What is moxifloxacin?
Moxifloxacin is an antibiotic in a group of drugs called fluoroquinolones (flor-o-KWIN-o-lones). Moxifloxacin fights bacteria in the body.
Moxifloxacin is used to treat different types of bacterial infections.
Moxifloxacin may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know about moxifloxacin?
You should not use this medication if you have a history of myasthenia gravis, or if you are allergic to moxifloxacin or similar antibiotics such as ciprofloxacin (Cipro), gemifloxacin (Factive), levofloxacin (Levaquin), ofloxacin (Floxin), norfloxacin (Noroxin), and others.
Before taking moxifloxacin, tell your doctor if you have a heart rhythm disorder, kidney or liver disease, joint problems, a history of seizures, low levels of potassium in your blood (hypokalemia), muscle weakness or trouble breathing, a personal or family history of Long QT syndrome, or if you have ever had an allergic reaction to an antibiotic.
Avoid taking antacids, vitamin or mineral supplements, sucralfate (Carafate), or didanosine (Videx) powder or chewable tablets within 8 hours before or 4 hours after you take moxifloxacin. These other medicines can make moxifloxacin much less effective when taken at the same time.
Taking moxifloxacin can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Avoid exposure to sunlight, sun lamps, or tanning beds.
Moxifloxacin may cause swelling or tearing of a tendon (the fiber that connects bones to muscles in the body), especially in the Achilles' tendon of the heel. These effects may be more likely to occur if you are over 60, if you take steroid medication, or if you have had a kidney, heart, or lung transplant. Stop taking moxifloxacin and call your doctor at once if you have sudden pain, swelling, tenderness, stiffness, or movement problems in any of your joints. Rest the joint until you receive medical care or instructions.
Do not share this medication with another person (especially a child), even if they have the same symptoms you do.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking moxifloxacin?
You should not use this medication if you have a history of myasthenia gravis, or if you are allergic to moxifloxacin or similar antibiotics such as ciprofloxacin (Cipro), gemifloxacin (Factive), levofloxacin (Levaquin), ofloxacin (Floxin), norfloxacin (Noroxin), and others.
To make sure you can safely take moxifloxacin, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:
heart rhythm disorder, especially if you take quinidine (Quin-G), disopyramide (Norpace), bretylium (Bretylol), procainamide (Pronestyl, Procan SR), amiodarone (Cordarone, Pacerone), or sotalol (Betapace);
a history of allergic reaction to an antibiotic;
joint problems;
kidney or liver disease, cirrhosis;
epilepsy or a history of seizures;
muscle weakness or trouble breathing;
low levels of potassium in your blood (hypokalemia); or
a personal or family history of "Long QT syndrome."
FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether moxifloxacin will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medication.
It is not known whether moxifloxacin passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while you are using moxifloxacin.
Moxifloxacin may cause swelling or tearing of a tendon (the fiber that connects bones to muscles in the body), especially in the Achilles' tendon of the heel. These effects may be more likely to occur if you are over 60, if you take steroid medication, or if you have had a kidney, heart, or lung transplant. Stop taking moxifloxacin and call your doctor at once if you have sudden pain, swelling, tenderness, stiffness, or movement problems in any of your joints. Rest the joint until you receive medical care or instructions.
Do not share this medication with another person (especially a child), even if they have the same symptoms you do.