moxifloxacin (oral/injection)

What is the most important information I should know about moxifloxacin?

Moxifloxacin can cause serious side effects, including tendon problems, nerve damage, serious mood or behavior changes, or low blood sugar.

What is moxifloxacin?

Moxifloxacin is a fluoroquinolone (flor-o-KWIN-o-lone) antibiotic that fights bacteria in the body.

Moxifloxacin is used to treat different types of bacterial infections of the skin, sinuses, lungs, or stomach.

Fluoroquinolone antibiotics can cause serious or disabling side effects that may not be reversible. Moxifloxacin should be used only for infections that cannot be treated with a safer antibiotic.

Moxifloxacin may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using moxifloxacin?

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• tendon problems, bone problems, arthritis, or other joint problems;
• blood circulation problems, aneurysm, narrowing or hardening of the arteries;
• heart problems, high blood pressure;
• a genetic disease such as Marfan syndrome or Ehler's-Danlos syndrome;
• diabetes;
• a muscle or nerve disorder, such as myasthenia gravis;
• liver or kidney disease;
• a seizure, head injury, or brain tumor;
• long QT syndrome (in you or a family member); or
• low levels of potassium in your blood (hypokalemia).

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

How should I use moxifloxacin?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Moxifloxacin oral is taken by mouth.

You may take moxifloxacin oral with or without food, at the same time each day.

Moxifloxacin injection is given as an infusion into a vein. A healthcare provider will give your first dose and may teach you how to properly use the medication by yourself.

Read and carefully follow any Instructions for Use provided with your medicine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you don't understand all instructions.

Prepare your injection only when you are ready to give it. Do not use if the medicine has changed colors or has particles in it. Call your pharmacist for new medicine.

Use this medicine for the full prescribed length of time, even if your symptoms quickly improve. Skipping doses can increase your risk of infection that is resistant to medication. Moxifloxacin will not treat a viral infection such as the flu or a common cold.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if your next dose is due in less than 8 hours. Do not take two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

What should I avoid while using moxifloxacin?

Antibiotic medicines can cause diarrhea, which may be a sign of a new infection. If you have diarrhea that is watery or bloody, call your doctor before using anti-diarrhea medicine.

What are the possible side effects of moxifloxacin?

Moxifloxacin can cause serious side effects, including tendon problems, side effects on your nerves (which may cause permanent nerve damage), serious mood or behavior changes (after just one dose), or low blood sugar (which can lead to coma).

• low blood sugar --headache, hunger, sweating, irritability, dizziness, nausea, fast heart rate, or feeling anxious or shaky;
• nerve symptoms in your hands, arms, legs, or feet --numbness, weakness, tingling, burning pain;
• serious mood or behavior changes --nervousness, confusion, agitation, paranoia, hallucinations, memory problems, trouble concentrating, thoughts of suicide; or
• signs of tendon rupture --sudden pain, swelling, bruising, tenderness, stiffness, movement problems, or a snapping or popping sound in any of your joints (rest the joint until you receive medical care or instructions).

• severe stomach pain, diarrhea that is watery or bloody;
• fast or pounding heartbeats, fluttering in your chest, shortness of breath, and sudden dizziness (like you might pass out);
• muscle weakness, breathing problems;
• a seizure (convulsions);
• any skin rash, no matter how mild;
• increased pressure inside the skull --severe headaches, ringing in your ears, vision problems, pain behind your eyes; or
• liver problems --upper stomach pain, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).

Common side effects may include:

• nausea, diarrhea;
• dizziness; or
• headache.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect moxifloxacin?

• the ulcer medicine sucralfate, or antacids that contain calcium, magnesium, or aluminum (such as Maalox, Milk of Magnesia, Mylanta, Pepcid Complete, Rolaids, Tums, and others);
• didanosine (Videx) powder or chewable tablets;
• lanthanum carbonate or sevelamer; or
• vitamin or mineral supplements that contain aluminum, iron, magnesium, or zinc.

Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially:

• erythromycin;
• a blood thinner (warfarin, Coumadin, Jantoven);
• a diuretic or "water pill";
• heart rhythm medication;
• insulin or oral diabetes medicine (check your blood sugar regularly);
• medicine to treat depression or mental illness;
• steroid medicine (such as prednisone); or
• NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) --aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), celecoxib, diclofenac, indomethacin, meloxicam, and others.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect moxifloxacin, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist can provide more information about moxifloxacin.