Why is this medication
prescribed?
Moxifloxacin
is in a class of drugs called fluoroquinolone antibiotics. It works by
stopping the life cycle of bacteria. It is used to eliminate certain
bacteria that cause infections in your lungs and sinuses. Antibiotics
will not work for colds, flu, or other viral infections.
This
medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or
pharmacist for more information.
How should this medicine be
used?
Moxifloxacin
comes as tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken once a day for 5
to 10 days. Moxifloxacin tablets should be swallowed whole with a full
glass of water. It can be taken with or without food.
Follow
the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your
doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Use
moxifloxacin exactly as directed. Do not use more or less of it or use
it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Continue
to take moxifloxacin even if you feel well. Do not stop taking
moxifloxacin without talking to your doctor.
Other uses for this medicine
Moxifloxacin
is used occasionally to treat prostatitis, osteomyelitis, traveler's
diarrhea, gonorrheal cervicitis or urethritis, pelvic inflammatory
disease, sinusitis, otitis media, septic arthritis, bacterial
meningitis, bacteremia, and endocarditis, and to prevent infection in
urological surgery. Talk to your doctor about the possible risks of
using this drug for your condition.
What special precautions
should I follow?
Before
using moxifloxacin,
- tell your doctor and
pharmacist if you are allergic to moxifloxacin, alatrofloxacin
injection (Trovan), cinoxacin (Cinobac), ciprofloxacin (Cipro),
enoxacin (Penetrex), gatifloxacin (Tequin), levofloxacin (Levaquin),
lomefloxacin (Maxaquin), nalidixic acid (NegGram), norfloxacin
(Noroxin), ofloxacin (Floxin), sparfloxacin (Zagam), trofloxacin
tablets (Trovan), or any other drugs.
- tell your doctor and
pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are
taking, especially other antibiotics; amiodarone (Cordarone); cisapride
(Propulsid); disopyramide (Norpace); diuretics ('water pills') such as
furosemide (Lasix) and hydrochlorothiazide (Hydrodiuril); erythromycin
(E-Mycin, Ery-Tab, PCE, others); medications for depression or other
mental diseases; nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents; procainamide
(Pronestyl); quinidine; sotalol (Betapace); and vitamins and herbal
products.
- do not take with antacids
containing magnesium or aluminum (Milk of Magnesia, Riopan, Maalox,
Mylanta), sucralfate (Carafate), iron or zinc supplements, vitamins
that contain iron or zinc, or didanosine (Videx) tablets or pediatric
powder for oral solution. Take these medications at least 8 hours
before or 4 hours after moxifloxacin.
- tell your doctor if you
currently have diarrhea; have or have ever had liver disease, severe
cerebral arteriosclerosis, or epilepsy; or if you have, have had, or
have a family history of heart disease such as irregular rhythms, low
potassium levels, bradycardia, or heart attacks.
- tell your doctor if you are
pregnant or plan to become pregnant, or if you are breast-feeding. If
you become pregnant while using moxifloxacin, call your doctor
immediately.
- if you are having surgery,
including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are
taking moxifloxacin.
- plan to avoid unnecessary or
prolonged exposure to sunlight and to wear protective clothing,
sunglasses, and sunscreen. Moxifloxacin may make your skin sensitive to
sunlight.
- you should know that
moxifloxacin may cause dizziness and lightheadedness. Do not drive a
car or work on dangerous machinery until you know how moxifloxacin will
affect you.
What special dietary
instructions should I follow?
While
taking moxifloxacin, you should drink at least eight full glasses of
water or other liquid every day.
What should I do if I forget a
dose?
Take
the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost
time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular
dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
What side effects can this
medication cause?
Side
effects from moxifloxacin can occur. Tell your doctor if any of these
symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- upset stomach
- diarrhea
- dizziness
- headache
- stomach pain
- vomiting
- change in taste
If you
experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:
- skin rash
- itching
- hives
- difficulty breathing or
swallowing
- swelling of the face or
throat
- fever
- yellowing of the skin or
eyes
- dark urine
- pale or dark stools
- blood in urine
- sunburn or blistering
- confusion
- hallucinations
- depression
- suicidal thoughts
- fast or irregular heartbeat
- fainting
- pain, inflammation, or
rupture of a tendon
- tremor
- extreme tiredness
- seizures or convulsions
- visual changes
What storage conditions are
needed for this medicine?
Keep
this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of
reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess
heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that
is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the
proper disposal of your medication.
In case of emergency/overdose
In case
of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222.
If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency
services at 911.
What other information should
I know?
Moxifloxacin
has not been tested in children younger than 18 years of age, so keep
the medication out of reach of children.
Keep
all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor may
order certain lab tests to check your response to moxifloxacin.
Do not
let anyone else take your medication. Your prescription is probably not
refillable. If you still have symptoms of infection after you finish
the moxifloxacin, call your doctor.
