Pharmacokinetic / pharmacodynamic evaluation of marbofloxacin for common pathogens in swine following single intramuscular administration of different doses

The aims of the present work were to study the pharmacokinetics of marbofloxacin 10% solution after single i.m. administration at doses of 6, 8, 10 mg/kg b.w. in swine of 20 weeks of age, to estimate the PK/PD indices using bibliographic MIC90 values and to assess the tolerability of the drug. Marbofloxacin Cmax increased in a dose dependent manner, however animals receiving the 10 mg/kg b.w. dose revealed slightly lower AUCi compared to those receiving 8 mg/kg b.w. This suggests a potential alteration of the elimination mechanisms, evidenced by Cltot values after administration of the three dosages. According to the results of the study, the three tested dosages are well tolerated and active for 2-3 days against the most common pathogens in swine. In particular, 8 mg/kg appeared to be the most suitable dose, since 6 mg/kg might be insufficient against the less susceptible pathogens and 10 mg/kg seemed not to provide any advantage.