Moxifloxacin-Induced Seizures: A Case Report
Abstract
Fluoroquinolones are widely used antibiotics due to their broad-spectrum activity and favorable pharmacokinetic properties. However, increasing evidence has raised concerns about their neurotoxic potential, particularly in vulnerable populations. We present a case of a 63-year-old woman with a history of pulmonary fibrosis and depression, treated chronically with aminophylline and fluvoxamine, who presented with a generalized tonic-clonic seizure after repeated courses of moxifloxacin. No other metabolic, structural, or toxicological causes were identified. Neurological evaluation and imaging were unremarkable. Following discontinuation of moxifloxacin, there was no recurrence of seizure activity. Although considered safer among the newer fluoroquinolones, moxifloxacin may induce seizures through gamma-aminobutyric acid type A (GABA-A) antagonism and N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) stimulation, particularly in patients with risk factors such as polypharmacy and prolonged exposure. This case highlights the need for increased clinical vigilance even in younger patients without renal or hepatic impairment. Moxifloxacin-associated seizures, though rare, must be considered in the differential diagnosis of new-onset seizures, especially in patients exposed to prolonged or repeated fluoroquinolone therapy.
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a case report, done in people. Its evidence level is 5 of 5 (Very low · case / narrative / animal / in vitro / in silico). Case reports, narrative reviews, and animal, cell or computer-model studies give the weakest evidence for human health.
Read the paper
Related studies
- Synthesis, In Vitro and In Silico Molecular Docking Studies of Novel Phthalimide–Pyrimidine Hybrid Analogues to Thalidomide as Potent Antitubercular Agents
- Exploring the inhibitory performance of expired moxifloxacin and norfloxacin on copper corrosion in saline environment
- Molecular investigation of antimicrobial peptides against Helicobacter pylori proteins using a peptide-protein docking approach
- Screening of novel narrow-spectrum benzofuroxan derivatives for the treatment of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis through in silico, in vitro, and in vivo approaches
- Synthesis, Characterization, Anticancer, Antioxidant, and In Silico Evaluation of Semicarbazides and Thiosemicarbazides
- Fast and accurate prediction of drug induced proarrhythmic risk with sex specific cardiac emulators
Go deeper in Evidence Hub
Evidence Hub adds a study data sheet (design, sample size, evidence level, key numbers), an AI summary and a chat grounded in the paper's text.