What is this medication for?
Moxifloxacin is an antibiotic that belongs to the family of medications known as the quinolones. Moxifloxacin is used to treat the following infections when they are caused by certain types of bacteria:
- acute sinusitis
- acute exacerbation (worsening) of chronic bronchitis
- community-acquired pneumonia
- abdominal infections
- certain types of skin infection
It works by killing the bacteria that cause these infections.
Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than those listed here. As well, some forms of this medication may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here. If you are not sure why you are being given this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop using this medication without consulting your doctor.
Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it.
Some medications may have other generic brands available. Always ask your doctor or pharmacist about the safety of switching between brands of the same medication.
How should I use this medication?
The recommended adult dose of moxifloxacin is 400 mg once daily. The medication may be taken for 5 to 21 days depending on the particular infection being treated.
Moxifloxacin tablets should be swallowed whole with plenty of fluids. They may be taken with or without food. Moxifloxacin should be taken at least 4 hours before or 8 hours after multivitamins that contain iron or zinc, or antacids that contain magnesium or aluminum, or sucralfate. Ask your pharmacist if you are not sure if your mulitvitamins or antacids contain these ingredients.
Finish all this medication, even if you have started to feel better.
Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are using the medication without consulting your doctor.
It is important that this medication be used exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, administer it as soon as possible and continue with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not use a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.
Store this medication at room temperature, protect it from light and moisture, and keep it out of the reach of children.
Who should NOT take this medication?
Moxifloxacin should not be used by anyone who:
- is allergic to moxifloxacin or to any of the ingredients of the medication
- is allergic to any other medications in the fluoroquinolone family (e.g., ciprofloxacin, ofloxacin, norfloxacin)
- is taking certain medications used to treat abnormal heart rhythms such as quinidine, procainamide, amiodarone, and sotalol
- has certain types of abnormal heart rhythms or congenital prolongation of the QT interval
- has low potassium or is taking a diuretic medication (e.g., hydrocholorothiazide, fuosemide)
