Drug interactions
Ciprofloxacin + Moxifloxacin
Severity: Major
Ciprofloxacin and Moxifloxacin: major interaction.
Last updated Sources: US FDA label
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Summary
Both are fluoroquinolones and the combination has no clear rationale. Moxifloxacin has a notable QT effect and ciprofloxacin a smaller one, so using them together adds arrhythmia risk, along with duplicate tendon, CNS and dysglycemia toxicity.
What this interaction means in plain words
Ciprofloxacin and Moxifloxacin can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for.
Ciprofloxacin belongs to Anti Bacterial; Moxifloxacin belongs to Anti Bacterial.
Why it happens
Additive blockade of cardiac potassium channels causing QT prolongation, together with duplicated class toxicities.
What to do
Avoid using two fluoroquinolones together and choose one agent based on the infection. Correct electrolyte abnormalities and check ECG if concurrent use is unavoidable.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Does the benefit of taking both outweigh the risk in my case?
- Do I need any blood test, ECG or other check while on both?
- What early warning signs should I watch for, and what should I do if they appear?
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References
Other interactions of Ciprofloxacin
- Agomelatine + Ciprofloxacin Contraindicated
- Ciprofloxacin + Fezolinetant Contraindicated
- Ciprofloxacin + Thioridazine Contraindicated
- Ciprofloxacin + Tizanidine Contraindicated
- Ciprofloxacin + Vandetanib Contraindicated
- Alosetron + Ciprofloxacin Major
Other interactions of Moxifloxacin
- Amiodarone + Moxifloxacin Contraindicated
- Arsenic trioxide + Moxifloxacin Contraindicated
- Disopyramide + Moxifloxacin Contraindicated
- Dofetilide + Moxifloxacin Contraindicated
- Dronedarone + Moxifloxacin Contraindicated
- Droperidol + Moxifloxacin Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Ciprofloxacin with Moxifloxacin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Ciprofloxacin and Moxifloxacin can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for. Both are fluoroquinolones and the combination has no clear rationale. Moxifloxacin has a notable QT effect and ciprofloxacin a smaller one, so using them together adds arrhythmia risk, along with duplicate tendon, CNS and dysglycemia toxicity.
How serious is the interaction between Ciprofloxacin and Moxifloxacin?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid using two fluoroquinolones together and choose one agent based on the infection. Correct electrolyte abnormalities and check ECG if concurrent use is unavoidable.
What other medicines interact with Ciprofloxacin?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Ciprofloxacin with, for example, Agomelatine, Fezolinetant, Thioridazine. The full list is on the Ciprofloxacin page.
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