Moxifloxacin Hydrochloride (HCl)

• Type: Fluoroquinolone antibiotic

• Main Use: Treats bacterial infections, including those affecting the eyes, lungs, skin, and other parts of the body.

How It Works

• Moxifloxacin blocks bacterial DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV, enzymes that bacteria need to replicate their DNA.

• This stops bacteria from multiplying and eventually kills them.

Forms Available

• Eye drops – for bacterial eye infections

• Oral tablets – for respiratory tract infections, skin infections

• Injectable form – for serious systemic infections (hospital use)

Common Uses

Eye Drop Form:

• Bacterial conjunctivitis (pink eye)

• Corneal ulcers and keratitis

• Post-eye surgery infection prevention

Systemic Form:

• Community-acquired pneumonia

• Sinus infections (bacterial)

• Skin and soft tissue infections

• Intra-abdominal infections (when combined with other antibiotics)

Advantages

• Broad-spectrum antibiotic – works against many Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria

• Potent and fast-acting

• Often effective when other antibiotics fail due to resistance

Possible Side Effects

Eye Drop Form:

• Mild stinging or burning

• Temporary blurred vision

• Eye redness or irritation

Systemic Form (oral/injection):

• Nausea, diarrhea, headache

• Risk of tendon problems (tendonitis or rupture, especially in older adults)

• Can affect heart rhythm (QT prolongation in sensitive individuals)

Precautions

• Use only for bacterial infections — it won’t work for viral infections.

• Complete the full course to prevent resistance.

• For systemic use, avoid in people with history of tendon disorders or certain heart rhythm problems unless prescribed carefully.

• In eye drop form, avoid touching dropper tip to eye or skin to prevent contamination.