Uses of Moxifloxacin

Moxifloxacin is used to treat various bacterial infections such as infection of the lungs (pneumonia) acquired outside the hospital, skin and soft tissue infection, eye (bacterial conjunctivitis), ear infections, and sinusitis (acute bacterial sinusitis, acute bacterial exacerbation of chronic bronchitis). It is also used to treat uncomplicated urinary tract infection and pelvic inflammatory disease.

Therapeutic Category

Moxifloxacin: Antibiotics (Fluoroquinolones)

How Moxifloxacin works

Moxifloxacin works by inhibiting the bacterial enzymes DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV which are required for DNA replication and transcription resulting in cell death. This prevents the bacterial cells from dividing and repairing and destroys them.

Common side effects of Moxifloxacin

• nausea, diarrhoea
• pain or inflammation at injection site
• dizziness
• stomach and abdominal pain
• vomiting
• headache
• abdominal pain, dark urine, fatigue, itching
• oral and vaginal infections caused by candida (a fungi)
• changes of the heart rhythm 

When to consult your doctor

Consult your doctor:

• In case of accidental overdosage
• If you experience abnormal fast heart rhythm
• If you experience signs of liver inflammation such as feeling unwell or yellowing of the whites of the eyes, dark urine, itching of the skin, a tendency to bleed or disturbances of thought or wakefulness
• If you experience serious skin rashes including Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis characterized by reddish target-like macules or circular patch, skin peeling, ulcers of mouth, throat, nose, genitals, and eyes and can be preceded by fever and flu-like symptoms
• If you experience swelling of the airway
• If you experience convulsions (fits)
• If you experience problems with nervous system such as pain, burning, tingling, numbness and/or weakness in extremities
• If you experience depression and/or insanity (such as suicidal ideations/thoughts, or suicide attempts)
• If you experience severe diarrhoea containing blood and/or mucus
• If you experience pain and swelling of the tendons (tendonitis).
• If you experience muscle weakness, tenderness, or pain and particularly with feeling of unwell, high temperature or have dark urine

Health Tips for Moxifloxacin

• Take this medicine with, or just after meals. Stick to simple meals. Try to avoid oil rich or spicy foods, sugary snacks, and drinks
• Try to drink liquid slowly along with your meals, or in between meals