Moxifloxacin
Escherichia coli Infections, Bacteroides Infections ... show more
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DRUG STATUS
Approvals
US(FDA), UK(BNF)
Essential Medicine
YES
Teratogenicity
N/A
Pharmaceutical Class
Fluoroquinolone Antibacterial
Moxifloxacin
Know More About This Medicine -
Click HereSummary
Moxifloxacin is an antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections such as lung infections, pneumonia, bronchitis, skin infections, serious belly infections, and even plague. It's also a last resort for sinus infections and bronchitis.
Moxifloxacin fights against certain types of bacteria in the body, helping to eliminate the infection. It's highly effective for lung infections, pneumonia, sinus infections, and bronchitis with success rates around 90%.
Moxifloxacin is usually taken orally with the typical dose being 400mg once a day. The duration of treatment varies depending on the type of infection.
Common side effects of Moxifloxacin include nausea, diarrhea, headache, and dizziness. More serious side effects can include tendon problems, nerve damage, problems with heart rhythm, allergic reactions, and severe bowel issues.
Moxifloxacin can cause serious side effects like tendon problems, nerve damage, and heart rhythm issues. It should not be taken with certain heart medicines, antacids, or supplements containing iron or zinc. It's not recommended for use during breastfeeding and should be used with caution in older adults due to increased risk of tendon and heart problems.
Indications and Purpose
What is Moxifloxacin used for?
Moxifloxacin is a medicine that fights certain types of bacteria. It's only for adults 18 and older. It can treat lung infections (pneumonia, bronchitis), skin infections, serious belly infections, and even plague (although this is based on animal tests, not people). It's a last resort for sinus infections and bronchitis because other medicines are usually better choices.
How does Moxifloxacin work?
Moxifloxacin is a type of antibiotic. Unlike some similar antibiotics, it doesn't make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Even if you take a very large amount, it's unlikely to cause serious problems, but a doctor should still be told. If needed, only a small amount of the drug can be removed from the body through dialysis.
Is Moxifloxacin effective?
Moxifloxacin is a medicine that works well against many types of bacterial infections. Studies show it's highly effective for lung infections (pneumonia), sinus infections, and bronchitis, with success rates consistently around 90%. It also works well for skin infections and some serious infections in the abdomen, although the success rates are a bit lower there, but still similar to other comparable antibiotics.
How does one know if Moxifloxacin is working?
Studies show moxifloxacin is a pretty effective antibiotic for several common infections. It worked almost as well as other antibiotics in treating sinus infections and bronchitis, and sometimes even better for pneumonia. Side effects in children were similar to those seen in adults.
Directions for Use
What is the usual dose of Moxifloxacin?
Moxifloxacin is a medicine for adults. The usual dose is 400mg once a day, but how long you take it depends on the illness. It's not safe or proven to work in children under 18. A study in older children showed side effects similar to adults, like a slightly fast heartbeat (QT prolongation), throwing up, diarrhea, joint pain, and inflammation in the veins.
How do I take Moxifloxacin?
You can take moxifloxacin with or without food. Drink lots of water while you're on it. Don't take it with antacids or medicines containing things like magnesium, aluminum, iron, or zinc for about four hours before or eight hours after taking your moxifloxacin.
For how long do I take Moxifloxacin?
Moxifloxacin is an antibiotic. How long you take it depends on what infection you have. For example, a lung infection might need 1 to 2 weeks, a simple skin infection a week, but a more serious skin or abdominal infection could require up to 3 weeks. Other infections, like sinus infections or bronchitis, might only need treatment for 5-10 days. A serious infection like the plague needs a longer course, 10-14 days.
How long does it take for Moxifloxacin to start working?
How long you take the antibiotic moxifloxacin depends on what's wrong. A lung infection might need it for 1 to 2 weeks. A simple skin infection could be 1 week, but a more serious skin problem may need 1 to 3 weeks.
How should I store Moxifloxacin?
Keep the medicine in a cool, dry place at room temperature. It's okay if the temperature goes a little warmer or cooler than room temperature for short periods, but don't let it get too hot or cold or wet.
Warnings and Precautions
Who should avoid taking Moxifloxacin?
Moxifloxacin is a strong medicine with possible serious side effects. It can cause tendon problems (pain and tearing), nerve problems (numbness and pain), and brain problems (dizziness, fainting, seizures). Severe allergic reactions are a possibility. The sun can make you more sensitive, so avoid strong sun. Don't drive or operate machinery if you feel dizzy. It can affect your heart rhythm, especially if you're older or have heart problems. Take it exactly as prescribed; don't miss doses. See your doctor right away if you have any problems.
Can I take Moxifloxacin with other prescription drugs?
Moxifloxacin is a medicine that can be affected by other things you take. Don't take it with antacids, sucralfate, iron, or zinc supplements – wait at least four hours before or eight hours after taking those. It can make blood thinners like warfarin stronger, so your doctor will need to check your blood regularly. Taking it with pain relievers like ibuprofen can increase the risk of seizures. It shouldn't be taken with certain heart medicines (Class IA and III antiarrhythmics) because it can affect your heart rhythm. Finally, if you're also taking diabetes medicine, your blood sugar needs to be watched closely because moxifloxacin can affect your blood sugar levels.
Can I take Moxifloxacin with vitamins or supplements?
If you're taking the antibiotic moxifloxacin, don't take it around the same time as antacids (like Tums or Maalox), sucralfate (used for ulcers), or vitamins with iron or zinc. These things can stop your body from absorbing the antibiotic properly. Take moxifloxacin at least 4 hours before or 8 hours after these other medicines or supplements. Calcium supplements might slightly affect how well it works, but it's usually not a big problem.
Can Moxifloxacin be taken safely while pregnant?
Tests on animals showed that high doses of moxifloxacin could harm a developing baby, causing low birth weight, bone problems, and even miscarriage. However, lower doses in other animal tests didn't show the same problems. There's no proof this drug harms babies in pregnant women, but doctors should explain this animal research to pregnant patients because of the potential risks.
Can Moxifloxacin be taken safely while breastfeeding?
It is generally not recommended during breastfeeding.
Is Moxifloxacin safe for the elderly?
For older people, the antibiotic moxifloxacin can increase the risk of serious tendon problems, like torn tendons, especially if they're also taking steroid medicines. This risk is highest within the first two months, but problems can happen even later. It can also raise the chance of a serious heart problem called an aortic aneurysm or dissection. Older people who take other medicines that affect heart rhythm or are at risk for a specific heart rhythm problem (torsades de pointes) should not take moxifloxacin. Although studies show it's generally safe for older adults, doctors should be extra careful when prescribing it.
Is it safe to exercise while taking Moxifloxacin?
Exercise is safe, but avoid intense physical activity if you experience tendon pain, as Moxifloxacin can increase the risk of tendon injuries.
Is it safe to drink alcohol while taking Moxifloxacin?
It is best to avoid alcohol as it can increase the risk of side effects such as dizziness and gastrointestinal upset.