Moxifloxacin in uncomplicated skin and skin structure infections

Moxifloxacin is a fluoroquinolone antibacterial agent which attains good penetration into peripheral tissues and inflammatory fluids. The drug shows good in vitro activity against staphylococci and streptococci. Moxifloxacin is therefore a suitable option for the treatment of uncomplicated skin and skin structure infections of bacterial origin. In clinical trials, moxifloxacin was as effective as cephalexin in the treatment of uncomplicated skin and skin structure infections in patients aged >or=18 years. Moxifloxacin 400mg once daily or cephalexin 500mg three times daily for 7 days both resulted in clinical resolution in 84% of patients during a double-blind, randomised trial in 401 patients (intent-to-treat). The main infectious agent in this study was Staphylococcus aureus. Similar results were obtained in two other randomised, double-blind trials published as abstracts. The bioavailability of moxifloxacin is substantially reduced by coadministration with antacids or iron preparations. Moxifloxacin, however, does not show pharmacokinetic interaction with theophylline or warfarin. Dosage adjustments are not required in patients with renal impairment or in patients with mild to moderate hepatic insufficiency. The most common adverse events reported during moxifloxacin treatment are gastrointestinal disturbances. The potential for photosensitivity reactions during moxifloxacin treatment is low.