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.
