This first section of our medication database entry focuses on basic drug characteristics, uses and benefits, while part two covers side effects, interactions and additional information.
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Avelox Consumer Information
AVELOX
Generic Name: moxifloxacin (moxie FLOCKS ah sin)
Brand Names: Avelox, Avelox I.V.
What is the most important information I should know about moxifloxacin?
- Take all of the moxifloxacin that has been prescribed for you even if you begin to feel better. Your symptoms may start to improve before the infection is completely treated.
- Do not take moxifloxacin without first talking to your doctor if you or any member of your family have a heart condition known as prolongation of the QT interval. Also, do not take moxifloxacin if you are being treated for heart rhythm disturbances with drugs such as quinidine (Cardioquin, Quinidex, Quinaglute, others), procainamide (Pronestyl, Procan SR, others), amiodarone (Cordarone, Pacerone, others), sotalol (Betapace), and others.
- Take moxifloxacin at least 4 hours before or 8 hours after antacids that contain magnesium, calcium, or aluminum (e.g., Tums, Rolaids, Maalox, others); the ulcer medicine sucralfate (Carafate); vitamin or mineral supplements that contain iron or zinc; or didanosine chewable/buffered tablets or pediatric powder for oral solution (ddI, Videx, Videx Pediatric, others). These medicines may decrease the effectiveness of moxifloxacin.
- Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Moxifloxacin may cause dizziness. If you experience dizziness, avoid these activities.
What is moxifloxacin?
- Moxifloxacin is an antibiotic in the class of drugs called fluoroquinolones. It fights bacteria in the body.
- Moxifloxacin is used to treat bacterial infections including pneumonia, sinusitis, and worsening of chronic bronchitis.
- Moxifloxacin may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking moxifloxacin?
- Do not take moxifloxacin without first talking to your doctor if you or any member of your family have a heart condition known as prolongation of the QT interval. Also, do not take moxifloxacin if you are being treated for heart rhythm disturbances with drugs such as quinidine (Cardioquin, Quinidex, Quinaglute, others), procainamide (Pronestyl, Procan SR, others), amiodarone (Cordarone, Pacerone, others), sotalol (Betapace), and others.
- Before taking moxifloxacin, tell your doctor if you have
- a low level of potassium in your blood;
- a slow heart rate;
- heart disease;
- liver disease; or
- epilepsy or another seizure disorder.
- You may not be able to take moxifloxacin or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during your treatment.
- Moxifloxacin is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether moxifloxacin will be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not take moxifloxacin without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.
- It is unknown whether moxifloxacin passes into breast milk. Do not take moxifloxacin without first talking to your doctor if you are breast feeding a baby.
- Moxifloxacin is not approved for use by children younger than 18 years old.
How should I take moxifloxacin?
- Take moxifloxacin exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these instructions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
- Take each oral dose with a full glass (8 ounces) of water. Drink plenty of fluid while taking moxifloxacin.
- Moxifloxacin can be taken with or without food.
- Moxifloxacin is usually taken once a day. Take each dose at the same time every day. Follow your doctor's instructions.
- Moxifloxacin may also be given by a healthcare provider by intravenous (IV) infusion.
- Take all of the moxifloxacin that has been prescribed for you even if you begin to feel better. Your symptoms may start to improve before the infection is completely treated.
- Take moxifloxacin at least 4 hours before or 8 hours after antacids that contain magnesium, calcium, or aluminum (e.g., Tums, Rolaids, Maalox, others); the ulcer medicine sucralfate (Carafate); vitamin or mineral supplements that contain iron or zinc; or didanosine chewable/buffered tablets or pediatric powder for oral solution (ddI, Videx, Videx Pediatric, others). These medicines may decrease the effectiveness of moxifloxacin.
- Store this medication at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose?
- Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication.
What happens if I overdose?
- Seek emergency medical attention.
- Symptoms of a moxifloxacin overdose include seizures, poor coordination, tremors, sleepiness, vomiting and diarrhea.
What should I avoid while taking moxifloxacin?
- Avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight. Although it has not been reported with the use of moxifloxacin, other similar medicines have caused increased sensitivity of the skin to sunlight. Severe sunburn has resulted, even with minimal sun exposure. If exposure to the sun is unavoidable while taking moxifloxacin, wear protective clothing and use sunscreen. Call your doctor if you experience severe burning, redness, itching, rash, or swelling after exposure to the sun.
- Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Moxifloxacin may cause dizziness. If you experience dizziness, avoid these activities.
Please see the end of this document for relevant limitations, full details of our medication information supplier, and revision date or version number.