Generic
name: Moxifloxacin
Brand name: Avelox®, Vigamox™
Description
Moxifloxacin is a synthetic antibiotic agent. Bayer AG formulated this drug
and it was marketed worldwide (as the hydrochloride) under the brand name
Avelox for oral treatment. Each unit contains 400 mg. In most countries,
this drug is also available in parenteral form for intravenous infusion.
Moxifloxacin is also sold in an ophthalmic solution, ie eye drops, under the
name Vigamox for the treatment of conjunctivitis or all other eye infection.
Uses
- Moxifloxacin can be used to cure respiratory disorders including
acute sinusitis, acute aggravations of chronic bronchitis and
community-acquired pneumonia as well as skin and skin structure
infections.
- It is also known as a remedy in treating ear infections.
- Moxifloxacin is also used for the treatment of refined
intra-abdominal infections. Since moxifloxacin is primarily metabolized
and eliminated via the hepatic route, moxifloxacin is not suggested for
the treatment of urinary tract infections.
- Moxifloxacin is used as an agent in tuberculosis and may potentially
have profits in minimizing treatment duration from its current six month
to four months.
- In ophthalmology, moxifloxacin is available in the form of eye
drops, marketed by Alcon, to treat conjunctival infections caused by
susceptible bacteria and to prevent infection following eye surgeries.
Dosage
The most common prescribed dosage is 400 mg daily orally or via intravenous
infusion. The duration of treatment depends on the condition of disease and
ranges from 5 days in acute exacerbations of chronic bronchitis to 60 days
for post-exposure prevention of anthrax. The biological availability of
moxifloxacin is over 90% and therefore there are no advantages of using
intravenous moxifloxacin when the patient is able to swallow the tablets.
Bioavailability is markedly reduced, however, when taken with
aluminum-containing antacids. Apart frm the opthalmic form, there is no
ample clinical data about dosage to patients under 18 years of age. In
gerontological patients no dose reductions are necessary.
Safety tips
- Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to moxifloxacin
or any other drugs
- Tell your doctor what prescription and nonprescription medications
you are taking, especially other antibiotics vitamins and herbal
products.
- You should not take this with antacids containing magnesium or
aluminum, sucralfate, iron or zinc supplements, vitamins that contain
iron or zinc. Take these medications at least 8 hours before or 4 hours
after moxifloxacin.
- Tell your doctor if you currently have diarrhea; have or have ever
had liver disease, severe cerebral arteriosclerosis or heart attacks.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, or
if you are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while using
moxifloxacin.
- If you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor
or dentist that you are taking moxifloxacin.
- Avoid unnecessary or prolonged exposure to sunlight and to wear
protective clothing, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Moxifloxacin may make
your skin sensitive to sunlight.
- You should know that moxifloxacin may cause dizziness. Do not drive a
car or work on dangerous machinery until you know how moxifloxacin will
affect you
Common side effects
Possible side effects due to this drug are :
- Gastrointestinal tract disturbances
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Anorexia
- Bloating
- Abdominal pain
- Diarrhea
- Pseudomembranous colitis
- Skin reactions
- Serious heart problems
- Moxifloxacin may have a much higher attack rate of Clostridium
difficile than other respiratory quinolones, such as levofloxacin
Disclaimer:The above information is for general
understanding of the visitor. Please consult a registered medical
practitioner before taking the aforesaid medicine.
Injection
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