Moxifloxacin Injection

pronounced as (mox'' i flox' a sin)

Brand Name(s): Avelox® I.V., also available generically

Why is this medicine prescribed?

Moxifloxacin injection is used to treat certain infections caused by bacteria such as pneumonia; and skin and abdominal (stomach area) infections. Moxifloxacin injection is also used to prevent and treat plague (a serious infection that may be spread on purpose as part of a bioterror attack. Moxifloxacin injection may also be used to treat bronchitis or sinus infections but should not be used for these conditions if there are other treatment options available. Moxifloxacin injection is in a class of antibiotics called fluoroquinolones. It works by killing the bacteria that cause infections.

Antibiotics such as moxifloxacin injection will not work for colds, flu, or other viral infections. Using antibiotics when they are not needed increases your risk of getting an infection later that resists antibiotic treatment.

Are there other uses for this medicine?

Moxifloxacin injection is also sometimes used to treat tuberculosis (TB) certain sexually transmitted diseases, and endocarditis (infection of the heart lining and valves) when other medications cannot be used. Moxifloxacin also may be used to treat or prevent anthrax (a serious infection that may be spread on purpose as part of a bioterror attack) in people who may have been exposed to anthrax germs in the air if other medications are not available for this purpose. Moxifloxacin injection is also sometimes used to treat salmonella (an infection that causes severe diarrhea) and shigella (an infection that causes severe diarrhea) in patients who have human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection.Talk to your doctor about the risks of using this medication for your condition.

This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

How should this medicine be used?

Moxifloxacin injection comes as a solution (liquid) to be given through a needle or catheter placed into a vein. It is usually infused (injected slowly) intravenously (into a vein) over a period of at least 60 minutes once a day for 5 to 21 days. The length of treatment depends on the type of infection being treated. Your doctor will tell you how long to use moxifloxacin injection.

You may receive moxifloxacin injection in a hospital, or you may use the medication at home. If you will be using moxifloxacin injection at home, your healthcare provider will show you how to infuse the medication. Be sure that you understand these directions, and ask your healthcare provider if you have any questions. Ask your healthcare provider what to do if you have any problems infusing moxifloxacin injection.

You should begin to feel better during the first few days of treatment with moxifloxacin injection. If your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse, call your doctor.

Use moxifloxacin injection until you finish the prescription, even if you feel better. Do not stop using moxifloxacin injection without talking to your doctor unless you experience certain serious side effects listed in the IMPORTANT WARNING and SIDE EFFECTS sections. If you stop using moxifloxacin injection too soon or if you skip doses, your infection may not be completely treated and the bacteria may become resistant to antibiotics.

What special precautions should I follow?

Before using moxifloxacin injection,

  • tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to moxifloxacin, other quinolone or fluoroquinolone antibiotics such as ciprofloxacin (Cipro), gemifloxacin (Factive), levofloxacin (Levaquin), and ofloxacin, any other medications, or if you are allergic to any of the ingredients in moxifloxacin injection. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for a list of the ingredients.
  • tell your doctor and pharmacist what other prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take while receiving moxifloxacin injection. Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
  • the following nonprescription products may interact with moxifloxacin injection: nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others) and naproxen (Aleve); antacids containing aluminum or magnesium; multivitamins containing iron, zinc. Be sure to let your doctor and pharmacist know that you are taking these medications before you start using moxifloxacin injection. Do not start any of these medications while using moxifloxacin injection without discussing with your healthcare provider.
  • tell your doctor if you or anyone in your family has or has ever had a prolonged QT interval (a rare heart problem that may cause irregular heartbeat, fainting, or sudden death). Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had an irregular or slow heartbeat, a heart attack, an aortic aneurysm (swelling of the large artery that carries blood from the heart to the body), high blood pressure, peripheral vascular disease (poor circulation in the blood vessels), Marfan syndrome (a genetic condition that can affect the heart, eyes, blood vessels and bones), Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (a genetic condition that can affect skin, joints, or blood vessels), and if you have a low level of potassium or magnesium in your blood. Also tell your doctor if you have or have ever had diabetes or problems with low blood sugar, or liver disease.
  • tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant or if you are breastfeeding. If you become pregnant while using moxifloxacin injection, call your doctor.
  • do not drive a car, operate machinery, or participate in activities requiring alertness or coordination until you know how moxifloxacin injection affects you.
  • plan to avoid unnecessary or prolonged exposure to sunlight or ultraviolet light (tanning beds and sunlamps) and to wear protective clothing, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Moxifloxacin injection may make your skin sensitive to sunlight. Call your doctor if you develop skin redness or blisters during your treatment with moxifloxacin injection.

What special dietary instructions should I follow?

Make sure you drink plenty of water or other fluids every day during your treatment with moxifloxacin injection.

What should I do if I forget to take a dose?

Use the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not use a double dose to make up for a missed one.

What should I do in case of overdose?

In case of overdose, call the poison control helpline at 1-800-222-1222. Information is also available online at https://www.poisonhelp.org/help . If the victim has collapsed, had a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can't be awakened, immediately call emergency services at 911.

What side effects can this medicine cause?

Moxifloxacin injection may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

  • nausea
  • vomiting
  • stomach pain
  • diarrhea
  • constipation
  • heartburn
  • irritation, pain, tenderness, redness, warmth, or swelling at the injection spot

If you experience any of the following symptoms, or any of the symptoms described in the IMPORTANT WARNING section, stop using moxifloxacin injection and call your doctor immediately or get emergency medical help:

  • severe diarrhea (watery or bloody stools) that may occur with or without fever and stomach cramps (may occur up to 2 months or more after your treatment)
  • rash
  • hives
  • itching
  • peeling or blistering of the skin
  • fever
  • swelling of the eyes, face, mouth, lips, tongue, throat, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
  • hoarseness or throat tightness
  • difficulty breathing or swallowing
  • ongoing or worsening cough
  • yellowing of the skin or eyes; pale skin; dark urine; or light colored stool
  • extreme thirst or hunger; pale skin; feeling shaky or trembling; fast or fluttering heartbeat; sweating; frequent urination; trembling; blurred vision; or unusual anxiety
  • fainting or loss of consciousness
  • unusual bruising or bleeding
  • sudden pain in the chest, stomach, or back

Moxifloxacin injection may cause problems with bones, joints, and tissues around joints in children. Moxifloxacin injection should not be given to children younger than 18 years of age.

Moxifloxacin injection may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while you are using this medication.

If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online ( http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch ) or by phone (1-800-332-1088).

What other information should I know?

Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor may order certain lab tests to check your body's response to moxifloxacin injection. If you have diabetes, your doctor may ask you to check your blood sugar more often while using moxifloxacin.

It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.

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