is administered to a dog will depend on the form it is in. The dosage of marbofloxacin for dogs is as follows:

• Tablets: in the case of marbofloxacin tablets, the most recommended dose is 2.75–5.5 mg/kg/day. Depending on the tablet strength, this is equivalent to one tablet for every 40 kg of the dog's weight per day. The duration of treatment will depend on the type of infection. At least 5 days for skin or soft tissue infections, which may be extended up to 40 days in the most severe cases. At least 10 days for urinary tract infections and at least 7 days for respiratory infections.
• Cutaneous spray: marbofloxacin in spray form should be administered by applying two sprays of the product atomizer pump for each 25 cm² surface area, with a maximum of four treatment areas of this size simultaneously. Direct contact with the treated area of the dog should be avoided.
• Ear drops: if the dog requires treatment with marbofloxacin for otitis externa, approximately 10 drops should be administered per ear once a day for one to two weeks. After application, the base of the ear should be gently massaged to facilitate the penetration of the medication.
• Injectable: marbofloxacin injection is administered subcutaneously to treat abscesses and wounds at a dose of 2 mg/kg/day followed by oral administration of marbofloxacin for 6 days. For lower urinary tract infections, the dose is increased to 4 mg/kg/day given as one subcutaneous injection per day for 3 consecutive days. To prevent surgical site infections, a single subcutaneous dose of 2 mg/kg should be administered just prior to surgery.

The price of marbofloxacin for dogs will vary according to country, brand and other factors. Different preparations will also be priced accordingly. Different pharmacies may also have varying prices according to their own pricing guidelines. Regardless of the price of marbofloxacin for dogs, it is a prescription-only medicine. This means it cannot be purchased over the counter.

Zeniquin for dogs is one of the most common brands of marbofloxacin in veterinary medicine. Approximate costs for its tablet form are as follows:

• 25 mg: approximately $2.18 per tablet
• 100 mg: Approximately $126.88 for a bottle

Purchasing veterinary insurance is helpful in making treatments affordable. However, not all drugs will be covered under all insurance plans.

As with all drugs, marbofloxacin can cause undesirable side effects in our canine companions, but only in certain circumstances. At the recommended therapeutic dose, it does not usually cause serious adverse effects. If the dosage is higher or the dog experiences a negative reaction for whatever reason, the following side effects of marbofloxacin for dogs may occur:

• Joint pain
• Seizures
• Aggressiveness
• Ataxia
• Depression
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Increased activity
• Polydipsia
• Allergic skin reactions due to histamine release

These side effects usually disappear spontaneously once treatment ceases. There is usually no need to interrupt antibiotic therapy with marbofloxacin in most cases. This only usually happens if the dog has a specific sensitivity to the drug.

Learn about the side effects of anesthesia for dogs in our related guide.

While generally safe for use, marbofloxacin has a number of contraindications that need to be taken into account when a veterinarian is prescribing the drug for antibiotic use. It should not be given to dogs in the following circumstances:

• Dogs under 12 months of age or under 18 months if they are very large breeds. This is the case with various types of mastiff, the Great Dane or the Bernese Mountain dog. This is because fluoroquinolones can affect the development of joints and cartilage.
• Dogs with a hypersensitivity to fluoroquinolones or to any excipient of the medicine containing marbofloxacin as the active ingredient.
• Dogs with a resistance to quinolones, since almost total cross-resistance to other fluoroquinolones has been demonstrated.
• Should be used with caution in dogs with seizures or other neurological disorders due to the risk of developing such side effects.
• Should not be used for infections caused by strict anaerobes, fungi or yeasts, unless it is in combination with another drug.
• Should be used with caution and under a correct benefit/risk assessment carried out by the veterinarian in pregnant or lactating dogs.
• Bioavailability may be reduced when combined with orally administered cations such as calcium, aluminum, iron or magnesium, due to the interaction of fluoroquinolones with these metals.
• Not to be used in combination with macrolides or tetracyclines, as they may have an antagonistic effect.
• If marbofloxacin is administered in combination with theophylline, its half-life is increased, which also increases its plasma concentration. In these cases, the dose of theophylline should be reduced.

Learn more about fluroquinolone antibiotic treatments with our guide to dosage, uses and side effects of enrofloxacin for dogs.

This article is purely informative. AnimalWised does not have the authority to prescribe any veterinary treatment or create a diagnosis. We invite you to take your pet to the veterinarian if they are suffering from any condition or pain.

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