hat prolong the QT interval (see also section 4.5).
Due to limited clinical data, moxifloxacin is also contraindicated in patients with impaired liver function (Child Pugh C) and in patients with transaminases increase > 5fold ULN.
4.4 Special warnings and precautions for use
The benefit of moxifloxacin treatment especially in infections with a low degree of severity should be balanced with the information contained in the warnings and precautions section.
Prolongation of QTc interval and potentially QTc-prolongation-related clinical conditions
Moxifloxacin has been shown to prolong the QTc interval on the electrocardiogram in some patients. The magnitude of QT prolongation may increase with increasing plasma concentrations due to rapid intravenous infusion. Therefore, the duration of infusion should not be less than the recommended 60 minutes and the intravenous dose of 400 mg once a day should not be exceeded. For more details see below and refer to sections 4.3 and 4.5.
Treatment with moxifloxacin should be stopped if signs or symptoms that may be associated with cardiac arrhythmia occur during treatment, with or without ECG findings.
Moxifloxacin should be used with caution in patients with any condition pre-disposing to cardiac arrhythmias (e.g. acute myocardial ischaemia) because they may have an increased risk of developing ventricular arrhythmias (incl. torsade de pointes) and cardiac arrest. See also sections 4.3 and 4.5.
Moxifloxacin should be used with caution in patients who are taking medications that can reduce potassium levels. See also sections 4.3 and 4.5.
Moxifloxacin should be used with caution in patients who are taking medications associated with clinically significant bradycardia. See also section 4.3.
Female patients and elderly patients may be more sensitive to the effects of QTc-prolonging medications such as moxifloxacin and therefore special caution is required.
Hypersensitivity/allergic reactions
Hypersensitivity and allergic reactions have been reported for fluoroquinolones including moxifloxacin after first administration. Anaphylactic reactions can progress to a life-threatening shock, even after the first administration. In these cases moxifloxacin should be discontinued and suitable treatment (e.g. treatment for shock) initiated.
Severe liver disorders
Cases of fulminant hepatitis potentially leading to liver failure (including fatal cases) have been reported with moxifloxacin (see section 4.8). Patients should be advised to contact their doctor prior to continuing treatment if signs and symptoms of fulminant hepatic disease develop such as rapidly developing asthenia associated with jaundice, dark urine, bleeding tendency or hepatic encephalopathy.
Liver function tests/investigations should be performed in cases where indications of liver dysfunction occur.
Serious bullous skin reactions
Cases of bullous skin reactions like Stevens-Johnson syndrome or toxic epidermal necrolysis have been reported with moxifloxacin (see section 4.8). Patients should be advised to contact their doctor immediately prior to continuing treatment if skin and/or mucosal reactions occur.
Patients predisposed to seizures
Quinolones are known to trigger seizures. Use should be with caution in patients with CNS disorders or in the presence of other risk factors which may predispose to seizur