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Moxifloxacin

Brand names: Avelox (brand discontinued), Vigamox (eye drops)

Moxifloxacin is a strong antibiotic for some pneumonias and sinus and skin infections. Eye drops treat bacterial pink eye.

Brand namesAvelox (brand discontinued), Vigamox (eye drops)
Type of medicineFluoroquinolone antibiotic
Prescription?Prescription
ImportantThis page is general information, not a prescription. Don't start, stop, or change a medicine without talking to your provider or pharmacist.

Overview

Pills carry the serious fluoroquinolone warnings; eye drops don't.

What it's used for

  • Some pneumonias
  • Sinus infections when other antibiotics can't be used
  • Skin and belly infections
  • Bacterial pink eye (eye drops)

How to take it

  • Pills: take with water, 4 hours before or 8 hours after antacids, iron, or zinc.
  • Take it for the full course, even if you feel better.

Your dose depends on your health and other medicines. Always follow your prescription label, and ask your pharmacist if anything is unclear.

Side effects

Common side effects

  • Nausea
  • Diarrhea
  • Dizziness
Call your provider todayPain, swelling, or a pop in a tendon
Call your provider todayNumbness or tingling in arms or legs
Call 911Fainting or a fast, irregular heartbeat
Call your provider todaySevere watery or bloody diarrhea, even weeks after finishing (possible C. diff infection)

Warnings

  • Boxed warnings (pills): tendon rupture, nerve damage, mental health effects, and worse myasthenia gravis.
  • It can affect heart rhythm, especially with other medicines that do the same.

Other medicines, foods, and alcohol

  • Antacids and minerals block absorption.
  • Steroids raise tendon risk.
  • Other QT-prolonging medicines add risk.

Tell your provider and pharmacist about every medicine, vitamin, and supplement you take.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Usually avoided in pregnancy.

Missed doses, overdose, and storage

If you miss a dose

Take it as soon as you remember. If it's almost time for the next dose, skip the missed one. Don't double up, and still finish the full course.

If someone takes too much

Call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 or get help online at poison.org. Call 911 if the person collapses, has a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can't be woken.

Storing it

Store at room temperature, away from heat and moisture (not in the bathroom), and out of reach of children and pets.

Conditions it's used for

Sources

Last updated 2026-11-13.