MedlinePlus Drug Information: Moxifloxacin

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Moxifloxacin

Brand name(s): Avelox

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?

Why is this medication prescribed?

Moxifloxacin is in a class of drugs called fluoroquinolone antibiotics. It works by stopping the life cycle of bacteria. It is used to eliminate certain bacteria that cause infections in your lungs and sinuses. Antibiotics will not work for colds, flu, or other viral infections.

This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

How should this medicine be used?

Moxifloxacin comes as tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken once a day for 5 to 10 days. Moxifloxacin tablets should be swallowed whole with a full glass of water. It can be taken with or without food.

Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Use moxifloxacin exactly as directed. Do not use more or less of it or use it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Continue to take moxifloxacin even if you feel well. Do not stop taking moxifloxacin without talking to your doctor.

Other uses for this medicine

Moxifloxacin is used occasionally to treat prostatitis, osteomyelitis, traveler's diarrhea, gonorrheal cervicitis or urethritis, pelvic inflammatory disease, sinusitis, otitis media, septic arthritis, bacterial meningitis, bacteremia, and endocarditis, and to prevent infection in urological surgery. Talk to your doctor about the possible risks of using this drug for your condition.

What special precautions should I follow?

Before using moxifloxacin,

tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to moxifloxacin, alatrofloxacin injection (Trovan), cinoxacin (Cinobac), ciprofloxacin (Cipro), enoxacin (Penetrex), gatifloxacin (Tequin), levofloxacin (Levaquin), lomefloxacin (Maxaquin), nalidixic acid (NegGram), norfloxacin (Noroxin), ofloxacin (Floxin), sparfloxacin (Zagam), trofloxacin tablets (Trovan), or any other drugs.
tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially other antibiotics; amiodarone (Cordarone); cisapride (Propulsid); disopyramide (Norpace); diuretics ('water pills') such as furosemide (Lasix) and hydrochlorothiazide (Hydrodiuril); erythromycin (E-Mycin, Ery-Tab, PCE, others); medications for depression or other mental diseases; nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents; procainamide (Pronestyl); quinidine; sotalol (Betapace); and vitamins and herbal products.
do not take with antacids containing magnesium or aluminum (Milk of Magnesia, Riopan, Maalox, Mylanta), sucralfate (Carafate), iron or zinc supplements, vitamins that contain iron or zinc, or didanosine (Videx) tablets or pediatric powder for oral solution. Take these medications at least 8 hours before or 4 hours after moxifloxacin.
tell your doctor if you currently have diarrhea; have or have ever had liver disease, severe cerebral arteriosclerosis, or epilepsy; or if you have, have had, or have a family history of heart disease such as irregular rhythms, low potassium levels, bradycardia, or heart attacks.
tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, or if you are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while using moxifloxacin, call your doctor immediately.
if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking moxifloxacin.
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.
you should know that moxifloxacin may cause dizziness and lightheadedness. Do not drive a car or work on dangerous machinery until you know how moxifloxacin will affect you.

What special dietary instructions should I follow?

While taking moxifloxacin, you should drink at least eight full glasses of water or other liquid every day.

What should I do if I forget a dose?

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?

Side effects from moxifloxacin can occur. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

upset stomach
diarrhea
dizziness
headache
stomach pain
vomiting
change in taste

If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

skin rash
itching
hives
difficulty breathing or swallowing
swelling of the face or throat
fever
yellowing of the skin or eyes
dark urine
pale or dark stools
blood in urine
sunburn or blistering
confusion
hallucinations
depression
suicidal thoughts
fast or irregular heartbeat
fainting
pain, inflammation, or rupture of a tendon
tremor
extreme tiredness
seizures or convulsions
visual changes

What storage conditions are needed for this medicine?

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

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?

Moxifloxacin has not been tested in children younger than 18 years of age, so keep the medication out of reach of children.

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.

Last Revised - 01/01/2003

American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. Disclaimer