Category- Allopathy
Medicine Highlights
| Uses | 1. To treat sinus infections 2. To treat lung infections (pneumonia, bronchitis) 3. To treat skin and soft tissue infections 4. To treat intra-abdominal infections 5. To treat bacterial conjunctivitis (eye infection) 6. To treat plague |
| Common Side Effects | 1. Nausea or vomiting 2. Diarrhea or stomach upset 3. Dizziness or headache 4. Mild rash |
| Additional Information | 1. Take the tablet orally, usually once a day, with or without food, exactly as prescribed by your doctor. 2. Do not skip doses or stop early, even if you feel better. |
| Storage | 1- The medicine should be stored at room temperature 2- Keep away from sunlight and moisture 3- Keep away from the reach of children |
| How to Take This Medicine | This medicine is meant to be taken orally |
Moxifloxacin Uses
Moxifloxacin 400 mg tablets are an antibiotic medicine used to treat various bacterial infections in the body. It is useful for the following indications:
- Sinus infections
- Lung infections (pneumonia, bronchitis)
- Skin and soft tissue infections
- Intra-abdominal infections
- Bacterial conjunctivitis (eye infection)
- Plague
Directions for use
- Take moxifloxacin exactly as prescribed by your doctor, at the same time each day.
- Do not stop taking moxifloxacin without your doctor’s approval, even if you feel better.
- If you forget to take moxifloxacin, take it as soon as you remember. If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose.
Moxifloxacin side effects
More Common
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea or stomach upset
- Dizziness or headache
- Mild rash
Less Common
- Tendon pain, swelling, or rupture (especially in older adults)
- Severe allergic reactions (swelling, rash, difficulty breathing)
- Liver problems (yellowing of skin or eyes, dark urine)
- Heart rhythm changes (palpitations, irregular heartbeat)
How Moxifloxacin works
Moxifloxacin works by blocking essential bacterial enzymes called DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV, which are needed for bacteria to copy their DNA and reproduce. Without these enzymes, the bacteria cannot grow or multiply and eventually die. This helps the infection heal faster and prevents it from spreading to other parts of the body.
Safety Measures and Warning
Allergy/hypersensitivity
Taking it can cause serious reactions like rash, swelling, or trouble breathing. Always consult your doctor before using it.
Tendon problems
Moxifloxacin can increase the risk of tendon pain, inflammation, or rupture. Always check with your doctor first.
Children
It may affect growing bones and joints. Always use it only if prescribed by a doctor.
Cardiovascular diseases
The medicine can cause irregular heartbeat or palpitations. Consult with your doctor before taking it.
Pregnant or breastfeeding women
Safety for the fetus is not fully known. Always talk to your doctor first.
Liver or kidney problems
The medicine may build up in the body, increasing the risk of side effects. Consult your doctor before using it.
Moxifloxacin Interaction with Food Product
Avoid foods high in calcium, iron, magnesium, and aluminum, such as dairy products (milk, yogurt), nuts, spinach, salmon, and fortified juices, as they may reduce the absorption if taken together with moxifloxacin. Avoid taking caffeinated food, alcohol and smoking simultaneously as they can cause an increase or decrease in drug action; also, they may cause severe drowsiness and sedation as they act on the brain directly.
Moxifloxacin Interaction with Other Medicines
Avoid taking Moxifloxacin with the following medicines, as it may increase or decrease the desired effect, or in worse cases, it could be fatal:
Moxifloxacin Chemical Structure
IUPAC (International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry)/ Chemical name
7-[(4aS,7aS)-1,2,3,4,4a,5,7,7a-octahydropyrrolo[3,4-b]pyridin-6-yl]-1-cyclopropyl-6-fluoro-8-methoxy-4-oxoquinoline-3-carboxylic acid
Intake routine/cycle
Daily dose
Take Moxifloxacin exactly as your doctor recommends. The dose may change based on your condition and how well you respond. Do not take more than prescribed without consulting your doctor.
Missed Dose
If you forget to take your medicine, take the medication as soon as you remember. If it’s nearly time for your next dose, skip the missed one and continue with your regular schedule. Always consult the doctor before making any changes to your dosage.
Overdose
Do not take more than 400 mg of moxifloxacin. Taking too much can increase the risk of serious side effects, such as irregular heartbeat, severe dizziness, nausea, vomiting, or seizures. If you accidentally take more than prescribed, contact your doctor or seek medical help immediately.
Storage
- Store the medicine at room temperature
- Keep away from sunlight and moisture
- Keep out of reach of children
Moxifloxacin Summary
Moxifloxacin 400 mg tablets are a fluoroquinolone antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections such as pneumonia, bronchitis, sinus infections, skin and soft tissue infections, and abdominal infections. They work by stopping bacteria from copying their DNA, which prevents growth and kills the bacteria, helping the infection heal and preventing it from spreading. Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, and dizziness, while rare but serious side effects may include tendon pain or rupture, severe allergic reactions, liver problems, irregular heartbeat, or severe diarrhea.
People allergic to Moxifloxacin, with tendon, heart, liver, or kidney problems, children, teenagers, or pregnant/breastfeeding women should avoid it and always consult a doctor before use. Moxifloxacin can be taken with or without food but should not be taken at the same time as antacids, iron, magnesium, or zinc supplements. Do not exceed 400 mg per dose, and in case of accidental overdose, contact your doctor immediately.
FAQ’s
What are the uses of moxifloxacin 400 mg tablet?
It is used to treat bacterial infections like pneumonia, bronchitis, sinus infections, skin and soft tissue infections, abdominal infections, and other bacterial infections as prescribed by your doctor.
What drug class does moxifloxacin belong to?
Moxifloxacin belongs to the fluoroquinolone antibiotics class, which work by killing bacteria and treating bacterial infections in the eye.
Who should not take moxifloxacin?
People who are allergic to moxifloxacin or other fluoroquinolone antibiotics should not take it, as it can cause serious allergic reactions. It should also be avoided in people with a history of tendon problems related to fluoroquinolones, those with certain heart rhythm disorders (prolonged QT interval), and in children or pregnant women unless specifically prescribed by a doctor.
What are the side effects of moxifloxacin?
Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, and dizziness. Rare but serious side effects may include tendon pain or rupture, severe allergic reactions, liver problems (yellowing of skin or eyes, dark urine), irregular heartbeat, or severe diarrhea caused by clostridium difficile.
Reference
- PubChem. Moxifloxacin [Internet]. pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. Available from
- DRUGBANK. Moxifloxacin [Internet]. go.drugbank.com. Available from
- Humma ZE, Patel P. Moxifloxacin [Internet]. PubMed. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024. Available from
Authors
Pranathi is a final year Pharm D student at Chalapathi Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences. She loves learning and applying her knowledge in pharmacy and has a passion for writing, which allows her to express ideas clearly and creatively. She enjoys combining her technical skills with her love for writing and communication to make a meaningful impact. Currently she is working on a research paper about “Consanguineous marriages and its impact on children’s health” which will be published by the end of 2025.