Moxifloxacin for infection

About moxifloxacin

Moxifloxacin is an antibacterial medicine. This means that it stops infections caused by germs (bacteria). It works by killing the germs that are causing the infection.

Moxifloxacin is prescribed to treat bacterial infections such as bronchitis, pneumonia, sinusitis, and pelvic inflammatory disease. It is only used for infections which have not improved with other antibiotic treatment, or when other antibiotics cannot be prescribed in preference to it.

Moxifloxacin is available as an eye drop for the treatment of bacterial eye infections, for more information see the leaflet Moxifloxacin for eye infections (Moxivig).

Before taking moxifloxacin

Some medicines are not suitable for people with certain conditions, and sometimes a medicine can only be used if extra care is taken. For these reasons, before you start taking moxifloxacin it is important that your doctor knows:

• If you are under 18 years of age or over 60 years of age.

• If you are pregnant, trying for a baby, or breastfeeding.

• If you have ever experienced tendon problems after taking another quinolone antibiotic (ofloxacin, levofloxacin, ciprofloxacin, nalidixic acid, or norfloxacin).

• If you have ever been told you have an irregular heartbeat.

• If you have a heart condition (such as heart failure), or if you have recently had a heart attack.

• If you have been told you have a salt imbalance in your blood.

• If you have problems with the way your liver works.

• If you have epilepsy or any other condition that causes fits.

• If you have a condition causing tired and weak muscles, called myasthenia gravis.

• If you know you have glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency. This is an inherited genetic disorder which causes problems after eating foods such as fava beans.

• If you are taking any other medicines. This includes any medicines you are taking which are available to buy without a prescription, as well as herbal and complementary medicines.

• If you have ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine.

How to take moxifloxacin

• Before you start the treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet from inside your pack. It will give you more information about moxifloxacin, and it will also provide you with a full list of the side-effects which you could experience from taking it.

• Take moxifloxacin exactly as your doctor tells you to. You will be prescribed a dose of one tablet a day. Try to take the tablets at the same time of day each day, as this will help you to remember to take moxifloxacin regularly.

• Swallow the tablet whole with a drink of water. Do not chew or break the tablets, as they have a bitter taste. You can take moxifloxacin either with or without food.

• Do not take indigestion remedies, or medicines containing iron or zinc, either during the two hours before you take moxifloxacin, or during the two hours after you have taken a dose. This is because these interfere with the way moxifloxacin is absorbed by your body and stop it from working fully.

• Even if you feel your infection has cleared up, keep taking the tablets until the course is finished (unless you are told to stop sooner by a doctor). This is to prevent the infection from coming back. A course of treatment often lasts for around 1-2 weeks, although it could be for up to three weeks. If you still feel unwell after finishing the course, go back to see your doctor for more advice.

• If you forget to take a dose at your usual time, take it as soon as you remember. If you do not remember until the following day then take the dose that is due and leave out the forgotten one. Do not take two doses together to make up for a forgotten dose.

Getting the most from your treatment

• If you buy any medicines, check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with moxifloxacin. You should not take painkillers called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (such as ibuprofen) while you are being treated with moxifloxacin.

• Moxifloxacin can cause your skin to become more sensitive than normal to sunlight. Avoid strong sunlight and sunbeds, and use a sun cream with a high sun protection factor even on bright but cloudy days until you know how your skin reacts.

• Some people develop thrush (redness and itchiness in the mouth or vagina) after taking a course of an antibiotic. If this happens to you, speak with your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

• This antibiotic can stop the oral typhoid vaccine from working. If you are due to have any vaccinations, make sure the person treating you knows that you are taking this medicine.

Can moxifloxacin cause problems?

Along with their useful effects, most medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. The table below contains some of the common ones associated with moxifloxacin. The best place to find a full list of the side-effects which can be associated with your medicine, is from the manufacturer's printed information leaflet supplied with the medicine. Alternatively, you can find an example of a manufacturer's information leaflet in the reference section below. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following continue or become troublesome.

Important: there are also a number of less common but more serious side-effects which have been associated with moxifloxacin. Stop taking the tablets and speak with your doctor straightaway if you experience any of the following:

• An allergic-type reaction, such as swelling around your face or mouth, a skin rash, or any difficulty breathing.

• Pain or inflammation in your muscles, tendons or joints (possible tendinopathy).

• Any feelings of pain, burning, tingling, numbness or weakness.

• Any problems with your vision or eyes, or changes to taste, smell or hearing.

• Any signs of jaundice, such as yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes.

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to the tablets, speak with your doctor or pharmacist for further advice.

How to store moxifloxacin

• Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.

• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.
  

Important information about all medicines