MedlinePlus Drug Information: Moxifloxacin

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Other drug names:	A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z 0-9

Moxifloxacin

(mox'' i flox' a sin)

Contents of this page:
Why is this medication prescribed? How should this medicine be used? Other uses for this medicine What special precautions should I follow? What special dietary instructions should I follow? What should I do if I forget a dose?	What side effects can this medication cause? What storage conditions are needed for this medicine? In case of emergency/overdose What other information should I know? Brand names

Why is this medication prescribed? Return to top

Moxifloxacin is used to treat certain lung, bronchial (passages that bring air to the lungs), sinus, skin, and abdominal (stomach area) infections caused by bacteria. Moxifloxacin is in a class of antibiotics called fluoroquinolones. It works by killing the bacteria that cause infection. Moxifloxacin will not work against colds, flu, or other viral infections.

How should this medicine be used? Return to top

Moxifloxacin comes as tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken with or without food once a day for 5 to 21 days. The length of treatment depends on the type of infection being treated. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take moxifloxacin exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Take moxifloxacin until you finish the prescription, even if you feel better. If you stop taking moxifloxacin too soon or if you skip doses, your infection may not be completely treated and the bacteria may become resistant to antibiotics.

You should begin to feel better soon after you begin treatment with moxifloxacin. If your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse, call your doctor.

Ask your doctor or pharmacist for a copy of the manufacturer's information for the patient.

Other uses for this medicine Return to top

Moxifloxacin is also sometimes used to treat tuberculosis (a serious infection that may affect the lungs and other parts of the body) and heart valve infections when other medications cannot be used. Moxifloxacin also may be used to treat or prevent anthrax (a serious infection that may be deliberately spread as a bioterror attack) in people who may have been exposed to anthrax germs in the air if other medications are not available for this purpose. Talk to your doctor about the possible risks of using this medication for your condition.

This medication may be prescribed for other uses. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

What special precautions should I follow? Return to top

Before taking moxifloxacin,

tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to moxifloxacin, other quinolone or fluoroquinolone antibiotics such as ciprofloxacin (Cipro), gatifloxacin (Tequin) (not available in the U.S.), levofloxacin (Levaquin), lomefloxacin (Maxaquin), nalidixic acid (NegGram), norfloxacin (Noroxin), ofloxacin (Floxin), sparfloxacin (Zagam) (not available in the U.S.), or any other medications.
tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. Be sure to mention any of the following: anticoagulants ('blood thinners') such as warfarin (Coumadin); certain antidepressants; antipsychotics (medications to treat mental illness) such as thioridazine; aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn); cisapride (Propulsid) (not available in the U.S.); diuretics ('water pills') such as furosemide (Lasix) and hydrochlorothiazide (Hydrodiuril); erythromycin (E-Mycin, Ery-Tab, others); certain medications for irregular heartbeat including amiodarone (Cordarone), disopyramide (Norpace), procainamide (Procanbid, Pronestyl), quinidine, and sotalol (Betapace); pimozide (Orap). Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
take moxifloxacin at least 8 hours before or at least 4 hours after you take any of these medications: antacids containing magnesium or aluminum (Milk of Magnesia, Riopan, Maalox, Mylanta); sucralfate (Carafate); vitamin supplements that contain calcium, iron, or zinc, or didanosine (Videx) chewable tablets or pediatric powder for oral solution.
tell your doctor if you or anyone in your family has or has ever had a prolonged QT interval (a rare heart problem that may cause fainting or irregular heartbeat) and if you have or have ever had cerebral arteriosclerosis (narrowing of blood vessels in or near the brain that can lead to stroke or mini-stroke), seizures,chest pain, a slow heartbeat, a low level of potassium in your blood, or liver disease.
tell your doctor if you have ever had tendonitis (swelling or tearing of the fiber that connects a bone to a muscle) and if you participate in regular athletic activity. There is a risk that you will develop tendonitis while you are taking moxifloxacin, especially if you are also taking oral steroid medications. If you experience symptoms of tendonitis such as pain, swelling, tenderness, stiffness, or difficulty in moving a muscle; stop taking moxifloxacin, rest, and call your doctor immediately.
tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant or if you are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking moxifloxacin, call your doctor.
if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking moxifloxacin.
you should know that moxifloxacin may cause dizziness and lightheadedness. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how moxifloxacin affects you.
plan to avoid unnecessary or prolonged exposure to sunlight and to wear protective clothing, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Moxifloxacin may make your skin sensitive to sunlight. Call your doctor if you develop skin redness or blisters during your treatment with moxifloxacin.

What special dietary instructions should I follow? Return to top

Drink plenty of fluid during your treatment with moxifloxacin.

What should I do if I forget a dose? Return to top

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

What side effects can this medication cause? Return to top

Moxifloxacin may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

nausea
vomiting
stomach pain
diarrhea
constipation
gas
heartburn
loss of appetite
change in ability to taste food
sores in the mouth or on the tongue
white patches in the mouth
dry mouth
dizziness
headache
confusion
nervousness
agitation
feeling that others are trying to harm you
depression
weakness
excessive tiredness
nightmares
difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
uncontrollable shaking of a part of the body
numbness, burning, or tingling in the hands or feet
flushing
sweating
vaginal itching or burning

Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

rash
itching
hives
difficulty breathing or swallowing
swelling of the face or throat
loss of consciousness
fever
blistering or peeling skin
yellowing of the skin or eyes
dark urine
pale or dark stools
blood in urine
decreased urination
muscle or joint pain
pale skin
shortness of breath
unusual bruising or bleeding
thinking about harming or killing yourself
fast, pounding or irregular heartbeat
fainting
seizures
vision changes

Moxifloxacin may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while you are taking this medication.

If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at http://www.fda.gov/MedWatch/index.html] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].

What storage conditions are needed for this medicine? Return to top

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.

In case of emergency/overdose Return to top

In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.

What other information should I know? Return to top

Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor may order certain lab tests to check your response to moxifloxacin.

Do not let anyone else take your medication. Your prescription is probably not refillable. If you still have symptoms of infection after you finish the moxifloxacin, call your doctor.

It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.

Brand names Return to top

Avelox®

Last Revised - 06/01/2008
Last Reviewed - 01/01/2001

American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. Disclaimer