Moxifloxacin - Benefits, dosage and side effects

Moxifloxacin is antibiotics to treat diseases caused by bacterial infections, such as pneumonia, skin infections, sinusitis, stomach infections, or pelvic inflammatory disease. In addition, moxifloxacin can also be used to treat and prevent bubonic plague.

Moxifloxacin belongs to the class of quinolone antibiotics. This drug works by inhibiting the enzymes topoisomerase IV and DNA gyrase which are needed by bacteria to reproduce. That way, the growth of bacteria will stop and eventually die.

Moxifloxacin trademark:Avelox, Floxaris, Garena, Infimox, Kabimox, MXN, Molcin, Moxivid, Moxibat, Moxivar, Moxicin, Moxifloxacin HCL, Moxifloxacin Hydrochloride, Nuflox, Respira, Vigamox, Zigat

What is Moxifloxacin

Precautions Before Using Moxifloxacin

Moxifloxacin should only be used with a doctor's prescription. Before using moxifloxacin, you need to pay attention to the following points:

• Tell your doctor about any allergies you have. Moxifloxacin should not be given to patients who are allergic to this drug or to other quinolone antibiotics, such as ciprofloxacin.
• Tell your doctor if you have and have ever had joint or tendon disorders, aneurysms, heart disease, arrhythmias, hypertension, Marfan syndrome, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, diabetes, liver disease, myasthenia gravis, kidney disease, seizures, head injury, brain tumor, hypokalemia, depression, or peripheral neuropathy.
• Do not drive a vehicle or do activities that require alertness while you are taking moxifloxacin, as this medicine can cause dizziness.
• Avoid being in the sun for too long because moxifloxacin can make your skin sensitive to sunlight. Use clothing that covers the whole body, glasses, and sunscreen when outdoor activities.
• Tell your doctor if you are planning a pregnancy, are pregnant, or are breastfeeding.
• Tell your doctor if you want to be immunized or vaccinated with a live vaccine, such as the typhoid vaccine, while taking moxifloxacin. This is because these drugs can reduce the effectiveness of the vaccine.
• Tell your doctor if you are taking certain supplements or herbal products.
• Tell your doctor that you are taking moxifloxacin if you plan to have certain medical or surgical procedures.
• See your doctor right away if you have an allergic drug reaction, serious side effect, or overdose after using moxifloxacin.

Dosage and Instructions for Use of Moxifloxacin

The dose and duration of use of moxifloxacin will be determined by the doctor according to the type of infectious disease to be treated, the severity of the infection, as well as the age and health condition of the patient.

The following is the dosage of moxifloxacin to treat bacterial infections which are divided based on the form of the drug:

• Oral moxifloxacin (tablets and caplets)

  Dosage 400 mg, once a day. The duration of treatment varies, ranging from 5–21 days.

• Moxifloxacin eye drops

  Dosage as a 0.5% solution, 1 drop 3 times a day for 7 days.

• Moxifloxacin infusion

  A dose of 400 mg, once a day is given by infusion into a vein (IV/intravenous), for 60 minutes. The duration of treatment varies from 5–21 days.

How to Use Moxifloxacin Correctly

Be sure to read the instructions on the medicine package and follow the doctor's advice before taking moxifloxacin tablets or caplets. Do not increase the dose without consulting your doctor first.

Take moxifloxacin tablets or caplets regularly at the same time each day. Moxifloxacin can be taken before or after meals. Swallow the medicine whole, do not chew or crush it.

Always consume enough water to reduce the risk of dehydration and impaired kidney function during treatment with moxifloxacin.

For moxifloxacin eye drops, put the drops in the infected eye. After that, close your eyes for 2-3 minutes and tilt your head down. Use a tissue to wipe the eye drops that wet around the eyelids. Do not forget to wash your hands before and after using this medicine.

Moxifloxacin in the form of an infusion can only be given by a doctor or medical personnel under the supervision of a doctor. The drug will be injected into a vein.

Store mixafloxacin at room temperature and in a closed container to avoid exposure to direct sunlight. Keep this medicine out of reach of children.

InteractionMixafloxacin with Other Drugs

The following are some of the effects of interactions that may occur if you use mixafloxacin with certain drugs:

• Increased risk of heart rhythm disturbances (long QT syndrome) if used with quinidine, amiodarone, erythromycin, haloperidol, amitriptyline, or terfenadine
• Increased risk of slow heart rate (bradycardia) if used with loop diuretic drugs
• Increased risk of bone and tendon disorders when used with corticosteroids
• Decreased effectiveness of live vaccines, such as typhoid or cholera vaccines
• Increased risk of bleeding if used with warfarin
• Decreased effectiveness of moxifloxacin when used with antacids and sucralfate

Side Effects and Dangers of Moxifloxacin

Some of the side effects that can occur after using moxifloxacin are:

• Nauseous
• Diarrhea
• Dizziness or headache
• Insomnia
• Weak

Check with your doctor if the side effects above do not subside or get worse. Immediately see a doctor if there is an allergic reaction to the drug which can be characterized by the appearance of certain symptoms, such as an itchy rash on the skin, swelling of the eyelids or lips, or difficulty breathing.

In addition, you should also see a doctor immediately if you experience more serious side effects, such as:

• The appearance of symptoms of an infectious disease, such as fever or sore throat that does not go away
• Pain, numbness, tremor, weakness, tenderness, or swelling, in the hands or feet
• Changes in blood sugar levels, including hypoglycemia or just the opposite, high blood sugar levels
• Very heavy dizziness or fainting
• Diarrhea that doesn't stop, stomach pain or cramps, or bloody stools
• Easy bruising or frequent bleeding gums
• Impaired liver function that can be characterized by certain symptoms, such as jaundice, persistent nausea and vomiting, or dark urine
• Fast heart rate, shortness of breath, or palpitations
• Increased intracranial pressure which can be characterized by symptoms such as severe headache, ringing in the ears, eye pain, or blurred vision