Monday, September 19, 2016

Avelox



Generic Name: moxifloxacin (moxi FLOX a sin)

Brand Names: Avelox


What is moxifloxacin?

Moxifloxacin is an antibiotic in a group of drugs called fluoroquinolones (flor-o-KWIN-o-lones). Moxifloxacin fights bacteria in the body.


Moxifloxacin is used to treat different types of bacterial infections.


Moxifloxacin may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.


What is the most important information I should know about moxifloxacin?


You should not use this medication if you have a history of myasthenia gravis, or if you are allergic to moxifloxacin or similar antibiotics such as ciprofloxacin (Cipro), gemifloxacin (Factive), levofloxacin (Levaquin), ofloxacin (Floxin), norfloxacin (Noroxin), and others.

Before taking moxifloxacin, tell your doctor if you have a heart rhythm disorder, kidney or liver disease, joint problems, a history of seizures, low levels of potassium in your blood (hypokalemia), muscle weakness or trouble breathing, a personal or family history of Long QT syndrome, or if you have ever had an allergic reaction to an antibiotic.


Avoid taking antacids, vitamin or mineral supplements, sucralfate (Carafate), or didanosine (Videx) powder or chewable tablets within 8 hours before or 4 hours after you take moxifloxacin. These other medicines can make moxifloxacin much less effective when taken at the same time.

Taking moxifloxacin can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Avoid exposure to sunlight, sun lamps, or tanning beds.


Moxifloxacin may cause swelling or tearing of a tendon (the fiber that connects bones to muscles in the body), especially in the Achilles' tendon of the heel. These effects may be more likely to occur if you are over 60, if you take steroid medication, or if you have had a kidney, heart, or lung transplant. Stop taking moxifloxacin and call your doctor at once if you have sudden pain, swelling, tenderness, stiffness, or movement problems in any of your joints. Rest the joint until you receive medical care or instructions. Do not share this medication with another person (especially a child), even if they have the same symptoms you do.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking moxifloxacin?


You should not use this medication if you have a history of myasthenia gravis, or if you are allergic to moxifloxacin or similar antibiotics such as ciprofloxacin (Cipro), gemifloxacin (Factive), levofloxacin (Levaquin), ofloxacin (Floxin), norfloxacin (Noroxin), and others.

To make sure you can safely take moxifloxacin, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:



  • heart rhythm disorder, especially if you take quinidine (Quin-G), disopyramide (Norpace), bretylium (Bretylol), procainamide (Pronestyl, Procan SR), amiodarone (Cordarone, Pacerone), or sotalol (Betapace);




  • a history of allergic reaction to an antibiotic;




  • joint problems;




  • kidney or liver disease, cirrhosis;




  • epilepsy or a history of seizures;




  • muscle weakness or trouble breathing;




  • low levels of potassium in your blood (hypokalemia); or




  • a personal or family history of "Long QT syndrome."




FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether moxifloxacin will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medication. It is not known whether moxifloxacin passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while you are using moxifloxacin. Moxifloxacin may cause swelling or tearing of a tendon (the fiber that connects bones to muscles in the body), especially in the Achilles' tendon of the heel. These effects may be more likely to occur if you are over 60, if you take steroid medication, or if you have had a kidney, heart, or lung transplant. Stop taking moxifloxacin and call your doctor at once if you have sudden pain, swelling, tenderness, stiffness, or movement problems in any of your joints. Rest the joint until you receive medical care or instructions. Do not share this medication with another person (especially a child), even if they have the same symptoms you do.

How should I take moxifloxacin?


Take exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.


Take moxifloxacin with a full glass of water (8 ounces). Drink several extra glasses of fluid each day while you are taking moxifloxacin.

Moxifloxacin may be taken with or without food, but take it at the same time each day.


Take this medication for the full prescribed length of time. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely cleared. Skipping doses may also increase your risk of further infection that is resistant to antibiotics. Moxifloxacin will not treat a viral infection such as the common cold or flu. Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

See also: Avelox dosage (in more detail)

What happens if I miss a dose?


Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.


What happens if I overdose?


Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Overdose symptoms may include tremors, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and seizures (convulsions).


What should I avoid while taking moxifloxacin?


You may be taking certain other medicines that should not be taken at the same time as moxifloxacin. Avoid taking the following medicines within 8 hours before or 4 hours after you take moxifloxacin. These other medicines can make moxifloxacin much less effective when taken at the same time:

  • antacids that contain magnesium or aluminum (such as Maalox, Mylanta, or Rolaids);




  • the ulcer medicine sucralfate (Carafate);




  • didanosine (Videx) powder or chewable tablets; or




  • vitamin or mineral supplements that contain iron or zinc.




