INN monograph
Moxifloxacin
Fluoroquinolone antibiotic · POM
Source-linked · Updated 03 Aug 2026 · Source: Local active-ingredient clinical extract; RxNorm (NLM RxNav); PubChem; Professional class pharmacology (Fluoroquinolone antibiotic)
Kenya market
Wholesale / list prices where loaded
Risk first
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to quinolones.
- History of quinolone-related tendon disorder.
- Avoid in myasthenia gravis (exacerbation).
- Generally avoid in children/adolescents except specific labelled indications.
- Caution pregnancy/lactation — prefer alternatives when possible.
Precautions
- Quinolones should be used with caution in children with a history of epilepsy or conditions that predispose to seizures, in G6PD deficiency, myasthenia gravis (risk of exacerbation).
- Exposure to excessive sunlight should be avoided (discontinue if photosensitivity occurs).
- Quinolones may induce convulsions in patients with or without a history of convulsions
- taking NSAIDs at the same time may also induce them.
- May cause arthropathy in the weight-bearing joints of immature animals and are therefore generally not recommended in children and growing adolescents.
- However, the significance of this effect in humans is uncertain and in some specific circumstances short-term use of a quinolone in children is justified.
- Should be avoid in pregnancy and lactation.
Point of care
Dosing
Adult
It may be given orally, or by intravenous infusion over 60 minutes. Usual dose is 400mg once daily.
Paediatric
See label paediatric section if present; otherwise use paediatric formulary — do not extrapolate adult doses.
Renal
Many agents need CrCl-based adjustment (e.g. ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin).
- CrCl 0–120: Confirm renal dosing in product SmPC / primary label.
Hepatic
Hepatotoxicity uncommon but reported; moxifloxacin has more hepatic clearance.
Safety
Drug interactions
- FDA boxed warning: moxifloxacin has been shown to prolong the QT interval of the ECG in some patients.
- Moxifloxacin is key in the treatment of MDR-TB and in patients who are not able to tolerate the standard TB treatment regimen.
Safety
Adverse effects
- GI disturbances, dizziness, headache, tremor, confusion, convulsions, rashes, blurred vision, psychotic reactions, impaired vision, impaired taste and smell sensation, stevens-johnson syndrome, hot flushes, skin rashes, migraine, photosensitivity.
Use
Indications
- E.N.T., UTI, RTI, skin and soft tissues, bone, joint, GI, intra-abdominal, pelvic and severe infections, gonorrhea.
- Clinical selection for Moxifloxacin should follow culture results where relevant, Kenya STG/EML recommendations, and the current product SmPC.
- Class context: Fluoroquinolone antibiotic.
- Confirm site-specific dose, duration and monitoring before prescribing.
Pharmacology
Mode of action
Interferes with bacterial DNA synthesis by inhibiting topoisomerase II [DNA gyrase] and topoisomerase IV.
Full mechanism text
Interferes with bacterial DNA synthesis by inhibiting topoisomerase II [DNA gyrase] and topoisomerase IV. Fluoroquinolones inhibit bacterial DNA gyrase (topoisomerase II) and topoisomerase IV, blocking DNA replication and transcription. Bactericidal concentration-dependent killing with a post-antibiotic effect.
ADME
Pharmacokinetics & PD
| Onset | 1–2 hours oral |
|---|---|
| Duration | 12–24 hours (agent-dependent) |
| Route | ORAL / IV |
| Distribution | including prostate and bone (agent-dependent). Renal and/or hepatic clearance varies by agent — adjust dose in organ impairment as labelled. |
Full PK/PD text
Excellent oral bioavailability for most agents (near-IV for ciprofloxacin/levofloxacin in many settings). Wide tissue distribution including prostate and bone (agent-dependent). Renal and/or hepatic clearance varies by agent — adjust dose in organ impairment as labelled.
Kenya
Brands & prices
| Brand | Company | Pack | KES |
|---|---|---|---|
| No brands linked yet. | |||
Special populations
Pregnancy & lactation
Pregnancy
Generally avoid unless no safer alternative; animal arthropathy concerns and limited human data for many agents.
Lactation
Often avoided or used short-term with caution; check agent-specific guidance.
Diet
Food & alcohol
- Food
- Food
Trust
Sources & disclaimer
Source: Local active-ingredient clinical extract; RxNorm (NLM RxNav); PubChem; Professional class pharmacology (Fluoroquinolone antibiotic)
Clinical review date not recorded.
Decision support only — not a substitute for clinical judgment, product SmPC, or Kenya STG/EML.