moxifloxacin (Avelox)

What is moxifloxacin? What is moxifloxacin used for?

Moxifloxacin is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic. Other
fluoroquinolones include ciprofloxacin (Cipro), norfloxacin (Noroxin), and
ofloxacin (Floxin). Moxifloxacin works by blocking DNA gyrase enzyme, which is
responsible for production and repair of bacterial DNA. Blocking of DNA gyrase
leads to bacteria death and prevents worsening of infection. Moxifloxacin treats
infections caused by gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria like Streptococcus
anginosus, Streptococcus constellatus, Streptococcus pneumonia,
Enterobacter
cloacae, Escherichia coli,
Haemophilus influenza, Klebsiella pneumonia, and
Moraxella catarrhalis. Moxifloxacin also treats infections caused by
Clostridium
perfringens, Chlamydophila pneumonia, and Mycoplasma pneumonia. FDA approved
brand name moxifloxacin (Avelox) in December 1999.

What brand names are available for moxifloxacin?

Avelox

Is moxifloxacin available as a generic drug?

Yes

Do I need a prescription for moxifloxacin?

Yes

What are the side effects of moxifloxacin?

Side effects of moxifloxacin are nausea, dizziness, diarrhea,
QT prolongation, and photosensitivity.

Rare allergic reactions have been described, such as hives and anaphylaxis
(shock). Moxifloxacin should be used with caution in patients with central
nervous system diseases such as seizures, because rare seizures have been
reported in patients receiving moxifloxacin. Moxifloxacin should be avoided in
children and adolescents less than 18 years of age, as safe use in these
patients has not been established.

Moxifloxacin as well as other antibiotics in the fluoroquinolone class of
antibiotics, has been associated with tendinitis and even rupture of tendons,
particularly the Achilles tendon. This risk is especially increased in patients
over 60 or patients taking corticosteroids ( for example prednisone). Many
antibiotics, including moxifloxacin, can alter the normal bacteria in the colon
and encourage overgrowth of a bacterium responsible for the development of
inflammation of the colon, (C. difficile or pseudomembranous colitis). Patients
who develop signs of pseudomembranous colitis after starting moxifloxacin
(diarrhea, fever, abdominal pain, and possibly shock) should contact their
physician immediately.

Fluoroquinolones have neuromuscular blocking activity and can worsen muscles
weakness in individuals with myasthenia gravis. They also worsen low blood
glucose levels when combined with sulfonylureas (for example, glyburide
[Micronase, Diabeta, Glynase, Prestab]).

Bowel regularity means a bowel movement every day.
See Answer

What is the dosage for moxifloxacin?

Acute bacterial sinus infection: Take 1 tablet (400 mg) by mouth or 400 mg
injection once daily for 5 to 10 days.

Chronic bacterial bronchitis: Take 400 mg by mouth or injection once daily
for 5 days.

Community-acquired pneumonia: Take 400 mg by mouth or injection once daily
for 7 to 14 days.

Complicated skin and skin structure infections: Take 400 mg by mouth or
injection once daily for 7 to 21 days.

Uncomplicated skin and skin structure infections: Take 400 mg by mouth or
injection once daily for 7 days.

Complicated intra-abdominal infections: Take 400 mg by mouth or injection
once daily for 5 to 14 days.

Safe and effective use of moxifloxacin is not established in patients under
the age of 18 years.

Which drugs or supplements interact with moxifloxacin?

Moxifloxacin administration should be separated from
aluminum and magnesium containing antacids, sucralfate (Carafate), and
multivitamins because they can lower absorption of moxifloxacin and reduce its
effectiveness. They should be administered 4 hours before or 8 hours after
moxifloxacin.

Moxifloxacin should be used with caution with warfarin (Coumadin) because
moxifloxacin can increase the effect of warfarin and risks of bleeding and
bruising.

Moxifloxacin should be used with caution with sotalol (Betapace) because it
can contribute to abnormal heart rhythm.

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Is moxifloxacin safe to take if I’m pregnant or breastfeeding?

There are no adequate studies done on moxifloxacin to determine
safe and effective use in pregnant women. It should only be used if clearly
needed.

Moxifloxacin enters breast milk. Mothers should decide
whether to stop breastfeeding or discontinue moxifloxacin.

What else should I know about moxifloxacin?

What preparations of moxifloxacin are available?

Tablets: 400 mg. Injection: 400 mg/250 ml

How should I keep moxifloxacin stored?

Store moxifloxacin tablets between temperatures of 20 C to 25 C (68
F to 77 F).