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Marbofloxacin

PrescriptionCDSCO approved
Fluoroquinolone antibiotic
Last reviewed 19 Apr 2026 · PetCare.AI Editorial Team
Species
Dog, Cat
Brands
3 available
Interactions
1 documented
Formulations
4

Mechanism of action

Inhibits bacterial DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV, preventing DNA replication and transcription

At a glance

Class
Fluoroquinolone antibiotic
Schedule
Prescription
Storage
Store below 25°C
CDSCO (India)
Vet-approved — 2005-01

Dosing

🐕

Dog

Skin infections
Dose
2–5.5 mg/kg
Route
PO
Frequency
SID
Max dose
200 mg
Duration: 14-28 days
Urinary tract infections
Dose
2–5.5 mg/kg
Route
PO
Frequency
SID
Max dose
200 mg
Duration: 10-14 days
🐈

Cat

Skin and urinary infections
Dose
2–5.5 mg/kg
Route
PO
Frequency
SID
Max dose
50 mg
Duration: 7-14 days
Educational reference only
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet. Find a vet near you →

Formulations

💊

Tablet — 3

Strength
5mg
Available in India
Strength
20mg
Available in India
Strength
80mg
Available in India
💉

Injectable — 1

Strength
20mg/mL
Available in India

Storage

Store below 25°C

Safety

Absolute contraindications — do not use

  • Growing animals
    Avoid in puppies <12 months and kittens <8 weeks — cartilage damage

Use with caution

  • Seizure disorders
    Lowers seizure threshold
  • Dehydration
    Risk of crystalluria — ensure adequate hydration

Adverse effects

Common
Vomiting
Soft stools
Decreased appetite
Serious
Cartilage erosion in young animals
Seizures
Retinal toxicity in cats (high doses)

Monitoring parameters

Joint health in young animalsNeurological signsHydration
Educational reference only
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet. Find a vet near you →

Interactions

Moderate — 1

Sucralfate
moderate
Sucralfate (aluminum-containing) chelates fluoroquinolones, reducing absorption by 50-90%.
Management: Separate by 2 hours. Give marbofloxacin 2h before or 4h after sucralfate.
Educational reference only
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet. Find a vet near you →

Brands

International

Marbocyl
Vetoquinol
Zeniquin
Zoetis

India

Marbomet
Intas

FAQs

Frequently asked questions

What is Marbofloxacin?
Marbofloxacin is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic used in pets. Inhibits bacterial DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV, preventing DNA replication and transcription
What is Marbofloxacin used for in pets?
Marbofloxacin is used in veterinary medicine for: Skin infections; Urinary tract infections; Skin and urinary infections.
What is the Marbofloxacin dose for dogs?
For dogs, Marbofloxacin is typically dosed as follows — Skin infections: 2–5.5 mg/kg PO SID; Urinary tract infections: 2–5.5 mg/kg PO SID. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
What is the Marbofloxacin dose for cats?
For cats, Marbofloxacin is typically dosed as follows — Skin and urinary infections: 2–5.5 mg/kg PO SID. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
What are the side effects of Marbofloxacin?
Common: Vomiting, Soft stools, Decreased appetite. Serious (call your vet immediately): Cartilage erosion in young animals, Seizures, Retinal toxicity in cats (high doses).
Does Marbofloxacin need a prescription?
Yes. Marbofloxacin is a prescription medication and should only be administered under veterinary supervision.
When should Marbofloxacin not be used?
Do not use Marbofloxacin if: Growing animals.
Educational reference only
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet. Find a vet near you →

References

References

The PetCare.AI drug reference is built from 13 authoritative sources cited across 580 drug monographs.

Textbooks & handbooks — 5

  • Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook
  • Withrow & MacEwen's Small Animal Clinical Oncology
  • Merck Veterinary Manual
  • NRC Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats
  • Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics (Riviere & Papich)

Clinical guidelines & consensus — 4

  • ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center Guidelines
  • AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines
  • ASPCA Poison Control Guidelines
  • RECOVER CPR Guidelines

Journals & peer-reviewed studies — 2

  • EPIC Study (J Vet Intern Med 2016)
  • JVIM FAT CAT Study

Regulatory & approvals — 1

  • CDSCO Veterinary Drug Approval Registry (1969–2026)

Databases — 1

  • Washington State University VCPL MDR1 Database

Related medicines

Other medicines in the same class (Fluoroquinolone antibiotic).

Ciprofloxacin (Ophthalmic)
Rx
Inhibits bacterial DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV, preventing DNA replication; broad-spectrum activity against ocular pathogens
dogcat
Enrofloxacin
Rx
Inhibits bacterial DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV, preventing DNA replication
dogcat
Ofloxacin (Ophthalmic)
Rx
Inhibits bacterial DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV, preventing DNA replication and transcription. Bactericidal activity against a wide range of gram-positive and gram-negative ocular pathogens.
dogcat
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