💊 Moxifloxacin 400 mg Tablet

A Powerful Once-Daily Antibiotic for Respiratory & Soft Tissue Infections

🔍 Overview

Moxifloxacin 400 mg Tablet is a broad-spectrum fluoroquinolone antibiotic used to treat a variety of bacterial infections. It is commonly prescribed for respiratory tract infections, skin infections, and abdominal infections caused by susceptible bacteria. Due to its long half-life, it is typically administered once daily.

💡 Active Ingredient & Mechanism

• Moxifloxacin Hydrochloride (equivalent to 400 mg Moxifloxacin base)

Moxifloxacin works by inhibiting DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV, enzymes essential for bacterial DNA replication, repair, and recombination. This disruption leads to bacterial cell death. It is effective against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, as well as some atypical organisms like Mycoplasma and Chlamydia.

📌 How to Use

• Dosage:
  400 mg once daily with or without food.
  Duration varies depending on the type and severity of the infection (usually 5–14 days).

• Route: Oral. Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water.

• Avoid: Taking it with antacids, iron, or multivitamins containing magnesium, calcium, or aluminum within 4 hours before or 2 hours after dosing, as they reduce absorption.

✅ Common Indications

• Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP)

• Acute bacterial sinusitis

• Chronic bronchitis exacerbations

• Skin and soft tissue infections

• Intra-abdominal infections (as part of combination therapy)

• Uncomplicated pelvic inflammatory disease

• Bacterial conjunctivitis (oral form used rarely in severe cases)

⚠️ Common Side Effects

• Nausea

• Diarrhea

• Headache

• Dizziness

• Taste disturbances

• Insomnia

These are typically mild and temporary.

🚨 Serious Side Effects (Rare but Serious)

• Tendonitis or tendon rupture, especially in older adults or those on corticosteroids

• QT interval prolongation – risk of arrhythmia

• Peripheral neuropathy – numbness, tingling, or burning in limbs

• CNS effects – confusion, hallucinations, seizures (rare)

• Severe allergic reactions – rash, swelling, breathing difficulty

• Hepatotoxicity – jaundice, dark urine, abdominal pain

Discontinue use and seek medical attention if any serious symptoms appear.

🩺 Monitoring & Follow-Up

• Before starting:

  • ECG in patients with cardiac history (risk of QT prolongation)

  • Liver function tests in those with hepatic impairment

  • Kidney function in elderly or renally impaired

• During treatment:

  • Monitor for tendon pain, neurological symptoms, or arrhythmias

  • Evaluate clinical response by day 3–5

  • Stop immediately if tendon, liver, or neurological issues arise

⚠️ Warnings & Precautions

• Not recommended for children or adolescents (<18 years) due to cartilage toxicity risk

• Avoid in patients with known QT prolongation, myasthenia gravis, or seizure disorders

• Use caution in elderly, cardiac patients, and those on antiarrhythmic drugs

• May increase photosensitivity – avoid excessive sun exposure

• Pregnancy & breastfeeding: Use only if clearly needed

📝 Summary

Moxifloxacin 400 mg Tablet is a highly effective once-daily antibiotic with broad-spectrum coverage, particularly useful for respiratory and soft tissue infections. While generally well-tolerated, it requires careful use in high-risk populations due to potential side effects involving the heart, tendons, and nervous system.

Always follow your doctor’s advice, dosage instructions, and never self-medicate.