Moxifloxacin
Moxifloxacin is a antibiotic (fluoroquinolone) found in 2 medicines sold in India, such as Moxicip, Vigamox. Below: what it is for, how it works, how to take it, side effects, interactions and pregnancy advice.
What it is used for
As eye drops, treats bacterial eye infections (conjunctivitis); tablets treat chest infections.
How it works
A fluoroquinolone antibiotic for chest infections and tuberculosis; also as eye drops for bacterial conjunctivitis.
How to take it
Tablets: 400 mg once a day. Eye drops: as directed, often 3 times daily. Take at evenly spaced times and finish the full course even when you feel better, unless your doctor says otherwise.
Common side effects
- Nausea
- Diarrhoea
- Dizziness
- Altered taste
Get medical help straight away if
- Tendon pain or swelling, especially the heel (stop and rest)
- Tingling, numbness or burning in the hands or feet
- Mood changes or confusion
- Severe diarrhoea
- Palpitations
Be careful
Do not touch the dropper to the eye; tablets can rarely damage tendons.
Other medicines and interactions
Antacids, iron, zinc, calcium and milk taken at the same time block absorption; separate by at least 2 hours before or 6 hours after. Raises tendon risk with steroids. Can affect warfarin, diabetes medicines (blood sugar swings) and heart rhythm medicines. Avoid with other medicines that prolong the QT interval.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Usually avoided in pregnancy and while breastfeeding unless no other antibiotic will work.
Brands of Moxifloxacin (2)
Common questions
What is Moxifloxacin used for?
As eye drops, treats bacterial eye infections (conjunctivitis); tablets treat chest infections.
How does Moxifloxacin work?
A fluoroquinolone antibiotic for chest infections and tuberculosis; also as eye drops for bacterial conjunctivitis.
How should I take Moxifloxacin?
Tablets: 400 mg once a day. Eye drops: as directed, often 3 times daily. Take at evenly spaced times and finish the full course even when you feel better, unless your doctor says otherwise.
What are the side effects of Moxifloxacin?
Common: Nausea, diarrhoea, dizziness, altered taste. Get help straight away for: Tendon pain or swelling, especially the heel (stop and rest), tingling, numbness or burning in the hands or feet, mood changes or confusion, severe diarrhoea, palpitations.
Does Moxifloxacin interact with other medicines?
Antacids, iron, zinc, calcium and milk taken at the same time block absorption; separate by at least 2 hours before or 6 hours after. Raises tendon risk with steroids. Can affect warfarin, diabetes medicines (blood sugar swings) and heart rhythm medicines. Avoid with other medicines that prolong the QT interval.
Is Moxifloxacin safe in pregnancy and breastfeeding?
Usually avoided in pregnancy and while breastfeeding unless no other antibiotic will work.
Does Moxifloxacin need a prescription in India?
Yes. In India it is a prescription (Schedule H) medicine, so a pharmacist should sell it only with a doctor's prescription.
Which brands contain Moxifloxacin?
Moxicip, Vigamox.
Sources and further reading
- Moxifloxacin: NHS · MedlinePlus
NHS (UK National Health Service) and MedlinePlus (US National Library of Medicine) are free, reviewed medicine guides. Brand names and doses there may differ from India.
Last reviewed 31 October 2026. Written by Satya Babu from standard prescribing information.
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