Moxifloxacin Dosage Guide: What You Need to Know

If your doctor just prescribed moxifloxacin, you probably want to know how much to take and for how long. This antibiotic comes in tablets and an IV form, and the dose changes depending on the infection, your age, and how your kidneys work. Below is a plain‑English rundown that helps you follow the prescription without guessing.

Standard Adult Dosing

For most adults the usual oral dose is 400 mg once a day. That’s the same whether you’re treating community‑acquired pneumonia, skin infections, or sinusitis. The treatment length also varies: pneumonia often needs 7–14 days, while skin infections might only need 5 days.

If you receive the IV version, the typical regimen is 400 mg over 60 minutes every 24 hours. Doctors switch to tablets once you’re stable enough to take pills, usually after the first 48‑72 hours.

Don’t split the tablet unless your doctor says it’s okay. The 400 mg tablet is designed to release the drug slowly, and breaking it can change how your body absorbs it.

Special Situations & Adjustments

Kidney problems: If your creatinine clearance is under 30 mL/min, the dose drops to 200 mg once daily. Heavy kidney disease needs careful monitoring, so stay in touch with your prescriber.

Liver issues: For moderate to severe liver disease, doctors may also cut the dose to 200 mg daily. The drug is processed in the liver, so a lower dose reduces the risk of toxicity.

Pediatric use: Moxifloxacin isn’t a first‑choice antibiotic for kids, but when it’s needed, the dose is usually 7–10 mg per kilogram of body weight once a day, not to exceed 400 mg. Only a pediatric specialist should decide this.

Drug interactions: Antacids containing aluminum or magnesium can lower moxifloxacin absorption. Take the antibiotic at least 2 hours before or 6 hours after the antacid. Blood thinners like warfarin may need dosage tweaks, so your doctor might check your INR more often.

Missed dose: If you forget a tablet, take it as soon as you remember—unless it’s almost time for the next dose. In that case, skip the missed one; don’t double up.

Side effects such as nausea, headache, or mild diarrhea are common but usually go away. If you notice tendon pain, sudden vision changes, or a rash, call your doctor right away—those can be signs of a serious reaction.

Finally, finish the entire prescribed course even if you feel better. Stopping early can let bacteria survive and become resistant, making future infections harder to treat.

Stick to the dosing schedule your doctor gave you, watch for the warnings above, and you’ll get the most out of moxifloxacin while keeping side effects to a minimum.