Marbofloxacin, commonly referred to by the trade name Zeniquin, is an antibiotic commonly used in veterinary medicine. In this article, you will learn how marbofloxacin for felines works, the types of infections it may be used to treat, side effects to be aware of, and some common problems.
Overview of Marbofloxacin for Felines
Drug type:
Fluoroquinolone Antibiotics
Do I need a prescription? :
Yes
Life stage:
Should be used with caution in cats under 12 months.
Common name:
Marbofloxacin
Available doses:
Oral tablets in 25mg, 50mg, 100mg and 200mg tablet sizes.
Valid period range:
Products should be used before the expiration date on the packaging. Tablets should be stored below 86°F (30°C).
About Marbofloxacin for Felines
Marbofloxacin is used to treat bacterial infections, such as urinary tract infections, in cats.
Marbofloxacin is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic. It is a third-generation concentration-dependent bactericidal fluoroquinolone.
As a concentration-dependent antibiotic, it means that it must reach a certain high concentration in the infected target tissue (such as skin, lung, etc.) to kill bacteria.
A bactericidal antibiotic is an antibiotic that actively kills bacteria. This is in contrast to bacteriostatic antibiotics, which are more focused on inhibiting bacterial growth.
Marbofloxacin kills bacteria by inhibiting bacterial DNA synthesis, resulting in bacterial death within 20-30 minutes.
Marbofloxacin is a broad-spectrum antibiotic, which means it is able to kill many different types of bacteria. However, no single antibiotic can kill all types of bacteria.It is less effective against some bacteria including Streptococcus Bacteria and anaerobes (bacteria that do not require oxygen to survive, such as Clostridium bacteria).
Like most antibiotics, marbofloxacin is ineffective against viral, protozoan, and fungal infections.
Marbofloxacin is considered a high-end antibiotic. That means, it’s best to only use it if another antibiotic isn’t successful.For more comprehensive antimicrobial coverage, it can be combined with other treatable antibiotics Streptococcus Bacteria and anaerobes such as clindamycin or amoxicillin.
Also read: Bacterial Infections in Cats: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
What does marbofloxacin do to cats?
Marbofloxacin for cats can be used for a variety of bacterial infections. These include the skin, respiratory and urinary tracts.in this case Streptococcus If bacteria and anaerobes are present, its close relative, prafloxacin, which has enhanced activity against these types of bacteria, can be used.
Marbofloxacin for cats is FDA-approved to treat infections predisposed to it. Ideally, this requires bacterial culture and sensitivity analysis. Due to the relative ease of sample collection, urinary tract infections and skin infections are the most common.
However, veterinarians may also often prescribe antibiotics based on knowledge of the bacteria most likely to be present in a particular tissue or body system and the class of antibiotics to which those bacteria are most susceptible.
Also read: 10 Subtle Signs Your Cat May Be Sick
Marbofloxacin side effects
Most side effects of marbofloxacin in cats are mild, although gastrointestinal upset is one of the most common side effects.
In general, adverse reactions in cats associated with marbofloxacin were limited to signs of gastrointestinal distress. This includes vomiting, diarrhea, and decreased appetite. These signs can occur with any antimicrobial and are not unique to marbofloxacin.
Fluoroquinolones often have the potential to cause cartilage erosion in weight-bearing joints of immature growing animals. This generally makes them unsafe for any growing kitten under a year old.
Pradofloxacin, another fluoroquinolone, is approved for use in cats older than 12 weeks and may be safer in younger cats.
Marbofloxacin for cats rarely causes central nervous system overstimulation. It should be used with caution in cats with epilepsy.
Because it is metabolized and excreted by the liver and kidneys, marbofloxacin may require some dosage adjustment and be used with caution in cats with hepatic or renal impairment. This is to prevent the drug from building up. In these cases, the interval between doses of the drug may be prolonged.
In general, fluoroquinolones may increase sunburn in cats. When administered to cats, avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight on areas of bare or thinned skin.
