Can you take moxifloxacin while breastfeeding?
What LactMed says
The National Library of Medicine’s own summary, quoted in full. We do not write a verdict of our own on this question, and we do not compress theirs into a label.
No information is available on the use of moxifloxacin during breastfeeding. Fluoroquinolones have traditionally not been used in infants because of concern about adverse effects on the infants' developing joints. However, recent studies indicate little risk. The calcium in milk might prevent absorption of the small amounts of fluoroquinolones in milk, but insufficient data exist to prove or disprove this assertion. Use of moxifloxacin is acceptable in nursing mothers with monitoring of the infant for possible effects on the gastrointestinal flora, such as diarrhea or candidiasis (thrush, diaper rash). However, it is preferable to use an alternate drug for which safety information is available.
Maternal use of an eye drop that contains moxifloxacin presents negligible risk for the nursing infant. To substantially diminish the amount of drug that reaches the breastmilk after using eye drops, place pressure over the tear duct by the corner of the eye for 1 minute or more, then remove the excess solution with an absorbent tissue.
Quoted from Moxifloxacin — Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed®), National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, revised April 15, 2026.
What LactMed would consider instead
LactMed ends this record by naming the drugs it would consider in place of moxifloxacin. Whether any of them fits depends on what you are treating — this is the database’s list, not a recommendation from us.
How much moxifloxacin gets into breastmilk
Maternal Levels. Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Infant Levels. Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
What has been seen in breastfed infants
Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Effects on milk supply
Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Frequently asked questions
Can you take moxifloxacin while breastfeeding?
No information is available on the use of moxifloxacin during breastfeeding. The full record is quoted on this page, and the decision is one to make with the person who prescribed it — LactMed itself states it is not a substitute for professional judgement.
What can I take instead of moxifloxacin while breastfeeding?
LactMed lists Ciprofloxacin, Levofloxacin, Ofloxacin as alternate drugs to consider. That is the database's own list for this drug — whether any of them suits you depends on what you are treating.
Does moxifloxacin pass into breastmilk?
LactMed's measured drug levels for moxifloxacin are quoted in full on this page, under "How much gets into breastmilk".
Do I need to pump and dump after taking moxifloxacin?
LactMed does not frame its records that way — it reports measured drug levels in milk and what has been observed in breastfed infants, which is what this page quotes. "Pump and dump" advice for a specific drug and dose should come from your clinician or a pharmacist, not from a general rule.
More on moxifloxacin
LactMed states that the information it presents is not a substitute for professional judgement, and that you should consult your healthcare provider for breastfeeding advice related to your particular situation. Nothing on this page is medical advice.