Common use

Its active component Moxifloxacin is used in treatment o bacterial infections. Avelox belongs to a class of quinolone antibiotics. It works by stopping the growth of bacteria. This antibiotic treats only bacterial infections.



Dosage and directions

Take Avelox orally with or without food once a day or as prescribed by your doctor. The dosage and length of treatment depends on your medical condition and other factors.

Take this medication at least 4 hours before or 8 hours after taking any drugs that contain magnesium or aluminum (quinapril, certain forms of didanosine (chewable/dispersible buffered tablets or pediatric oral solution), vitamins/minerals, and antacids). Follow the same instructions if you take bismuth subsalicylate, sucralfate, iron, and zinc. These medications bind with moxifloxacin and prevent its full absorption.



Precautions

Tell your doctor if you are allergic to Moxifloxacin, or to other quinolon antibiotics, or if you have other allergies.

Tell your doctor if you had such conditions as diabetes, nervous system disorder (e.g., peripheral neuropathy), heart problems (e.g., recent heart attack), joint or tendon problems (e.g., tendonitis, bursitis), liver disease, seizure disorder, conditions that increase your risk of seizures (e.g., brain or head injury, brain tumors, cerebral atherosclerosis), certain heart problems (heart failure, slow heartbeat, QT prolongation in the EKG), family history of certain heart problems (QT prolongation in the EKG, sudden cardiac death).

Moxifloxacin may affect the heart rhythm (QT prolongation).

Older patients and children may be more sensitive to the side effects of this medication such as heart problems or tendon problems.

During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

Moxifloxacin may pass into breast milk. Breast-feeding is not recommended while using this drug. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.



Contraindications

Do not take Avelox if you have an allergic reaction to any other quinolone antibiotic, such as ciprofloxacin hydrochloride, enoxacin, levofloxacin, lomefloxacin hydrochloride, norfloxacin, ofloxacin.



Possible side effects

They include nausea, headache, weakness, diarrhea, dizziness, lightheadedness, or trouble sleeping. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor promptly.

Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: shaking (tremors), mental or mood changes (e.g., anxiety, confusion, hallucinations, depression, rare thoughts of suicide),

Tell your doctor immediately if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: unusual bruising or bleeding, severe or persistent headache, signs of a new infection, unusual change in the amount of urine, signs of liver problems.

Seek immediate medical attention if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: severe dizziness, fainting, fast or irregular heartbeat, seizures.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction: rash, severe dizziness, itching or swelling of the face, tongue or throat), trouble breathing.



Drug interaction

This drug should not be used with the following medication because very serious interactions may occur: strontium.

If you are currently using the medication listed above, tell your doctor or pharmacist before starting moxifloxacin.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription herbal products you use, especially of: live bacterial vaccines (e.g., typhoid, BCG), non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs such as ibuprofen, naproxen),corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone, hydrocortisone), drugs for diabetes (e.g., glyburide, insulin), warfarin.

Consult your doctor or pharmacist for details.



Missed dose

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.



Overdose

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.



Storage

Store at room temperature at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Brief storage between 59-86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) is permitted. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.



Disclaimer

We provide only general information about medications which does not cover all directions, possible drug integrations, or precautions. Information at the site cannot be used for self-treatment and self-diagnosis. Any specific instructions for a particular patient should be agreed with your health care adviser or doctor in charge of the case. We disclaim reliability of this information and mistakes it could contain. We are not responsible for any direct, indirect, special or other indirect damage as a result of any use of the information on this site and also for consequences of self-treatment.