Moxifloxacin
Moxifloxacin is a broad-spectrum fluoroquinolone antibiotic used to treat various bacterial infections including respiratory tract infections, skin infections, and intra-abdominal infections. It works by inhibiting bacterial DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV enzymes, which are essential for bacterial DNA replication and transcription.
Moxifloxacin is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections of the respiratory tract, skin, and abdomen.
This medication carries a boxed (black box) warning — the strongest type of FDA warning. Review the full prescribing information before use.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- J01MA14
- RxNorm
- 139462
- Generic
- Moxifloxacin
- Class
- atc-j01
- Brands
- Avelox, Vigamox
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- ophthalmic, oral
- Forms
- injection, solution, tablet
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 500mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 250mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 400mg daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
10 groupspregnancy
first trimesteravoid if possible
avoid use during pregnancy unless benefits outweigh risks
regular fetal monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
second trimesteravoid if possible
use only if benefits outweigh risks
regular fetal monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
third trimesteravoid if possible
avoid use close to delivery
fetal monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
lactation
breastfeedingdiscontinue breastfeeding or avoid drug
moxifloxacin passes into breast milk; breastfeeding should be discontinued during treatment
monitor infant for adverse effects
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
geriatric
elderlyno dose adjustment required
use with caution due to increased risk of QT prolongation and tendon rupture; monitor renal function
monitor ECG, renal function, and for signs of tendonitis
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
children under 18not recommended
not approved for use in children and adolescents under 18 years due to risk of cartilage damage
not applicable
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
renal_impairment
mild moderateno dose adjustment required
no dose adjustment needed for mild to moderate renal impairment
standard monitoring
renal_impairment
severeuse with caution
use with caution in severe renal impairment; monitor closely
monitor renal function and drug levels if available
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
mild moderateno dose adjustment required
no dose adjustment needed for mild to moderate hepatic impairment
standard monitoring
hepatic_impairment
severeuse with caution
use with caution in severe hepatic impairment; limited data available
monitor hepatic function
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
Statistics and clinical data
Drug class
Antibiotic classification system
Common uses
Therapeutic indications
FDA approval year
Regulatory approval timeline
Treats community-acquired pneumonia, acute bacterial sinusitis, acute exacerbations of chronic bronchitis, skin and soft tissue infections, and complicated intra-abdominal infections.
As a fluoroquinolone, it inhibits bacterial DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV enzymes, preventing bacterial DNA replication, transcription, repair, and recombination.
Fluoroquinolones carry FDA black box warnings for tendinitis, tendon rupture, peripheral neuropathy, and CNS effects. Avoid in patients with QT prolongation, myasthenia gravis, and children under 18. May cause photosensitivity and C. difficile-associated diarrhea.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed July 26, 2026. · Read our editorial policy