Macflox Tablet (Moxifloxacin 400mg)

INTRODUCTION

MACFLOX contains Moxifloxacin which belongs to a group of antibiotics known as fluoroquinolones which works by killing bacteria that cause infections. It is used to treat infection of the sinuses and lungs (pneumonia) acquired outside the hospital, sudden worsening of long term inflammation of the airways and mild to moderate infections of the female upper genital tract, when usual antibiotics cannot be used or have not worked. It is also used to treat skin and soft tissue infections.

Moxifloxacin is an 8-methoxyfluoroquinolone with a broad spectrum of activity and bactericidal action. This bactericidal action results from the inhibition of topoisomerase II or DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV. DNA gyrase is an essential enzyme that is involved in the replication, transcription and repair of bacterial DNA. Topoisomerase IV is an enzyme known to play a key role in the partitioning of the chromosomal DNA during bacterial cell division.

Always take MACFLOX exactly as directed by your doctor. Before taking this medicine, inform your doctor if you have liver, kidney or heart problems, are pregnant or breastfeeding. It is not recommended for use in children and adolescents under 18 years of age. The common side effects are dizziness, diarrhoea, headache and nausea.

USES OF MACFLOX

Used to treat these infections such as,

Sinuses
Sudden worsening of long term inflammation of airways
Lungs (pneumonia) acquired outside the hospital
Mild to moderate infections of upper genital tract (in women)

HOW MACFLOX WORKS

MACFLOX works by stopping the growth of bacteria. It binds and inhibits the bacterial enzymes DNA gyrase (topoisomerase II) and topoisomerase IV, results in inhibition of DNA replication, repair and cell death.

DIRECTIONS FOR USE

Always take MACFLOX exactly as your doctor has told you. Swallow this medicine with a glass of water and do not crush or chew. It can be taken with or without food.

SIDE EFFECTS OF MACFLOX

SERIOUS
Skin rashes (stevens-johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis)
Acute generalised exanthematous pustulosis
Impaired water excretion and low levels of sodium
Inflammation of blood vessels
Pain, swelling and rupture of tendons
Muscle weakness, tenderness or pain
Severe diarrhoea (with blood and mucus)
Breathing difficulty, decrease in blood pressure and palpitations
Convulsions
Pain, burning, tingling, numbness
Decrease or increase in blood sugar
Discomfort or pain in eyes
COMMON
Headache
Dizziness
Nausea
Vomiting
Stomach ache
Diarrhoea
Increase in liver enzyme in blood
Heart rhythm changes (low blood potassium level)
RARE
Yellowing of whites of the eyes or skin and inflammation of the liver
Increase in blood uric acid
Feeling emotional and hallucinations
Smell changes
Problems with balance and co-ordination
Disturbed concentration
Speech problems
Loss of memory
Ringing or noise in ears
Increase or decrease in blood pressure
Swallowing difficulty
Inflammation of mouth
Muscle cramps or twitching
Swelling of the hands, feet, ankles, lips, mouth and throat)

HOW TO MANAGE SIDE EFFECTS

Headache:

Rest and drink plenty of fluids. Apply a cold, wet cloth or ice pack to your forehead. Rest in a quiet, comfortable, dark room.

Dizziness:

Get up and move around to feel awake, take small naps to edge off the sleepiness. Give your eyes a break to avoid fatigue and eat a healthy food to boost energy.

Vomiting:

Drink clear or ice-cold drinks. Eat light, bland foods and avoid fried, greasy, or sweet foods.

Diarrhoea:

Drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration. ORS should be used to prevent dehydration.

Nausea:

Stick to simple normal meals and do not eat rich or spicy foods.

Stomach pain:

Place a warm water bottle on your abdomen. Soak in a warm bath. Drink plenty of clear fluids and water.

WARNING & PRECAUTIONS

PREGNANCY
MACFLOX is not recommended for use in pregnant women unless necessary. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

BREASTFEEDING
MACFLOX is not recommended for use in breastfeeding women unless necessary. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

DRIVING AND USING MACHINES
Do not drive or handle any machines while taking this medicine, since it may cause dizziness, light-headedness or transient loss of vision.

LIVER
MACFLOX is not recommended in patients with severe liver disease or increased liver enzymes or any active liver diseases. Consult your doctor for advice.

ALLERGY
Tell your doctor if you are allergic (hypersensitive) to Moxifloxacin.

HEART DISEASE
MACFLOX is not recommended in patients with abnormal or slow heart rhythm, weak heart or any other active heart diseases. Consult your doctor for advice.

OTHERS

Inform your doctor if you have or had,

Problems with tendons
Salt imbalance in blood
Epilepsy
Mental health problems
Myasthenia gravis
Glucose-6- phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency
Infections in the upper genital tract (in women)
Enlargement of blood vessel
Diabetes

INTERACTIONS

Inform your doctor if you are using or have recently taken any other medicines, including medicines obtained without a prescription or the following,

Quinidine, hydroquinidine, disopyramide, amiodarone, sotalol, dofetilide, ibutilide (treats heart problems)
Phenothiazines, pimozide, sertindole, haloperidol, sultopride and tricyclic antidepressant (treats psychotic problems)
Saquinavir, sparfloxacin, intravenous erythromycin, pentamidine (treats infection)
Halofantrine (treats malaria)
Terfenadine, astemizole, mizolastine
Cisapride, intravenous vincamine, bepridil and diphemanil
Diuretics
Laxatives
Corticosteroids and amphotericin B
Antacids, iron, zinc, didanosine (treats stomach problems)
Warfarin (used to thin blood)