Moxifloxacin
Moxifloxacin (moxs i FLOKS a sin) is a generic medication prescribed for treating certain bacterial infections. Moxifloxacin belongs to a group of drugs called quinolone antibiotics.
Moxifloxacin (moxs i FLOKS a sin) is a generic medication prescribed for treating certain bacterial infections. Moxifloxacin belongs to a group of drugs called quinolone antibiotics.
- Generic
- • Tablet
- • 400mg
- • 10 Tablets
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Intro
Introduction
Written by Helen Marshall BPharm MRPharmS
Medically reviewed by Alex Brewer, PharmD, MBA
Updated on August 25, 2023
Moxifloxacin (moxs i FLOKS a sin) is a generic medication prescribed for treating certain bacterial infections. Moxifloxacin belongs to a group of drugs called quinolone antibiotics.
This article doesn’t provide coupons for all forms of moxifloxacin. To find coupons for moxifloxacin eye drops, see this article.
Boxed warnings
Moxifloxacin oral tablet and intravenous (IV) injection (an injection given into your vein) have boxed warnings, which are the most serious warnings from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). These include:
- risk of serious tendon problems
- risk of nerve damage
- risk of central nervous system problems
- risk of worsening of myasthenia gravis
For details, see the “Interactions and warnings for moxifloxacin” section.
Side effects
Side effects of moxifloxacin
Moxifloxacin may cause mild or serious side effects. More common mild side effects of moxifloxacin and its serious side effects are listed below. This article doesn’t include all possible side effects of the drug. Side effects can vary based on your age, overall health, and any other medications you take.
To learn more about moxifloxacin’s side effects, ask your doctor or pharmacist. You can also refer to the prescribing information for moxifloxacin listed in the “Resources” section.
Mild side effects
More common mild side effects reported with some forms of moxifloxacin are listed below. These side effects may differ based on the form of moxifloxacin you use.
This article doesn’t include all possible mild side effects of the drug. To learn more about moxifloxacin’s side effects based on the form, refer to the prescribing information for moxifloxacin listed in the “Resources” section.
With many drugs, mild side effects may go away within a few days or a couple of weeks. If the side effects are bothersome, tell your doctor or pharmacist. They may be able to suggest ways to manage them.
Moxifloxacin oral tablet’s mild side effects include:
- nausea
- diarrhea
- headache
- dizziness
- mild allergic reaction*
Moxifloxacin eye drops’ mild side effects include:
- eye redness or inflammation
- eye pain or discomfort
- eye irritation or itching
- dry eye
- mild allergic reaction*
* For details about this side effect, see the “Interactions and warnings for moxifloxacin” section.
Serious side effects
Serious side effects of moxifloxacin are listed below. These side effects may differ based on the form of moxifloxacin you take or use.
This article doesn’t include all possible serious side effects of the drug. To learn more about moxifloxacin’s side effects based on the form, refer to the prescribing information for moxifloxacin listed in the “Resources” section.
With many drugs, serious side effects are possible but not common. If you have serious side effects from this drug, call your doctor right away. If you’re having severe symptoms or a medical emergency, call 911 or a local emergency number.
In general, moxifloxacin’s serious side effects include:
- severe allergic reaction*
For moxifloxacin oral tablet and intravenous (IV) injection (an injection given into your vein), the following serious side effects may also occur:
- increased sensitivity of the skin to sunlight, which can lead to sunburn
- diarrhea caused by bowel infection with Clostridium difficile (C. diff) bacteria
- long QT syndrome (a type of abnormal heart rhythm that can cause dangerous heartbeats)
- severe skin reactions, such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome
- kidney problems, such as kidney inflammation or failure
- liver problems, such as liver inflammation or failure
- blood disorders, such as low levels of red or white blood cells or platelets
- boxed warning: risk of serious tendon problems*
- boxed warning: risk of nerve damage*
- boxed warning: risk of central nervous system problems*
- boxed warning: risk of worsening of myasthenia gravis*
* For details about this side effect, see the “Interactions and warnings for moxifloxacin” section.
Uses
Uses of moxifloxacin
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves prescription drugs such as moxifloxacin for certain conditions. Approved uses for moxifloxacin are described below. These uses differ based on the form of moxifloxacin prescribed.
Use for certain bacterial infections
Doctors may prescribe moxifloxacin oral tablet and moxifloxacin intravenous (IV) injection (an injection given into your vein) for treating certain bacterial infections. It’s used for this purpose in adults. It’s usually prescribed as a short-term treatment.
Specifically, doctors may prescribe moxifloxacin oral tablet or IV injection for infections such as:
- community-acquired pneumonia (a type of lung infection not caught in hospital)
- skin and skin structure infections
- infections inside the abdomen (belly area)
- sinus infections
- acute (sudden) flare-ups of chronic bronchitis caused by bacterial infection
- plague
Doctors may prescribe moxifloxacin eye drops for treating bacterial conjunctivitis (a type of eye infection). It’s used for this purpose in adults and children of all ages. It’s usually prescribed as a short-term treatment.
