Moxifloxacin: increased risk of life-threatening liver reactions and other serious risks
Use in pelvic inflammatory disease only when other antibacterials are inappropriate or ineffective.
Article date: January 2011
Because of evidence of an increased risk of life-threatening liver reactions and other serious risks (such as QT interval prolongation), oral moxifloxacin (Avelox ▼, a fluoroquinolone antibiotic) should be used only when it is considered inappropriate to use antibacterial agents that are commonly recommended for the initial treatment of the infections below or when these have failed.
This restriction now applies to treatment of mild to moderate pelvic inflammatory disease as well as treatment of acute bacterial sinusitis, acute exacerbations of chronic bronchitis, and community acquired pneumonia (except severe cases).
Consideration should be given to official guidance on the appropriate use of antibacterial agents.
Further information
Drug Safety Update, Aug 2008
BNF section 5.1.12 Quinolones
Article citation: Drug Safety Update Jan 2011, vol 4 issue 6: S1.