Marbofloxacin
“This page provides important general information for pet owners whose animals have been prescribed Marbofloxacin during a consultation by Dr Noor. Marbofloxacin for pets in Perth.”
Key Information
Note: This handout is meant to address common questions. It does not include every detail that exists about this medicine. It also does not replace guidance from your veterinary care team.
Description
Marbofloxacin is a medicine that fights certain bacteria. It is used to treat some bacterial infections in animals.
Other common names
- Marboquin
- Zeniquin
Uses
Approved uses in animals:
- Used to treat some bacterial infections in dogs and cats.
Your veterinarian may also choose to use this medicine in other animal species or for other purposes.
Before this medication is given
No medicine is completely safe for every animal. Talk with your veterinarian about:
- Any other medicines or supplements your animal is currently receiving.
- Any health problems your animal has now, or has had before.
- Any unwanted reactions your animal has had to medicines in the past.
- The possible risks of using this medicine if your animal is pregnant or nursing.
Warnings for animals
Do not use in:
- Animals that have had an allergic reaction to this medicine or to other medicines in the same group (fluoroquinolone antibiotics).
- Cats younger than 1 year of age.
- Young dogs that are growing quickly.
Use with caution in:
- Cats. Medicines in this group can harm the eyes in cats.
- Animals that have had seizures before.
- Animals with serious liver or kidney disease.
- Animals that are dehydrated.
- Animals that are pregnant or nursing.
Some animal competitions do not allow certain medicines. If your animal competes, check the rules while your animal is taking this medicine.
Warnings for humans
- Clean your hands after you handle any medicine.
- If you are allergic to fluoroquinolone antibiotics, wear gloves or do not handle this medicine.
How do I give this medication?
- Give this medicine exactly the way your veterinarian prescribed it.
- Give it when the stomach is empty. If your animal throws up or seems unwell, you can give it with a small treat, as long as the treat does not include dairy or iron.
- Do not give multivitamins, calcium supplements, iron supplements, dairy foods, antacids, or laxatives within 2 hours of giving marbofloxacin. These items can keep marbofloxacin from working properly.
- Common unwanted effects are throwing up, loose stool, or eating less.
- This medicine may make an animal more likely to burn in the sun. Avoid direct or long sun exposure, especially for animals with thin coats or light-colored coats.
- Give the full treatment course, even if your animal seems better.
Side effects
Common — contact your veterinarian if these problems are strong, keep happening, or get worse over time:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Decreased appetite
Severe — stop giving the medicine and contact your veterinarian right away if you notice any of the following:
- Difficulty walking. This can be a sign of damage to joints or cartilage.
- Seizures
- In cats: blindness or pupils that look enlarged
- Not eating at all. In cats, this can sometimes lead to serious liver problems.
- Fever, skin rashes, or trouble breathing. These can be signs of an allergic reaction to the medicine.
How will I know it's working?
Your animal should begin to seem better within 1 to 2 days.
Call your veterinary clinic if your animal’s signs get worse or do not improve.
How long will the medication effects last?
- This medicine will no longer work within 24 hours after the final dose.
- The effects may continue longer if your animal’s kidneys or liver do not work well.
How long do I give it for?
This medicine may be prescribed for different time periods. Keep giving it for the length of time your veterinarian instructs. A refill may be needed.
It is important to complete the full course, even if your animal seems better.
Overdose
Taking too much marbofloxacin can be dangerous. It may harm joints, the nervous system, and the eyes.
If possible, have the medicine container or label available.
Missed dose
In most situations, if you forget a dose:
- Give it as soon as you remember, and then go back to the usual schedule.
If it is almost time for the next dose:
- Do not give the missed dose.
- Give the next dose at the regular time.
- Continue with the normal schedule.
If you are not sure what to do, call your veterinary clinic. Do not give two doses at once and do not give extra doses.
Storage
- Keep the medicine in its original container at room temperature.
- Store it where children and animals cannot reach it.
Disposal
Do not flush this medicine in a toilet and do not pour it into a sink.
Ways to get rid of unused or expired medicine include:
- Drug take-back locations: This is the preferred option when available.
- At-home disposal:
- Combine the medicine with used kitty litter or coffee grounds, place the mixture into a sealed plastic bag, and put it in the trash.
Do not keep leftover medicine for later use and do not give it to anyone else.
Questions?
Speak with your veterinarian.
“Disclaimer: The information on this page is provided as general educational material only. Every animal’s health situation is unique, and treatment decisions must be based on a full veterinary assessment. Always follow the specific instructions given during your consultation, and contact the prescribing veterinarian if you have any concerns.”