Doctors only prescribe moxifloxacin to treat infections caused by certain types of bacteria. Moxifloxacin won’t work to treat infections caused by viruses, such as colds or flu.
To find out what type of germ is causing an infection, your doctor may take a sample from the infected area and send it to a lab. This helps your doctor prescribe the most appropriate treatment for the infection.
Doctors may not prescribe moxifloxacin oral tablet and IV injection in certain situations. For instance, they may not prescribe moxifloxacin for sinus infections or acute flare-ups of chronic bronchitis if other treatment options are available.
Interactions and warnings
Interactions and warnings for moxifloxacin
Below you’ll find information about moxifloxacin’s possible interactions and warnings.
Interactions of moxifloxacin
Certain things may affect how a drug works. These include getting vaccines, consuming alcohol or certain foods, or taking the drug with other medications. This effect is called a drug interaction.
Before you use moxifloxacin, ask your doctor to check for possible interactions. Be sure to tell them about any of the following you take or use:
- prescription or over-the-counter drugs
- vitamins, herbs, or supplements
To learn about drug-condition interactions, see the “Warnings for moxifloxacin” section below.
Warnings for moxifloxacin
Some people should not use moxifloxacin, and others should use it cautiously.
Boxed warnings
Moxifloxacin oral tablet and intravenous (IV) injection (an injection given into your vein have boxed warnings about the following risks. Boxed warnings are the most serious warnings from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
To learn more about these warnings, read below. You can also talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Risk of serious tendon problems. With serious tendon problems, you may have tendinitis (inflammation of a tendon) or rupture (tearing) of a tendon. (Tendons are cords that join your muscles to your bones.) The Achilles tendon in the back of the ankle and tendons in the shoulder or hand are most often affected.
Tendon problems can happen at any time while taking moxifloxacin, or even several months after finishing treatment. They may not get better after stopping moxifloxacin. This side effect was rarely reported in studies of moxifloxacin.
Symptoms may include pain, swelling, warmth, or bruising around a tendon. The affected area may feel weak, and you may have trouble moving or using it. If your tendon ruptures, you may hear or feel a pop or snap in the tendon.
If you experience symptoms of serious tendon problems, rest the affected area. Tell your doctor right away. They’ll likely recommend stopping moxifloxacin. Talk with your doctor about other treatment options for your infection.
Risk of nerve damage. Taking moxifloxacin can cause damage to the nerves in your arms, hands, legs, or feet. This damage can occur soon after starting moxifloxacin. It may not get better after stopping treatment. This side effect was rarely reported in studies of moxifloxacin.
Symptoms may include pain, burning, tingling, numbness, or weakness in your arms, hands, legs, or feet.
If you experience symptoms of nerve damage, tell your doctor right away. They’ll likely recommend stopping moxifloxacin. Talk with your doctor about other treatment options for your infection.
Risk of central nervous system problems. With central nervous system problems, you have side effects that affect your brain and nervous system. Examples include mental health problems such as depression or paranoia. Other examples include seizures or increased pressure inside the skull. These side effects may sometimes occur with the first dose of moxifloxacin. They were rarely reported in studies of moxifloxacin.
Symptoms may include feeling depressed, anxious, nervous, restless, disorientated, confused, or suspicious of others. You may also have trouble sleeping, nightmares, hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that aren’t real), memory problems, or suicidal thoughts. Other symptoms may include seizures, dizziness, severe headache that doesn’t get better, or tremors.
If you experience symptoms of central nervous system problems, tell your doctor right away. They’ll likely recommend stopping moxifloxacin. Talk with your doctor about other treatment options for your infection.
Suicide prevention
If you or someone you know is in crisis and considering suicide or self-harm, please seek support:
- Call the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988.
- Text HOME to the Crisis Textline at 741741.
- Not in the United States? Find a helpline in your country with Befrienders Worldwide.
- Call 911 or your local emergency services number if you feel safe to do so.
If you’re calling on behalf of someone else, stay with them until help arrives. You may remove weapons or substances that can cause harm if you can do so safely.
If you are not in the same household, stay on the phone with them until help arrives.
Risk of worsening of myasthenia gravis. With myasthenia gravis, you have abnormal muscle weakness. Moxifloxacin can worsen muscle weakness in people with this condition, which could cause severe breathing problems or even death.
If you’ve ever had myasthenia gravis, tell your doctor. They’ll likely not prescribe moxifloxacin. Talk with them about other treatment options for your infection.
Other warnings
Moxifloxacin could cause harm to people with certain health conditions. This effect is called a drug-condition interaction. Other factors can also affect whether moxifloxacin is a safe option for you. These warnings may differ based on the form of moxifloxacin you take or use.
