Moxifloxacin

1 medicine

Moxifloxacin is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic for respiratory, skin, abdominal, and eye infections; it carries a boxed warning for tendon rupture, aortic aneurysm or dissection, and irreversible nerve damage, and it can also prolong the heart's QT interval.

Avelox

Moxifloxacin

400mg

Avelox is a antibiotics medication containing Moxifloxacin, available as 400mg tablets.

from $6.63 / tablet View

Key facts

  • Moxifloxacin (Avelox) is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic that kills bacteria by blocking their DNA replication.
  • You usually take one tablet daily for a set course, with or without food, and you must finish the entire course even if you feel better early.
  • Its single most important safety fact: fluoroquinolones like moxifloxacin carry a boxed warning for tendon rupture, permanent nerve damage, and aortic aneurysm or dissection, and moxifloxacin can also prolong the heart's QT interval and trigger a dangerous rhythm.
  • Seek urgent care for sudden tendon pain or swelling, tearing chest or back pain, or a fast, irregular heartbeat.

What Moxifloxacin treats

Moxifloxacin treats bacterial sinusitis, community-acquired pneumonia, and flares of chronic bronchitis. It also treats skin and soft-tissue infections, complicated intra-abdominal infections, and bacterial conjunctivitis using the eye-drop form. Because of its serious side-effect profile, it is generally reserved for infections where other antibiotics are not suitable.

How Moxifloxacin works

Moxifloxacin blocks two bacterial enzymes, DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV, that bacteria need to unwind and copy their DNA. Without these enzymes working, bacteria cannot replicate or repair their genetic material, and they die.

Before you take it

  • Avoid moxifloxacin if you have had a previous tendon disorder or an allergic reaction linked to any fluoroquinolone, or if you have a personal or family history of aortic aneurysm.
  • Tell your prescriber about myasthenia gravis, a heart rhythm condition or long QT syndrome, epilepsy, or any other QT-prolonging medicine you take, since combining them raises the risk of a dangerous heartbeat.
  • Separate moxifloxacin from antacids, iron, zinc, or calcium supplements by several hours, since these minerals block its absorption.
  • People over 60, those taking corticosteroids, and organ-transplant recipients face a higher risk of tendon rupture.

Side effects

Common effects include nausea, diarrhea, headache, dizziness, and mild rash.

Stop and seek urgent medical care for any of these:

  • Sudden tendon pain, swelling, or a snapping sensation, especially in the Achilles tendon.
  • Sudden, severe chest, back, or abdominal pain.
  • Fast, irregular heartbeat or fainting.
  • New tingling, numbness, or weakness in the hands or feet.
  • Severe, watery diarrhea that continues after stopping the antibiotic.

Safety essentials

  • Stop moxifloxacin and rest the affected limb immediately if you feel tendon pain. Continuing to exercise on it can cause rupture, even in people who have never had tendon problems before.
  • Do not take moxifloxacin with other medicines that prolong the QT interval, and tell your prescriber about any personal or family history of heart rhythm problems.
  • Complete the prescribed course exactly as directed, and do not use leftover moxifloxacin for a different infection.

This page is educational and does not replace advice from a doctor or pharmacist who knows your health history.