Moxifloxacin (brand name Avelox) is a broad-spectrum antibiotic belonging to the fluoroquinolone class, used to treat a variety of bacterial infections. It is particularly effective against respiratory tract infections, such as pneumonia, bronchitis, and sinusitis, as well as skin infections and certain gastrointestinal infections. Moxifloxacin works by inhibiting bacterial DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV, enzymes crucial for DNA replication, transcription, repair, and recombination, thereby preventing bacterial cell division and leading to cell death.
Available in both oral and intravenous formulations, moxifloxacin offers flexibility in administration based on the severity and type of infection. The typical dosage for adults is 400 mg once daily, with the duration of treatment varying depending on the specific infection and patient response.
Common side effects of moxifloxacin include nausea, diarrhea, dizziness, and headache. More severe side effects, though less common, can include tendonitis and tendon rupture, peripheral neuropathy, and central nervous system effects such as seizures and psychosis. Due to these risks, moxifloxacin is generally reserved for infections where alternative treatments are not suitable or have failed.
Moxifloxacin's efficacy can be compromised by bacterial resistance, a growing concern in medical practice. To mitigate this risk, it is essential to use this antibiotic only when prescribed by a healthcare professional and to complete the full course of treatment to minimize the development of resistance.