Ask your doctor about specific warnings for moxifloxacin, and be sure to tell your doctor about your:
- current health, including any allergies to medications
- past health conditions or surgeries
Allergic reaction
Moxifloxacin can cause an allergic reaction in some people. Severe allergic reactions are rare but possible.
If you’ve had an allergic reaction to moxifloxacin or any of its ingredients, your doctor will likely not prescribe moxifloxacin. They can tell you about medications that are safer options for you.
A mild allergic reaction may cause the following symptoms:
A severe allergic reaction may cause the following symptoms:
- serious skin reaction, which may blister and peel
- swelling under your skin, usually in your hands, feet, eyelids, or lips
- swelling of your mouth, throat, or tongue, which can cause breathing problems
If you have an allergic reaction to moxifloxacin, call your doctor right away. If you have severe symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number.
Overdose of moxifloxacin
If you take moxifloxacin by mouth, you should not take more moxifloxacin than your doctor prescribes. For some drugs, doing so may lead to harmful effects or overdose.
If you think you’ve taken too much moxifloxacin, call your doctor or pharmacist right away. Or you could call 800-222-1222 to speak with someone at America’s Poison Centers. You can also use its online resource. If you have concerning symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number immediately. You can also go to the closest emergency room.
Pregnancy or breastfeeding and moxifloxacin
Information about moxifloxacin and pregnancy and breastfeeding is described below.
Moxifloxacin and pregnancy
It’s not known whether moxifloxacin should be used during pregnancy. If you’re planning a pregnancy or can become pregnant, talk with your doctor before using this medication.
Moxifloxacin and breastfeeding
It’s not known whether moxifloxacin should be used while breastfeeding. If you’re currently breastfeeding or planning to do so, talk with your doctor before using this medication.
FAQs
Common questions about moxifloxacin
Below you’ll find answers to a few commonly asked questions about moxifloxacin.
Does moxifloxacin cause long-term side effects?
Yes, in some cases moxifloxacin may cause long-term side effects. Some of these can occur if you take the drug for a long time. Others can last for a while after you’ve stopped taking the drug. These side effects may differ based on the form of moxifloxacin you use.
Examples of long-term side effects include:
- tendon problems*
- nerve damage*
- kidney problems
- liver problems
- diarrhea caused by Clostridium difficile (a type of bacteria often known as C. diff)
- fungal infections
Talk with your doctor to learn more about these side effects and how to best manage them.
* Moxifloxacin oral tablet and intravenous (IV) injection (an injection given into your vein) has a boxed warning about the risk of tendon problems and nerve damage. Boxed warnings are the most serious warnings from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). For details, see the “Interactions and warnings for x drug” section.
How does moxifloxacin work? And how long does it take to start working?
Moxifloxacin treats certain bacterial infections by killing the bacteria causing the infection. It works by blocking an enzyme (type of protein) the bacteria use to copy and repair their DNA. This kills the bacteria and stops them from multiplying (increasing in numbers).
Moxifloxacin starts working as soon as you start taking it. Depending on the infection, it may take up to 3 weeks for moxifloxacin to fully treat the infection.
It’s important to complete the full course of moxifloxacin your doctor prescribes, even if your symptoms get better. If you stop treatment early, your infection can come back or get worse. The bacteria causing the infection may also become resistant to moxifloxacin. This means that moxifloxacin and other antibiotics may not work as well to treat the infection.
If you’d like to know more about this, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Ask your doctor
What to ask your doctor
Let your doctor know if you have questions about moxifloxacin or would like more details about it.
Here’s a list of some possible questions you may want to ask your doctor:
- How long will I need to take moxifloxacin?
- If I have tendon or nerve problems with moxifloxacin tablets or intravenous (IV) injection (an injection given into your vein), how will they be treated?
- Can I take moxifloxacin with my other medications?
- Are there any alternative medications that I can take for my condition?
Resources
Resources
- Food and Drug Administration. (2023). Orange Book: Approved drug products with therapeutic equivalence evaluations. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cder/ob/index.cfm
- Moxifloxacin hydrochloride injection solution, for intravenous use. (2022). https://nctr-crs.fda.gov/fdalabel/services/spl/set-ids/a4e28b09-714b-46e7-b4e6-0163cad78fc5/spl-doc
- Moxifloxacin ophthalmic solution, for topical ophthalmic use. (2023). https://nctr-crs.fda.gov/fdalabel/services/spl/set-ids/9c720895-f7a4-4e74-b5f2-a63ecf54887e/spl-doc
- Moxifloxacin tablets, for oral use. (2023). https://nctr-crs.fda.gov/fdalabel/services/spl/set-ids/40173ba3-4908-4ed0-b4d6-a12e815a2a73/spl-doc
Disclaimer: Optum Perks has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.
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