Drug interactions
Lithium + Moxifloxacin
Severity: Moderate
Lithium and Moxifloxacin: moderate interaction.
Last updated
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
Lithium has been associated with QT prolongation and arrhythmias, particularly at toxic levels, and moxifloxacin adds to this effect. The combination may increase the risk of ventricular arrhythmia in susceptible patients.
What this interaction means in plain words
Lithium and Moxifloxacin can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken.
Lithium belongs to Central Nervous System; Moxifloxacin belongs to Anti Bacterial.
Why it happens
Additive effects on cardiac repolarization; lithium's effect is mainly seen with elevated serum levels or underlying conduction disease.
What to do
Obtain a baseline ECG and keep lithium levels in the therapeutic range. Correct electrolytes and consider an alternative antibiotic in patients with cardiac disease.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Should I take them at different times of day?
- Does the dose of either medicine need to change?
- Is there anything I should avoid, such as alcohol or certain foods, while on both?
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Other interactions of Moxifloxacin
- Amiodarone + Moxifloxacin Contraindicated
- Arsenic trioxide + Moxifloxacin Contraindicated
- Disopyramide + Moxifloxacin Contraindicated
- Dofetilide + Moxifloxacin Contraindicated
- Dronedarone + Moxifloxacin Contraindicated
- Droperidol + Moxifloxacin Contraindicated
Other interactions of Lithium
- Lithium + Thioridazine Contraindicated
- Lithium + Vandetanib Contraindicated
- Aceclofenac + Lithium Major
- Acemetacin + Lithium Major
- Amisulpride + Lithium Major
- Amlodipine-benazepril + Lithium Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Lithium with Moxifloxacin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Lithium and Moxifloxacin can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken. Lithium has been associated with QT prolongation and arrhythmias, particularly at toxic levels, and moxifloxacin adds to this effect. The combination may increase the risk of ventricular arrhythmia in susceptible patients.
How serious is the interaction between Lithium and Moxifloxacin?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Obtain a baseline ECG and keep lithium levels in the therapeutic range. Correct electrolytes and consider an alternative antibiotic in patients with cardiac disease.
What other medicines interact with Moxifloxacin?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Moxifloxacin with, for example, Amiodarone, Arsenic trioxide, Disopyramide. The full list is on the Moxifloxacin page.
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