| Manufacturer Brand Name: | Avelox® |
| Active Ingredient(s): | moxifloxacin hydrochloride |
| Strength(s) / Dose(s): | 400 mg tablet and 400 mg/250 mL |
| Delivery / Dosage Form(s): | Tablet and intravenous injection |
| Company Manufacturer Name: | Bayer Corporation |
| Availability / Prescription: | Prescription only |
| Date Approved by FDA *: | December 10, 1999 |
* Approval by the FDA does not necessarily mean that this drug is available for consumers at this time.
What is Avelox used for?
Avelox is an antibiotic used to treat adults with bacterial infections of the lungs, sinuses and skin. It does not work for viral infections (for example, the common cold).
Who should not take Avelox?
Avelox should not be used in individuals who:
- have ever had a severe allergic reaction to any of the quinolone antibiotics such as ciprofloxacin or levofloxacin.
- have certain heart irregularities (prolonged QT interval) seen on an electrocardiogram (ECG)
- have untreated low blood potassium
- are taking certain medicines to treat an irregular heartbeat
General Precautions with Avelox:
- Individuals who take Avelox should not drive or operate heavy machinery until they know that Avelox does not cause them to get dizzy.
- Individuals who take Avelox should avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight. Although not reported with Avelox, certain other quinolones increase the sensitivity of the skin to sunlight, and severe sunburn may result. Call your doctor if you experience severe burning, redness, itching, rash, or swelling after exposure to the sun while taking Avelox.
What should I tell my doctor or health care (healthcare) provider?
- Tell your health care (healthcare) provider if you are trying to become pregnant, are already pregnant, or are breast-feeding. The effects on the unborn child and nursing infant are unknown.
- Review ALL medications that you are taking with your health care (healthcare) provider, including those that you take without a prescription. Avelox can interact with other medicines, including multivitamins. To avoid possible additive drug effects, Avelox should not be taken together with certain medications (such as quinidine, procainamide, sotolol, and amiodarone) that affect heart the electrocardiogram test. In theory, this could result in a dangerous heart rhythm disturbance.
- Some medicines also produce an effect on the electrocardiogram test, including cisapride, erythromycin, some antidepressants and some antipsychotic drugs. These may increase the risk of heart beat problems when taken with Avelox. For this reason it is important to let your health care (healthcare) provider know all of the medicines that you are using.
What are some possible side effects of Avelox? (This is not a comprehensive list of possible side effects assosciated with Avelox. Your doctor or pharmacist can provide expert advice on the possible side effects of this drug.)
The side effects of Avelox are generally mild, but serious side effects have been reported in people taking this class of drugs. These reactions may occur after taking just one dose. If you experience any of the following side effects, stop taking Avelox and call your doctor:
- an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives)
- central nervous system (CNS) side effects including: seizures, dizziness, confusion, tremors, hallucinations, depression, or suicidal thoughts
- pain or discomfort, inflammation, or rupture of a tendon
Other side effects may include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Stomach pain or discomfort
- Diarrhea
- Dizziness
- Headache