Two medicines, side by side
Moxifloxacin vs amoxicillin
Moxifloxacin and amoxicillin are both labeled for bacterial infections. Drugs@FDA records approvals of moxifloxacin since 1999 and of amoxicillin since 1974. Pharmacies paid $1.60 per mL (Moxifloxacin 0.5% eye drops) and $0.0788 per amoxicillin 500 mg capsule (NADAC, October 7, 2026); the strengths differ, so the two prices are not like for like. In FDA's classes, moxifloxacin is a fluoroquinolone antibacterial and amoxicillin a penicillin-class antibacterial.
Check it at the source: the moxifloxacin FDA label on DailyMed (effective March 17, 2026); the amoxicillin FDA label on DailyMed (effective February 22, 2024).
Highlights of the moxifloxacin record
Moxifloxacin (Avelox) · label of March 17, 2026
SERIOUS ADVERSE REACTIONS INCLUDING TENDINITIS, TENDON RUPTURE, PERIPHERAL NEUROPATHY, CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM EFFECTS andEXACERBATION OF MYASTHENIA GRAVIS Fluoroquinolones, including moxifloxacin tablets, have been associated with disabling and potentially irreversible serious adverse reactions that have occurred together [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )], including: Tendinitis and tendon rupture [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )] Peripheral neuropathy [see Warnings and Precautions (
Used for
From the label: indicationsMoxifloxacin tablets are a fluoroquinolone antibacterial indicated for treating infections in adults 18 years of age and older caused by designated susceptible bacteria, in the conditions listed below: Community Acquired Pneumonia ( 1.1 ) Skin and Skin Structure Infections: Uncomplicated ( 1.2 ) and Complicated ( 1.3 ) Complicated Intra-Abdominal Infections ( 1.4 ) Plague ( 1.5 ) Acute Bacterial Sinusitis ( 1.6 ) […]
On the market
- Earliest approval on file
- December 10, 1999
- Generic labelers
- 32 labelers
- Pharmacy cost
- $1.60 per mL
Supply and safety
- Shortage
- A presentation being discontinued
- Recalls
- 10
Highlights of the amoxicillin record
Amoxicillin (Amoxil) · label of February 22, 2024
Used for
From the label: indicationsAdults and Pediatric Patients • Upper Respiratory Tract Infections of the Ear, Nose, and Throat Amoxicillin is indicated in the treatment of infections due to susceptible (ONLY β-lactamase–negative) isolates of Streptococcus species. (α- and β-hemolytic isolates only), Streptococcus pneumoniae, Staphylococcus spp. , or Haemophilus influenzae. […]
On the market
- Earliest approval on file
- January 18, 1974
- Generic labelers
- 38 labelers
- Pharmacy cost
- $0.0788 per capsule
Supply and safety
- Shortage
- No current entry
- Recalls
- 12
Source: FDA drug labels via openFDA (Moxifloxacin label of March 17, 2026, Amoxicillin label of February 22, 2024); NDC Directory, Drugs@FDA, NADAC, FDA shortages and recalls (October 8, 2026)
How do moxifloxacin and amoxicillin differ on the record?
In FDA's classes, moxifloxacin is a fluoroquinolone antibacterial and amoxicillin a penicillin-class antibacterial.
How each works, in its label's words: Moxifloxacin, “Moxifloxacin is a member of the fluoroquinolone class of antibacterial agents [see Microbiology ( 12.4 )].”; Amoxicillin, “Amoxicillin is an antibacterial drug [see Microbiology ( 12.4 )].”
Half-life, in each label's words: Moxifloxacin, “The mean (± SD) elimination half-life from plasma is 12 ± 1.3 hours; steady-state is achieved after at least three days …”; Amoxicillin, “Metabolism and Excretion The half-life of amoxicillin is 61.3 minutes.”
Only the moxifloxacin label carries a boxed warning.
Generics: moxifloxacin since 2014; amoxicillin since 1974 (Drugs@FDA).
| Moxifloxacin | Amoxicillin | |
|---|---|---|
| Labeled for | Bacterial infections | Bacterial infections, Acid reflux and ulcers |
| Pharmacologic class | Fluoroquinolone Antibacterial, Quinolone Antimicrobial | Penicillin-class Antibacterial |
| How it works (label) | Moxifloxacin is a member of the fluoroquinolone class of antibacterial agents [see Microbiology ( 12.4 )]. | Amoxicillin is an antibacterial drug [see Microbiology ( 12.4 )]. |
| Half-life (label) | The mean (± SD) elimination half-life from plasma is 12 ± 1.3 hours; steady-state is achieved after at least three days with a 400 mg once daily regimen. | Metabolism and Excretion The half-life of amoxicillin is 61.3 minutes. |
| Earliest approval on file (Drugs@FDA) | December 10, 1999 | January 18, 1974 |
| First generic approved | February 18, 2014 | December 9, 1974 |
| Generic labelers (NDC) | 32 labelers | 38 labelers |
| Pharmacy cost (NADAC, each one's most listed form; strengths differ) | $1.60 per mL (Moxifloxacin 0.5% eye drops) | $0.0788 per capsule (Amoxicillin 500 mg capsule) |
| 12-month price change | -14% | -12% |
| Boxed warning | Yes | No |
| Shortage now | A presentation being discontinued | No current entry |
| Recalls recorded | 10 | 12 |
| FAERS reports (a report is not proof of cause; counts follow how widely a medicine is used) | 20,168 | 75,926 |
| DEA schedule | none | none |
Source: Drugs@FDA, FDA NDC Directory, CMS NADAC of October 7, 2026, FDA shortages and recalls, FAERS via openFDA (FDA files October 8, 2026)
What next?
- Alternatives to moxifloxacin
- every medicine labeled for the same conditions