MARBOFLOXACIN

(for veterinary information only)

BRAND NAME: ZENIQUIN

AVAILABLE SIZES:
25 mg, 50 mg, 100 mg, 200 mg

BACKGROUND

Human beings have been at odds with microbes since the beginning of time and the quest for new medications continues even today. When sulfa drugs came on the scene in the 1940's, an "age of antibiotics" was born and a new dimension had opened in the combat against microbes. From there a proliferation of antibiotics developed, each new medication exploiting a different aspect of bacterial metabolism until it seemed that the war on microbes would soon be won.

Despite this progress, one particular bacterial species remained seemingly invincible: Pseudomonas aeruginosa. This species of bacteria was able to change its antibiotic susceptibility with each antibiotic exposure, become resistant to multiple drugs in response to every medication used against it. Eventually, the aminoglycoside class of antibiotics was developed and there was finally a way to kill Pseudomonas fairly reliably but the price was that medication was injectable only, necessitating hospitalization for the patient, and potential kidney damage could result with prolonged use.

HOW THIS MEDICATION IS USED

This medication may be used in either dogs or cats to combat different types of infections, especially those involving Pseudomonas. Marbofloxacin is also active against Staphylococci, and thus might be used for skin infections but it is not felt to be a "first line" drug and is generally reserved for resistant infections.

Marbofloxacin is not helpful against anaerobic infections (such as are typical in the mouth or in bite wound abscesses), however, but is commonly used in combination with other antibiotics for a boost in function.

• Marbofloxacin is best given on an empty stomach but if nausea becomes an issue, it can be given with food. It is usually given either once or twice daily as a tablet. If a dose is accidentally skipped, do not double up on the next dose.
• Do not use cheese (or other dairy product) as a treat to hide the pill as calcium will interfere with absorption of this medication
• Tablets should be stored at room temperature, protected from light.
• Dose adjustments may be needed for patients with liver or kidney disease.

SIDE EFFECTS

As with most oral medications, the most common side effects of marbofloxacin are related to the GI tract: vomiting, diarrhea, reduced appetite. Giving a small amount of food can mitigate this problem should it arise.

In immature dogs (less than 8 months of age for medium dogs, less than 12 months of age for large breeds, less than 18 months for giant breeds) damage to developing joint cartilage can occur. This phenomenon is only seen in growing dogs and does not seem to be a problem in cats. It is preferable not to use this medication in puppies unless the severity of the infection present warrants it.

Enrofloxacin, the first veterinary fluoroquinolone, was found to lead to retinal damage and blindness when used in higher doses in cats. This is because the feline retina has a tendency to accumulate enrofloxacin. Marbofloxacin was developed to have less affinity for the feline retina but it is unknown if this problem still occurs in higher doses.

Fluoroquinolone antibiotics may lower the seizure threshold and increase a patient's tendency to have seizures. This is of no concern in a normal animal but is worth a cautionary statement for patients with a pre-existing seizure disorder or with liver or kidney disease.

INTERACTIONS WITH OTHER DRUGS

Sucralfate (a medication used to treat stomach ulcers) may bind marbofloxacin and prevent it from entering the body. These medications should be given at least 2 hours apart if they are used together. A similar phenomenon occurs with magnesium and calcium-containing antacids.

Theophylline (an airway dilator) blood levels may be higher than usual if this medication is used concurrently with marbofloxacin. The dose of theophylline may need to be reduced.

If marbofloxacin is used with oral cyclosporine (an immunosuppressive medication used for inflammatory bowel disease), the kidney damaging properties of cyclosporine may become worse.

Medications or supplements containing iron, zinc, magnesium or aluminum will bind enrofloxacin and prevent absorption into the body. Such medications should be separated from marbofloxacin by at least 2 hours. Similarly, do not use cheese (or any dairy product) as a treat to administer marbofloxacin tablets as the calcium can bind the drug and prevent absorption.

CONCERNS AND CAUTIONS

Pseudomonas infections are especially common in canine ears. In this location, especially higher doses of marbofloxacin are needed to clear this infection. Expect expense as this is a unique antibiotic and at this time there is no comparable generic.

Marbofloxacin should not be used in pregnant, or nursing pets or in immature dogs unless the severity of the infection warrants it.

Short version (to help us comply with "Lizzie's Law")

Page posted: 4/29/2013
Page last updated: 5/6/2021