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CONTRIBUTOR(S): Vetstream Ltd, Gigi Davidson,

Medication: Marbofloxacin

Medication: Marbofloxacin

Your cat has been prescribed marbofloxacin for the treatment of a bacterial infection. This medication is often used to treat skin and soft tissue infections, and respiratory infections. 

Key points: 
• Antibiotic. 
• Dosage: once daily. 

This information sheet is designed to help answer commonly asked questions and help you give the medication safely and effectively to your pet. It does not contain all available information for this medication. If you have other questions or need more information, contact your veterinarian or pharmacist. Always follow the dosing instructions provided by your veterinarian. 

Name, Brand names, Class of medication and Storage

Name 

  • Marbofloxacin (mar-boh-flox-ah-sin).  

Brand name 

  • Quiflor 5 mg Tablets for Dogs and Cats (UK). 
  • Efex 10 mg Chewable Tablets for Dogs and Cats (UK).
  • Marfloquin 5 mg Tablets for Dogs and Cats (UK). 
  • Marbocyl P 5 mg Tablet (UK). 
  • Marbocare Flavour 5 mg Tablets for Dogs and Cats (UK). 
  • Boflox Flavour 20 mg Tablets for Dogs and Cats (UK). 
  • Zeniquin® 25 mg Tablets (US). 
  • Marboquin™ 25 mg Tablets (US). 

Class of medication 

  • Broad spectrum fluoroquinolone antimicrobial. 

Storage 

  • Store at room temperature. 

Why has my cat been prescribed marbofloxacin?

Your veterinarian has prescribed marbofloxacin for the treatment of infections caused by one or more of the following bacteria: 

  • Staphylococci 
  • Streptococci 
  • Escherichia coli 
  • Proteus spp 
  • Enterobacter spp
  • Klebsiella spp 
  • Salmonella spp 
  • Citrobacter freundii 
  • Serratia marcescens 
  • Morganella morganii 
  • Shigella spp 
  • Pasteurella spp 
  • Haemophilus spp 
  • Moraxella spp 
  • Pseudomonas spp 
  • Brucella canis 
  • Mycoplasma spp. 

 

How is the medication given?

Marbofloxacin is given by injection or orally (as tablets). It is typically administered once daily. Tablets can either be administered directly into your cat’s mouth or along with some food. It should not be administered within 2 hours of antacids, iron, or dairy products as these may prevent absorption of marbofloxacin from the gastrointestinal tract. You should also make sure that your cat has access to plenty of fresh water whilst on this medication to prevent adverse effects caused by dehydration. 

Some marbofloxacin tablets are very palatable, so be sure to keep them out of your cat’s reach. 

Are there any side-effects or drug interactions?

Very rarely, hypersensitivity reactions (allergic reactions) may occur. If this happens, stop the treatment and contact your veterinarian immediately. 

Marbofloxacin should not be used in cats aged less than 12 months. This is due to a risk of damage to growing articular cartilage in younger patients and may cause permanent joint damage. 

Vomiting and soft feces are possible side-effects of marbofloxacin treatment but at the standard dose, side-effects should be mild and should not necessitate stopping treatment. Contact your veterinarian if you have any concerns.  

Marbofloxacin should be used with caution in animals with a history of seizures. 

Enrofloxacin, another fluroquinolone drug, causes blindness in cats at dosages above the recommended labeling. This adverse effect has not been reported in cats receiving marbofloxacin at normal dosages. 

Marbofloxacin and other fluoroquinolones cause photosensitization (burning and skin rash caused by sunlight). Animals with bare or thin fur should be protected from direct sunlight while on this medication.

Antacids (aluminum, calcium, and magnesium containing), iron, and dairy products interact with marbofloxacin to prevent its absorption from the gastrointestinal tract. Marbofloxacin administration should be at least 2 hours apart from these drugs.  

Marbofloxacin has many drug interactions. Tell your veterinarian about any drugs or supplements that your cat is receiving in addition to marbofloxacin.

How long will my cat need to receive this medication?

Marbofloxacin tablets should be administered according to your veterinarian’s instructions. The treatment course will depend on the infection being treated and may be between 5 days and 40 days. 

How should I dispose of this medication if I don’t use it all?

Dispose of any unused marbofloxacin safely – do not flush down the toilet or sink. Ask your veterinary team if they take back medication for disposal. Do not save marbofloxacin for future use or give to other pets. 

What if I miss a dose or give an extra dose?

If you miss a dose, give the dose as soon as possible but do not give a double dose. Make sure the dose given does not exceed the total recommended dose in any 24-hour period. 

My cat is unwell, should I still give the drug?

If your pet is unwell, contact your veterinarian for advice. 

What should I do if this medication is accidentally given to another pet or taken by a human?

Marbofloxacin should only be given to the cat that it has been prescribed for. If accidentally given to other pets, contact your veterinarian for advice. 

If accidentally consumed by a human, speak to your primary care physician or poison control center.  

Will my cat need to be monitored while on Marbofloxacin?

No specific tests are required while your cat is taking marbofloxacin. 

Further information 

If you have any concerns, further information on marbofloxacin can be found on the package insert and the following websites: 

Europe & UK 

US 

Always follow the recommended dosage and contact your veterinary team or pharmacist if you have any questions regarding your cat’s medication. 

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