Information about Moxidectin

Generic Name : Moxidectin
Up-to-date prescription details regarding Moxidectin are provided here.

Pronunciation : mox-i-dectin

Learn the correct pronunciation of the Moxidectin, understand it's uses, recommended dosages, its indications, how to take, when to take, when not to take, side effects, special precautions, warnings and its and its storage instructions.

You will also find a list of the medication's International and Indian brand or trade names, as well as its pricing information. For verification of the information presented on this page or for additional clarifications, it's advisable to consult your doctor.

Therapeutic Classification : Antihelmintics

Trade Names/Brand Names of Moxidectin

India :

Moxidectin

Why is Moxidectin Prescribed? (Indications)

Moxidectin tablets are prescribed to treat river blindness or onchocerciasis caused by the parasite Onchocerca volvulus in patients who are 12 years and above.

It is an anthelmintic or antihelminthic agent that attacks the parasite by binding to a specific ion channel resulting in paralysis of the parasite without affecting the host. However, moxidectin does not kill the parasite.

River blindness or onchocerciasis is an eye and skin disease transmitted by repeated bites of Simulium type infected blackflies (that are commonly found around rivers and streams) causing symptoms of severe itching, disfiguring conditions of the skin, and loss of vision. Onchocerciasis is the second most common cause of blindness that occurs due to an infection.

When should Moxidectin not be taken? (Contraindications)

Moxidectin should not be used in patients with

• Allergy to moxidectin
• Loa loa co-infection
• Children below 12 years of age

Caution is required in treating patients with

• A history of sowda or onchodermatitis, a skin condition in onchocerciasis
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding

What is the dosage of Moxidectin?

The recommended dose of moxidectin is 8 mg of moxidectin (taken as four 2mg tablets simultaneously) as a single dose.

How should Moxidectin be taken?

• Moxidectin is available as tablets and should be taken by mouth, with or without food.

• If any stomach irritation or indigestion occurs, take moxidectin tablets with food.

• Absorption of moxidectin tablets was estimated to be high when taken with a standard high fat meal when compared to taking them on an empty stomach.

What are the warnings and precautions for Moxidectin?

• Patients can experience Mazzotti reaction such as severe itching, fever, rashes, dizziness, and low blood pressure during the treatment with moxidectin because of the response caused by the death of the parasite.

• In such situations, patients should be allowed to take antiallergic drugs and fever medications in mild to moderate cases. During severe episodes, normal saline and steroid medicines should be given directly into the vein along with oral hydration.

• Patients are advised to lie down after taking moxidectin tablets as it may cause dizziness or light-headedness. Patients should not stand suddenly from a sitting or lying position until the symptoms subside because it can result in accidental falls or injuries.

• Screening for the presence of loiasis or Loa loa infection is required and patients should take moxidectin tablets only if the results show negative to avoid brain damage in Loa loa co-infected patients.

• Patients with a history of onchodermatitis should be carefully monitored as moxidectin tablets may result in severe fluid accumulation and worsening of onchodermatitis conditions that may have to be managed depending upon the symptoms.

What are the side effects of Moxidectin?

Gastrointestinal: Diarrhea, pain in the stomach, infection of the stomach and intestine
Cardiovascular: Low blood pressure, edema or fluid accumulation, abnormal heart rate, low sodium level
Nervous system: Headache, dizziness, fever
Respiratory: Cough, influenza symptoms such as a runny nose and sore throat
Eye: Pain and itching, loss of vision, swelling of eyelids or eye due to allergies, increased tear secretion
Others: Rashes, muscle pain, abnormal lab values of eosinophils, neutrophils, and lymphocytes

What are the other precautions for Moxidectin?

• Moxidectin will not kill adult Onchocerca volvulus worms; therefore the patient should be advised to go for a follow-up evaluation which is necessary.

• Moxidectin tablets should be taken as a single dose and should not be taken again, as the safety and effectiveness of moxidectin repeat administration were not appropriately studied which may even result in serious side effects.

What are the Drug Interactions of Moxidectin?

• The effectiveness of moxidectin tablets was decreased when taken with antimalarial drugs such as chloroquine, hydroxychloroquine, and primaquine.

• The doctor should be informed about any medicines or herbal supplements taken by the patient before prescribing moxidectin tablets to avoid severe side effects.

What are the storage conditions for Moxidectin?

• Moxidectin tablets should be stored at room temperature between 20°C and 25°C.

• Protect the tablets from direct sunlight and excess moisture.

• Once the medicine container is opened, all the tablets should be used within 24 hours and if any tablets are left unused they should be discarded.