Moxifloxacin is used to treat certain bacterial infections.
What is Moxifloxacin?
Moxifloxacin kills bacteria sensitive to its action by inhibiting the enzyme topoisomerase II and IV. The first is a key molecule for the replication, transcription and the repair of the DNA of the bacteria; the second is involved in cell division processes.
How should Moxifloxacin be taken?
Moxifloxacin is taken orally in the form of tablets.
Side effects associated with Moxifloxacin
Long-term use of Moxifloxacin may cause a second infection. Moreover, in case of diabetes it is important to remember that this antibiotic may affect the levels of blood sugar.
In rare cases, the treatment can have serious side effects that involve the muscles, joints, liver and blood. In particular, the intake of Moxifloxacin is associated with an increased risk of tendon problems (pain, swelling, inflammation and even breaking) and it may worsen muscle weakness and breathing difficulties associated with myasthenia gravis.
Finally, the drug can cause adverse effects at the level of the nerves of the arms, hands, legs or feet, resulting in Stevens-Johnson syndrome or increase the skin's sensitivity to the sun.
Among the other possible adverse effects of Moxifloxacin are included:
- Diarrhea
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Nausea
It is important to contact a doctor immediately if taking Moxifloxacin triggers any of the following symptoms:
- Rash
- Urticaria
- Itching
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing
- Tightness in the chest or throat
- Swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue
- Unusual hoarseness
- Blood in the stool
- Chest pain
- Decreased urination
- Fainting
- Rapid heartbeat, slow or irregular
- Fever, chills, cough or persistent sore throat
- Hallucinations
- Hearing problems
- Problems in tendons or joints
- Sunburn, peeling, or swelling of the skin or redness
- Psychological problems or mood
- Weakness or muscle pain
- Nightmares
- Shortness of breath or other breathing problems
- Pain or muscle cramps
- Suicidal thoughts
- Symptoms of hyperglycemia or hypoglycemia
- Severe or persistent diarrhea
- Severe or persistent headaches, dizziness or feeling faint or lightheaded
- Liver problems
- Tremors
- Insomnia
- Difficulty walking
- Bleeding or bruising
- Swelling or weight gain
- Fatigue or unusual weakness
- Vaginal discharge, itching or odor
- Vision problems
- White patches in the throat
Contraindications and warnings associated with the use of Moxifloxacin
Moxifloxacin may be contraindicated for certain heart problems, low levels of potassium in the blood, myasthenia gravis and in cases of intake of some antiarrhythmic drugs.
Therapy can affect the ability to drive or operate hazardous machinery. This side effect can be exacerbated by alcohol and some drugs.
Moreover, before starting treatment it is important to inform your doctor if:
- You have any allergies to the active substance, its excipients, other medicines, foods, or any other substance
- You are taking other medications, herbal remedies and supplements, in particular drugs that increase the risk of QT prolongation, corticosteroids, antiarrhythmic, cisapride, diuretics, erythromycin, tricyclic antidepressants or other psychiatric drugs, insulin or oral agents, and warfarin
- You suffer (or have suffered) from stomach infection, liver, brain or nervous system problems, increased pressure in the brain, Alzheimer's disease, brain blood vessel problems, diarrhea, diabetes or hyperglycemia, hypoglycemia, seizures, skin hypersensitive to the sun, low levels of potassium in the blood, irregular heartbeat (even in case of family history) or other heart problems, problems with the tendons or joints, rheumatoid arthritis, kidney disease or reduced kidney function
- You have ever had a heart attack
- You are planning a heart, kidney or lung transplant surgery
- You practice vigorous physical activity
- You are pregnant or breastfeeding
Lastly, during treatment it is important not to undergo certain types of vaccines.