Avoid exposure to sunlight or tanning beds. Moxifloxacin can make you sunburn more easily. Wear protective clothing and use sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) when you are outdoors. Call your doctor if you have severe burning, redness, itching, rash, or swelling after being in the sun.

Antibiotic medicines can cause diarrhea, which may be a sign of a new infection. If you have diarrhea that is watery or bloody, stop taking moxifloxacin and call your doctor. Do not use anti-diarrhea medicine unless your doctor tells you to.


Moxifloxacin may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert.

Moxifloxacin side effects


Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Stop using moxifloxacin and call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

  • severe dizziness, fainting, fast or pounding heartbeats;




  • sudden pain, snapping or popping sound, bruising, swelling, tenderness, stiffness, or loss of movement in any of your joints;




  • diarrhea that is watery or bloody;




  • confusion, hallucinations, depression, insomnia or nightmares, unusual thoughts or behavior, feeling light-headed;




  • seizure (convulsions);




  • severe headache, ringing in your ears, dizziness, nausea, vision problems, pain behind your eyes;




  • pale or yellowed skin, dark colored urine, fever, weakness;




  • urinating less than usual or not at all;




  • easy bruising or bleeding;




  • numbness, tingling, or unusual pain anywhere in your body;




  • the first sign of any skin rash, no matter how mild; or




  • severe skin reaction -- fever, sore throat, swelling in your face or tongue, burning in your eyes, skin pain, followed by a red or purple skin rash that spreads (especially in the face or upper body) and causes blistering and peeling.



Less serious side effects may include:



  • nausea, mild diarrhea;




  • headache, dizziness;




  • blurred vision;




  • feeling nervous, anxious, or agitated;




  • mild skin itching.



This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.


What other drugs will affect moxifloxacin?


Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use, especially:



  • a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven);




  • an antibiotic such as clarithromycin (Biaxin), erythromycin (E.E.S., EryPed, Ery-Tab, Erythrocin, Pediazole), levofloxacin (Levaquin), or pentamidine (NebuPent, Pentam);




  • an antidepressant such as amitriptylline (Elavil, Vanatrip, Limbitrol), clomipramine (Anafranil), or desipramine (Norpramin);




  • anti-malaria medications such as chloroquine (Aralen) or mefloquine (Lariam);




  • medicine to prevent or treat nausea and vomiting such as dolasetron (Anzemet), droperidol (Inapsine), or ondansetron (Zofran);




  • medicines to treat psychiatric disorders, such as chlorpromazine (Thorazine), clozapine (FazaClo, Clozaril), haloperidol (Haldol), pimozide (Orap), thioridazine (Mellaril), or ziprasidone (Geodon);




  • migraine headache medicine such as sumatriptan (Imitrex, Treximet) or zolmitriptan (Zomig);




  • narcotic medication such as methadone (Methadose, Diskets, Dolophine);




  • an NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug) such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn, Naprelan, Treximet), celecoxib (Celebrex), diclofenac (Arthrotec, Cambia, Cataflam, Voltaren, Flector Patch, Pennsaid, Solareze), indomethacin (Indocin), meloxicam (Mobic), and others; or




  • steroid medication (prednisone and others).



This list is not complete and other drugs may interact with moxifloxacin. Tell your doctor about all medications you use. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.



More Avelox resources


  • Avelox Side Effects (in more detail)
  • Avelox Dosage
  • Avelox Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
  • Drug Images
  • Avelox Drug Interactions
  • Avelox Support Group
  • 96 Reviews for Avelox - Add your own review/rating


  • Avelox Prescribing Information (FDA)

  • Avelox Consumer Overview

  • Avelox Advanced Consumer (Micromedex) - Includes Dosage Information

  • Avelox MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)

  • Avelox Monograph (AHFS DI)

  • Avelox I.V. Advanced Consumer (Micromedex) - Includes Dosage Information

  • Avelox I.V.



Compare Avelox with other medications


  • Anthrax
  • Anthrax Prophylaxis
  • Bacterial Infection
  • Bronchitis
  • Intraabdominal Infection
  • Pneumonia
  • Prostatitis
  • Sinusitis
  • Skin and Structure Infection
  • Skin Infection
  • Tuberculosis, Active


Where can I get more information?


  • Your pharmacist can provide more information about moxifloxacin.

See also: Avelox side effects (in more detail)


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