Moxifloxacin
Summary
Persistence. Moxifloxacin is potentially persistent.
Bioaccumulation. Moxifloxacin has low potential for bioaccumulation.
Toxicity. Moxifloxacin has very high chronic toxicity.
Risk. The use of moxifloxacin (sales data Sweden 2022) has been considered to result in low environmental risk.
This summary information comes from fass.se.
Studies have shown that even low concentrations of antibiotics in the environment may trigger antibiotic resistance and therefore measures should be taken to ensure that as little as possible ends up in our environment.
Detailed information
Comment on Fass environmental information
Moxifloxacin has different classifications on fass.se. According to Lif (the trade association for the research-based pharmaceutical industry in Sweden) the various pharmaceutical companies compile environmental information for their active substances based on internal studies and published data. Based on data, which may thus differ between different pharmaceutical companies, the companies assess the environmental risk with guidance from “Environmental classification of pharmaceuticals at www.fass.se – Guidance for pharmaceutical companies 2025 v 1.0”. The Swedish Environmental Institute (IVL) reviews the assessment but does not have the task of coordinating/harmonizing environmental information from different pharmaceutical companies for the same active substance.
Fass environmental information Moxifloxacin Krka
Fass environmental information for Moxifloxacin Krka from Krka Sverige AB (retrieved on 2025-11-18).
Hazard
Persistence: Moxifloxacin does not undergo biological degradation within 28 days and is therefore not readily biodegradable. In a sediment‑water study, the substance disappeared quickly from the water phase (DT50 0.3–0.6 days), but ultimate degradation in the sediment was very low. It is also hydrolytically stable. With a DT50 exceeding 120 days for the total system (no exact value reported in the text), moxifloxacin is classified as potentially persistent.
Bioaccumulation: Log Dow = -0.36.
Chronic toxicity: There are data for 3 trophic levels, most sensitive algae (Anabaena flos-aquae) EC10 3.16 microg/L.
Risk
PEC/PNEC is based on sales data in Sweden in year 2022.
PEC = 0.05 microg/L.
PNEC = Lowest EC10, 3.16 microg/L/10 (Assessment Factor (AF) for 3 chronic studies) = 0.316 microg/L.
PEC/PNEC = 0.16 which gives the risk low.
Fass environmental information Vigamox
Fass environmental information for Vigamox (moxifloxacin) from Novartis Sverige AB (retrieved on 2025-11-18).
Hazard
Persistence: For moxifloxacin, no data are available on ready biodegradability. In a simulation study, a DT50 in water of 0.3–0.6 days was reported (Bayer, iPiE Sum database: TOXT3079926). However, the available information is insufficient to conclude on the persistence potential, and the following phrase is applied: “The potential for persistence of moxifloxacin cannot be excluded, due to lack of data.”
Bioaccumulation: Log Kow = -1.87 (method unknown).
Chronic toxicity: There are data for 2 trophic levels, most sensitive algae cyanobacteria (Anabaena flos-aquae) NOEC 1.8 microg/L.
Risk
PEC/PNEC is based on sales data in Sweden in year 2021.
PEC = 0.0421 microg/L.
PNEC = According to environmental information in Fass, there is strong evidence that cyanobacteria are the most sensitive organism group among the commonly tested species (algae/cyanobacteria, a crustacean species, and a fish species). Therefore, a PNEC value can be derived from the available NOEC for cyanobacteria by applying an assessment factor of 10. PNEC = 1.8 microg/L/10 = 0.180 microg/L.
PEC/PNEC = 0.233 which gives the risk low.
According to the guidelines, for chronic data from two trophic levels an AF of 50 should be applied. The PNEC is then 0.036. The PEC/PNEC ratio is 1.17, which gives the risk moderate.
Fass environmental information Moxifloxacin Fresenius Kabi
Fass environmental information for Moxifloxacin Fresenius Kabi (retrieved on 2025-11-18). The environmental information for moxifloxacin was prepared by Bayer for Actira, Avelox, and Octegra. The Bayer products have been removed from the Swedish market.
Hazard
Persistence: Moxifloxacin does not undergo biological degradation within 28 days and is therefore not readily biodegradable. In a sediment‑water study, the substance disappeared quickly from the water phase (DT50 0.3–0.6 days), but ultimate degradation in the sediment was very low. It is also hydrolytically stable. With a DT50 exceeding 120 days for the total system (no exact value reported in the text), moxifloxacin is classified as potentially persistent.
Bioaccumulation: Log Dow = -0.36.
Chronic toxicity: There are data for 3 trophic levels, most sensitive algae (Anabaena flos-aquae) EC10 3.16 microg/L.
Risk
PEC/PNEC is based on sales data in Sweden in year 2022.
PEC = 0.05 microg/L.
PNEC = Lowest EC10, 3.16 microg/L/10 (Assessment Factor (AF) for 3 chronic studies) = 0.316 microg/L.
PEC/PNEC = 0.16 which gives the risk low.
References
Author: Health and Medical Care Administration, Region Stockholm