Fluoroquinolone Phototoxicity — Moxifloxacin in Context

Abstract

Abstract. Moxifloxacin is an 8-methoxy quinolone. This structure is believed to confer reduced phototoxicity. Moxifloxacin was investigated in 32 healthy human male volunteers using a randomised, double-blind placebo and positive control (lomefloxacin) phototest study.

Baseline and on-drug photosensitivity was determined across the ultraviolet/visible wavebands using a differentiation grating monochrometer. Placebo and moxifloxacin (200 or 400 mg/day) regimen failed to demonstrate phototoxicity. Lomefloxacin (400 mg/day) revealed significant UVA (335 − 365 ± 30 nm) dependent phototoxicity with a phototoxic index of 3–4. This effect rapidly normalised within 48 hours of stopping the drug. No photoprotective measures appear necessary while taking moxifloxacin (200 or 400 mg/day).