Home Drug Guide Moxidectin

Drug Guide

Generic Name

Moxidectin

Brand Names

Classification

Therapeutic: Antiparasitic agent

Pharmacological: macrocyclic lactone

FDA Approved Indications

  • Treatment of onchocerciasis (river blindness) in adults and children over 12 years of age

Mechanism of Action

Moxidectin binds to invertebrate glutamate-gated chloride channels, causing increased permeability to chloride ions, leading to hyperpolarization of nerve or muscle cells, resulting in paralysis and death of the parasite.

Dosage and Administration

Adult: Single oral dose of 8-8.6 mg, as per specific product instructions.

Pediatric: Not FDA approved for children under 12; use in pediatric populations not well established.

Geriatric: No specific adjustments recommended, but caution in patients with hepatic or renal impairment.

Renal Impairment: No specific dose adjustments; monitor patients closely.

Hepatic Impairment: No specific dose adjustments; use with caution, as hepatic function may affect drug metabolism.

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption: Well absorbed orally.

Distribution: Widely distributed in body tissues, including skin and fat.

Metabolism: Primarily metabolized in the liver.

Excretion: Excreted mainly in feces, with minimal urinary excretion.

Half Life: Approximately 16-31 days, supporting a once-only dose for treatment.

Contraindications

  • Hypersensitivity to moxidectin or other macrocyclic lactones.
  • Pregnancy and lactation: insufficient data; use with caution.

Precautions

  • Use with caution in patients with severe hepatic impairment.
  • Monitoring for adverse effects in pediatric populations.

Adverse Reactions - Common

  • Mild gastrointestinal symptoms (nausea, diarrhea) (Rare)

Adverse Reactions - Serious

  • Hypersensitivity reactions, including rash, swelling, difficulty breathing (Very rare)

Drug-Drug Interactions

  • May increase the risk of adverse effects when combined with other CNS depressants or medications affecting the blood-brain barrier.

Drug-Food Interactions

N/A

Drug-Herb Interactions

N/A

Nursing Implications

Assessment: Monitor for signs of allergic reactions, neurological symptoms, and gastrointestinal symptoms.

Diagnoses:

  • Risk for allergic reaction
  • Risk for neurological side effects

Implementation: Administer as a single oral dose with food or as directed. Educate patient on potential side effects.

Evaluation: Assess for clinical improvement and adverse effects, ensure patient understanding of medication purpose and side effects.

Patient/Family Teaching

  • Take medication exactly as prescribed.
  • Report any allergic reactions or neurological symptoms immediately.
  • Avoid driving or operating machinery if affected.
  • Complete the full course if multiple doses are prescribed, even if symptoms resolve.

Special Considerations

Black Box Warnings:

  • No black box warnings currently issued for moxidectin.

Genetic Factors: N/A

Lab Test Interference: N/A

Overdose Management

Signs/Symptoms: Potential neurological toxicity, such as ataxia, confusion, somnolence.

Treatment: Supportive care; no specific antidote. Consult poison control.

Storage and Handling

Storage: Store at room temperature, 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F).

Stability: Stable for the duration of the shelf life as per manufacturer instructions.

🛡️ 5 Critical Medication Safety Tips for Nurses

1

Triple-Check High-Risk Medications

Always have another nurse verify insulin, heparin, warfarin, and chemotherapy drugs. These "high-alert" medications cause the most serious errors. Check concentration, dose calculation, and pump settings twice.

2

Know Look-Alike, Sound-Alike Drugs

Common mix-ups: hydromorphone/morphine, Celebrex/Celexa, Zyprexa/Zyrtec. Always use BOTH generic and brand names, read labels twice, and use barcode scanning when available. One wrong letter can be fatal.

3

Assess Before AND After Giving Meds

Check vitals before cardiac meds, pain levels before analgesics, and blood glucose before insulin. Always reassess within 30 minutes to evaluate effectiveness and watch for adverse reactions.

4

Watch for Drug Interactions

Common dangerous combinations: warfarin + aspirin (bleeding), ACE inhibitors + potassium (hyperkalemia), digoxin + diuretics (toxicity). Always check drug interactions before administering new medications.

5

Educate Your Patients

Teach patients medication names, purposes, major side effects, and what to report. Informed patients catch errors and improve compliance. Always encourage questions - an educated patient is a safer patient.

⚡ Remember: When in doubt, don't give it out! It's always safer to double-check than regret later.

⚠️ Medical Disclaimer

This drug guide is for educational purposes only and is NOT intended for clinical use. Always consult current prescribing information, healthcare providers, and institutional protocols before administering any medication. Do not use this information for patient care decisions.