Antibiotics are a class of drugs used for the treatment of a wide range of infections caused by bacteria. These drugs focus on stopping the further growth of these microbes. The only catch however is – antibiotics are effective only in arresting bacterial spread. These drugs cannot work against viral or other microbial infections. Antibiotics such as moxifloxacin are taken under the guidance of your treating doctor. In this milieu, it is necessary to know if this antibiotic drug needs to be taken before or after a meal.

Infections caused by bacteria may have a lot of similarities with those caused by viruses. The most common symptoms of a bacterial attack are increase in body temperature, coughs, abdominal discomforts such as diarrhea, tiredness, etc. In some extreme cases, symptoms like muscular cramps and pains are also observed. These signs are essentially ways in which your body tries to drive away foreign or infection-causing microbes.

Among antibiotics, drugs like moxifloxacin are widely prescribed for a sizable range of bacterial attacks. Moxifloxacin is categorized under a genre of drugs known as quinolone antibiotics. This drug is taken orally. Its usual dose is once each day. It can be taken before or after a meal. The strength of this drug depends on a lot of variables; key among them is – the underlying clinical condition as well as how well your system responds to its vital ingredients.

Precautions associated with intake of moxifloxacin

There are a few safety precautions needed prior to taking moxifloxacin. In general, you are advised to drink a lot of water or other fluids. This is widely regarded as a safe practice. However, check with your treating physician about intake of fluids. If your doctor proscribes such intake, you are advised to strictly follow the instructions.

Also, there are a few other drugs and food products that may bind with this drug. Such products include supplements of iron, zinc-based foods or supplements, a few types of vitamins, sucralfate and quinapril. You may also need to be careful while taking foods or drugs based on calcium or magnesium. In order to avail best possible outcomes, you are advised to consume this drug in evenly distributed intervals of time. It is highly recommended to take this drug at the same time every day. These practices are known to enhance the efficacy of moxifloxacin.

Use of moxifloxacin along with sucralfate

Of the goods which may bind with moxifloxacin, sucralfate is widely used for treating gastrointestinal conditions such as inflammation of abdominal areas as well as gastroesophageal reflux disease (also known as GERD). Though sucralfate is not used for ulcers in the gastric region, it has been used for treating these conditions as an off-label or extended application. However, the use of sucralfate has come down sizably for treating peptic ulcers and other related conditions. Your doctor may tell you not to co-administer this drug with antibacterial drugs like moxifloxacin.

Use of quinapril with moxifloxacin

A few antihypertensive drugs such as quinapril are likely to bind with select antibiotics like moxifloxacin. In some people, quinapril is administered for managing cardiac ailments like heart-related disorders or other cardiac dysfunction. It is also a common practice to prescribe quinapril along with diuretics or water pills. Your treating physician will advise you not to take moxifloxacin along with antihypertensive drugs like quinapril.
Quinolone antibiotics such as moxifloxacin are not used for infections like urinary tract infections, sinusitis as well as bronchitis. US-based food and drug administration (FDA) has issued a directive that it is not generally safe to use it for the aforesaid ailments. However, if no other alternatives are available, such drugs may be used in very low dosage strengths.

Other precautions associated with the intake of moxifloxacin

It is a good practice to stay away from direct exposure to sunlight. If you need to step out, you are advised to wear a protective gear, including sunglasses, hat, sunscreen, etc. A few people have reported sunburns or blisters; you are advised to reach out to your treating physician promptly.

In some stray cases, the active ingredients of moxifloxacin have damaged tendons (these tissues attach your bones to the muscles). These risks are more pronounced among those who are aged above 60 years. Tell your treating doctor if you have prior conditions such as tendinitis (i.e., inflammation of tendons), arthritis – especially, rheumatoid arthritis, etc. Also, stay watchful of likely incidence of inflammation of tendons; such conditions may show up in the form of a swelling or a pain in the joints. As an extended safety measure, your physician may tell not to pursue intense workouts or exercises.

In equally rare instances, you may experience conditions called neuropathy in the peripheral region. This condition may manifest as a tingling sensation, numbing feeling in the limbs and a burning sensation in your palms, arms, feet and legs. These symptoms may occur either while you are taking moxifloxacin or soon after you discontinue taking this drug.

After taking this drug, you may most likely feel dizzy. Hence, it is not a safe practice to perform activities that may require high level of mental concentration and focus. The odds are meeting with accidents are high if you drive or operate heavy machinery. Talk to your doctor about your occupation and work hours for an added level of safety.

In extremely remote circumstances, some people experienced persistent spells of diarrhea. In such cases, intake of antidiarrheal meds may only aggravate your clinical condition. Such spells may occur in about 6 to 8 weeks after you have stopped taking moxifloxacin. This condition is related to an imbalance of probiotic bacteria in the gut. You may need to consult a gastric specialist if you notice these symptoms.

In sum, moxifloxacin may be taken either before or after a meal. But, you may need to take a lot of fluids while you are taking this drug. It is recommended to talk to your doctor about the quantity of fluids you may need to take. Also, it is important not to take products or foods that may bind with the active ingredients of moxifloxacin. Such products or foods may include iron supplements, zinc-rich foods, calcium supplements as well as a few forms of vitamins. It is a safe practice to consult your medical team about the foods that may go well with quinolone antibiotics like moxifloxacin.