Also read: Common Skin Problems in Cats: Causes and Treatments
Enrofloxacin, a different fluoroquinolone, has been shown to cause ocular toxicity and subsequent blindness in cats when used at higher doses. Reports of blindness in some felines while taking marbofloxacin have been reported to FDA. But unlike enrofloxacin, a causal relationship has not been established. Higher doses of marbofloxacin in cats should still be used with caution.
The most common reactions in cats to an overdose include increased salivation/drool, vomiting, and redness at the tip of the ear flap (pinna).
There are several drugs that should be used with caution with marbofloxacin. Be sure to let your veterinarian know of all medications your kitten is currently taking when starting marbofloxacin.
Always contact your veterinarian if you are concerned that your cat may experience side effects while taking marbofloxacin, or if you suspect an overdose, ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (1-888-426-4435)or Call the Pet Poisoning Helpline (1-855-764-7661) immediately for further advice.
Also read: Cat Poisoning: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Mabofloxacin Dosage
Dosing of any medications for cats should be prescribed by the veterinarian, and closures should be followed to ensure the cat’s health and well-being.
The FDA-approved uses of marbofloxacin in cats are mainly divided into skin and soft tissue infections and urinary tract infections. The dose is 2.75-5.5 mg per kg every 24 hours.
The length of time you continue to use marbofloxacin can vary widely. Some infections may only require up to 5 days of use, while others may require 30 days or more.
Since the dosage of marbofloxacin for cats varies depending on the infection being treated (and whether a highly resistant bacterial strain is being treated), it is very important to follow the veterinarian’s instructions and never stop the antibiotic until the prescribed length of time has elapsed . Even if it appears your cat’s signs of illness have resolved.
Also read: Cat Vaccinations: What You Need to Know?
in conclusion
Marbofloxacin is a very useful and generally safe antibiotic that can be used in cats. Alternative antibiotics are best considered for very young animals. Since marbofloxacin may be used more often as a second-line option or in the setting of resistant bacterial infections, always make sure to follow your veterinarian’s dosing guidelines.
Also read: Food Allergies in Cats: Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment
frequently asked questions
What is marbofloxacin used for in cats?
Marbofloxacin is an antibiotic that is used in cats to treat many different types of infections. It is mainly used for infections of the skin, urinary tract, and other soft tissues.
Marbofloxacin is effective only for bacterial infections and not for fungal, viral or protozoan infections.
What are the side effects of marbofloxacin in cats?
Most of the side effects reported were related to the digestive tract, such as vomiting, diarrhea, and loss of appetite.
With the exception of prafloxacin, fluoroquinolones, including marbofloxacin, should not be used in cats younger than one year of age because of their erosive effects on growing cartilage.
Although rare, higher doses of marbofloxacin have been reported to FDA to cause blindness. However, as with enrofloxacin (Baytril), a causal relationship has not been established. This is considered a very rare condition that may be mitigated with lower effective doses.
Fluoroquinolones can also cause sun hypersensitivity, increasing the risk of sunburn in hairless or thin-haired cats.
Some drug interactions may occur with marbofloxacin when it is used with other medicines. Most notably, the stress on the kidneys was much greater when used with cyclosporine (Atopica). Always make sure your veterinarian is aware of any other medications your cat is taking before starting marbofloxacin.
Finally, fluoroquinolones should be used with caution in pets with epilepsy because they rarely cause central nervous system excitement.
What type of antibiotic is marbofloxacin?
Marbofloxacin is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic, which is a concentration-dependent antibiotic with bactericidal effect.
Fluoroquinolones are used to treat a wide variety of bacteria and bacterial infections, but they have limited efficacy against infections caused by streptococci and anaerobes.
How much Zeniquin can I give my cat?
Zeniquin, the most common brand name of marbofloxacin, is FDA-approved at labeled doses of 2.75 mg/kg to 5.5 mg/kg. While this dosage is fairly standard for all infections, the length of time this antibiotic is used varies.
It is very important to always check with your veterinarian for the correct dosage of any antibiotic. Do not start antibiotics without confirmation from a veterinary examination, and do not discontinue antibiotics until the prescribed duration is up.
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