If the casualty is not in shock and can swallow oral medications, they should be given a 400 mg tablet of moxifloxacin. This is the dose found in the casualty’s Combat Wound Medication Pack (or CWMP). Advise them to take it with water and be sure to document the time of administration on their DD Form 1380, TCCC Casualty Card.
Moxifloxacin is available in PO form and is recommended for all open combat wounds if the casualty is able to take PO medications.
Contraindications include; quinolone hypersensitivity, hepatic insufficiency, syphilis, arrhythmias, myocardial ischemia or infarction, QTc prolongation, hypokalemia, or those receiving Class IA or Class III antiarrhythmic drugs, potential benefits may warrant use in pregnant women despite potential risks if the alternative is worse.
Potential side effects of moxifloxacin include; dizziness, headache, peripheral neuropathy, nausea, diarrhea, abdominal pain, vomiting, taste perversion, abnormal LFTs, dyspepsia, and tendon rupture.