Marbofloxacin is a synthetic, bactericidal antimicrobial, belonging to the fluoroquinolone group, which acts by inhibition of DNA gyrase. It has a broad-spectrum activity in vitro against Gram-negative bacteria (Pasteurella multocida, Mannheimia haemolytica, Histophilus somni, E. coli) and against Gram-positive bacteria (in particular Staphylococcus).
Resistance to Streptococcus may occur.

Strains with MIC ≤ 1 µg/ml are sensitive to marbofloxacin whereas strains with MIC > 2 µg/ml are resistant to marbofloxacin.

Resistance to fluoroquinolones occurs by chromosomal mutation with three mechanisms: decrease of the bacterial wall permeability, expression of efflux pump or mutation of enzymes responsible for molecule binding.

Cattle- Intramuscular route:

After a single intramuscular administration at the recommended dose of 8 mg/kg, the maximum plasma concentration of marbofloxacin (Cmax) is 8 µg/ml reached in approximatively 1 hour (Tmax). Marbofloxacin is eliminated slowly (terminal T1/2 = 9.5 h), predominantly in the active form in urine and faeces.

Cattle- Subcutaneous route:

After subcutaneous administration at the recommended dose of 2 mg/kg, marbofloxacin is readily absorbed and reaches maximal plasma concentrations of 1.7 µg/ml in approximately 1 hour. The terminal elimination half-life (t½) of marbofloxacin is 5.6 hours.

Pigs- Intramuscular route:

After intramuscular administration at the recommended dose of 2 mg/kg, marbofloxacin is readily absorbed and reaches maximal plasma concentrations of 1.7 µg/ml in approximately 1 hour. The terminal elimination half-life (t½) of marbofloxacin is 8.7 hours.

Its bioavailability is close to 100 %.

Marbofloxacin is weakly bound to plasma proteins (less than 10% in pigs and 30 % in cattle), extensively distributed and in most tissues (liver, kidney, skin, lung, bladder, uterus) it achieves higher concentrations than in plasma. Marbofloxacin is eliminated predominantly in the active form in urine and faeces.