Marbofloxacin should not be used in dogs aged less than 12 months or less than 18 months for exceptionally large breeds of dogs, such as Great Danes, Briard, Bernese, Bouvier and Mastiffs with a longer growth period. Not recommended for use in cats aged less than 16 weeks.
Do not use in cases of hypersensitivity to fluoroquinolones or any of the excipients of the product.
Do not use in the cases of resistance against quinolones since (almost) complete cross-resistance exists against other fluoroquinolones.
Not suitable for infections resulting from strict anaerobes, yeast or fungi.
Do not use Marbocyl P 20mg or Marbocyl P 80mg tablets in cats. For the treatment of this species, the Marbocyl P 5mg tablet is available.
Special precautions for use in animals
The fluoroquinolones have been shown to induce erosion of articular cartilage in juvenile dogs and care should be taken to dose accurately, especially in young animals.
The fluoroquinolones are known for their potential neurological side effects; cautious use is recommended in dogs and cats diagnosed as suffering from epilepsy.
A low urinary pH could have an inhibitory effect on the activity of marbofloxacin.
Fluoroquinolones should be reserved for the treatment of clinical conditions which have responded poorly, or are expected to respond poorly to other classes of antimicrobials. Whenever possible, use of fluoroquinolones should be based on susceptibility testing. Use of the product deviating from the instructions given in the SPC may increase the prevalence of bacteria resistant to the fluoroquinolones and may decrease effectiveness of treatment with other quinolones due to the potential for cross resistance.
Adverse reactions (frequency and seriousness)
At the therapeutic recommended dosage no severe side effects are to be expected in cats and dogs. In particular, no lesions of the articular joints were encountered in clinical studies at the recommended dose rate. However, joint pain and/or neurological symptoms (ataxia, aggression, convulsion, depression) may occur on rare occasions.
Allergic reactions have been observed (temporary skin reactions) due to histamine release that may occur.
Mild side effects such as vomiting, softening of faeces, modification of thirst or transient increase in activity may occasionally occur. These signs cease spontaneously after treatment and do not necessitate cessation of the treatment.
The frequency of adverse reactions is defined using the following convention:
- rare (more than 1 but less than 10 animals in 10,000 treated)
Use during pregnancy, lactation or lay
Studies in pregnant rats and rabbits showed no side effects on pregnancy. However, no specific studies have been carried out in pregnant cats and dogs.
Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction
Fluoroquinolones are known to interact with orally administered cations (Aluminium, Calcium, Magnesium, Iron.) In such cases, the bioavailability may be reduced.
Overdose (symptoms, emergency procedures, antidotes), if necessary
Overdosage may cause acute signs in the form of neurological disorders which should be treated symptomatically.
Withdrawal period(s)
Not applicable
Special precautions to be taken by the person administering the veterinary medicinal product to animals
People with known hypersensitivity to fluoroquinolones should avoid using this product. In case of accidental ingestion seek medical attention and show product label and/or package leaflet to the doctor. Wear gloves when handling or dividing tablets. Wash hands after use.