The generically named moxifloxacin is an antibiotic medicine that can help treat different forms of bacteriological infections throughout a person's body. This medication, part of the fluoroquinolone group of antibiotics, interferes with the bacteria's growth and kills the microorganisms to stop the infection, MayoClinic.com reports. Doctors may prescribe a course of moxifloxacin treatment in the forms of pills. As with all antibiotics, the entire course of treatment must be followed in order for the bacteria to be fully eliminated.
Constipation
The most common non-serious side effect associated with most antibiotics, including moxifloxacin, is constipation. As the medicine functions to kill the bacterial infection, it appears as a foreign substance within the body. This may cause the bowels to become out of balance. Such an imbalance, brought on by the intestines removing an excess of liquid from the stools, may make it difficult for the patient to have a normal bowel movement. Constipation, MedlinePlus indicates, usually occurs only temporarily and in a mild form. If it continues or becomes severe, the website indicates to ask a doctor for help.
Diarrhea
Taking moxifloxacin also can produce the opposite imbalance of constipation. The medicine may make the bowels flush out the stools with too much liquid, resulting in diarrhea. Diarrhea, like constipation, can cause cramping in a person's abdomen. Diarrhea, Drugs.com reports, also should be a temporary problem. The website notes that if diarrhea keeps occurring or is not mild, the person should query the physician about it.
Vaginal Problems
A woman who takes moxifloxacin may experience vaginal problems of a non-serious nature, primarily at the start of the antibiotic course of treatment. The medication can cause the woman to feel a burning sensation and/or itching in her vagina. Both of these problems most likely will go away on their own, MedlinePlus indicates.
Stomach Discomfort
The person being treated with moxifloxacin may find he has trouble with his stomach during his adjustment to the medicine. He may feel less hungry than usual or he may lose his appetite entirely. This can occur by itself or in relation to other potential common side effects of moxifloxacin such as nausea, heartburn and pain in the stomach. He also may need to vomit because of the drug. His appetite loss may also be due to a side effect of moxifloxacin that can make it difficult to taste food in the normal way. These side effects, too, should be transient, MedlinePlus indicates.
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