What is moxifloxacin? What is moxifloxacin used for?

Moxifloxacin is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic. Other fluoroquinolones include ciprofloxacin (Cipro), norfloxacin (Noroxin), and ofloxacin (Floxin). Moxifloxacin works by blocking DNA gyrase enzyme, which is responsible for production and repair of bacterial DNA. Blocking of DNA gyrase leads to bacteria death and prevents worsening of infection. Moxifloxacin treats infections caused by gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria like Streptococcus anginosus, Streptococcus constellatus, Streptococcus pneumonia, Enterobacter cloacae, Escherichia coli, Haemophilus influenza, Klebsiella pneumonia, and Moraxella catarrhalis. Moxifloxacin also treats infections caused by Clostridium perfringens, Chlamydophila pneumonia, and Mycoplasma pneumonia. FDA approved brand name moxifloxacin (Avelox) in December 1999.

What brand names are available for moxifloxacin?

Avelox

Is moxifloxacin available as a generic drug?

Yes

Do I need a prescription for moxifloxacin?

Yes

What are the side effects of moxifloxacin?

Side effects of moxifloxacin are nausea, dizziness, diarrhea, QT prolongation, and photosensitivity.

Rare allergic reactions have been described, such as hives and anaphylaxis (shock). Moxifloxacin should be used with caution in patients with central nervous system diseases such as seizures, because rare seizures have been reported in patients receiving moxifloxacin. Moxifloxacin should be avoided in children and adolescents less than 18 years of age, as safe use in these patients has not been established.

Moxifloxacin as well as other antibiotics in the fluoroquinolone class of antibiotics, has been associated with tendinitis and even rupture of tendons, particularly the Achilles tendon. This risk is especially increased in patients over 60 or patients taking corticosteroids ( for example prednisone). Many antibiotics, including moxifloxacin, can alter the normal bacteria in the colon and encourage overgrowth of a bacterium responsible for the development of inflammation of the colon, (C. difficile or pseudomembranous colitis). Patients who develop signs of pseudomembranous colitis after starting moxifloxacin (diarrhea, fever, abdominal pain, and possibly shock) should contact their physician immediately.

Fluoroquinolones have neuromuscular blocking activity and can worsen muscles weakness in individuals with myasthenia gravis. They also worsen low blood glucose levels when combined with sulfonylureas (for example, glyburide [Micronase, Diabeta, Glynase, Prestab]).

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Bowel regularity means a bowel movement every day. See Answer

What is the dosage for moxifloxacin?

Acute bacterial sinus infection: Take 1 tablet (400 mg) by mouth or 400 mg injection once daily for 5 to 10 days.

Chronic bacterial bronchitis: Take 400 mg by mouth or injection once daily for 5 days.

Community-acquired pneumonia: Take 400 mg by mouth or injection once daily for 7 to 14 days.

Complicated skin and skin structure infections: Take 400 mg by mouth or injection once daily for 7 to 21 days.

Uncomplicated skin and skin structure infections: Take 400 mg by mouth or injection once daily for 7 days.

Complicated intra-abdominal infections: Take 400 mg by mouth or injection once daily for 5 to 14 days.

Safe and effective use of moxifloxacin is not established in patients under the age of 18 years.

Which drugs or supplements interact with moxifloxacin?

Moxifloxacin administration should be separated from aluminum and magnesium containing antacids, sucralfate (Carafate), and multivitamins because they can lower absorption of moxifloxacin and reduce its effectiveness. They should be administered 4 hours before or 8 hours after moxifloxacin.

Moxifloxacin should be used with caution with warfarin (Coumadin) because moxifloxacin can increase the effect of warfarin and risks of bleeding and bruising.

Moxifloxacin should be used with caution with sotalol (Betapace) because it can contribute to abnormal heart rhythm.

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Is moxifloxacin safe to take if I’m pregnant or breastfeeding?

There are no adequate studies done on moxifloxacin to determine safe and effective use in pregnant women. It should only be used if clearly needed.

Moxifloxacin enters breast milk. Mothers should decide whether to stop breastfeeding or discontinue moxifloxacin.

What else should I know about moxifloxacin?

What preparations of moxifloxacin are available?

Tablets: 400 mg. Injection: 400 mg/250 ml

How should I keep moxifloxacin stored?

Store moxifloxacin tablets between temperatures of 20 C to 25 C (68 F to 77 F).

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Medically Reviewed on 8/14/2019

References

REFERENCE: FDA Prescribing Information