Marbofloxacin

Marbofloxacin (IUPAC name: 9-Fluoro-2,3-dihydro-3-methyl-10-(4-methyl-1-piperazinyl)-7-oxo-7H-pyridol(3,2,1-ij)(4,2,1)benzoxadiazin-6 carboxylic acid), is a potent antibiotic of the fluoroquinolone group. It is used in veterinary medicine under the trade names Marboxyl and Zeniquin. A formulation of marbofloxacin combined with clotrimazole and dexamethasone is available under the name Aurizon (CAS number 115550-35-1).

Clinical mechanism
Marbofloxacin is a quinolone, and acts by inhibiting bacterial DNA replication. It is effective against enterobacteria, Pasteurella, Pseudomonas and staphylococci.

Application
Marbofloxacin can be used both orally and topically. It is particularly used for infections of the skin, respiratory system and mammary glands, as well as with urinary tract infections in dogs. For dogs, a dose of approximately 2 mg/kg is used. The duration of treatment is usually at least five days, longer if there is a concurrent fungal or yeast infection.

Contraindications and side effects
Marbofloxacin should usually be avoided in young animals, during pregnancy where central nervous system accumulation can occur, or when there is an existing kidney problem. Under certain conditions it can cause discomfort such as cramps, treatable with Valium. Other side effects are vomiting and anorexia.