The following information is a summary about Avelox. It is not intended to replace a doctor's instructions.
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.
Moxifloxacin may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know about moxifloxacin?
Take this medication for as many days as it has been prescribed for you even if you begin
to feel better. Your symptoms may start to improve before the infection is completely treated.
Moxifloxacin will not treat a viral infection such as the common cold or flu.
Do not use moxifloxacin without first talking to your doctor if you or any member of your
family have a heart condition known as long QT syndrome. Also, do not use moxifloxacin if you are
also using a heart rhythm medicine such as quinidine (Cardioquin, Quinidex, Quinaglute), procainamide
(Pronestyl, Procan SR), amiodarone (Cordarone, Pacerone), sotalol (Betapace), and others.
Certain other drugs can make moxifloxacin less effective when taken at the same time. The
following medicines should be taken at least 4 hours after or 8 hours before you take moxifloxacin:
antacids that contain magnesium, calcium, or aluminum (such as Tums, Rolaids, Maalox); the ulcer
medicine sucralfate (Carafate); vitamin or mineral supplements that contain iron or zinc; didanosine
chewable/buffered tablets or pediatric powder for oral solution (ddI, Videx, Videx Pediatric, and
others).
Moxifloxacin may make your skin more sensitive to sunburn. Avoid prolonged exposure to
sunlight or tanning beds, and wear protective clothing and sunscreen when you are outdoors. Call your
doctor if you have severe burning, redness, itching, rash, or swelling after being in the sun.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking
moxifloxacin?
Do not use moxifloxacin without first talking to your doctor if you or any member of your
family have a heart condition known as long QT syndrome. Also, do not use moxifloxacin if you are
also using a heart rhythm medicine such as quinidine (Cardioquin, Quinidex, Quinaglute), procainamide
(Pronestyl, Procan SR), amiodarone (Cordarone, Pacerone), sotalol (Betapace), and others.
Before taking moxifloxacin, tell your doctor if you:
-
have ever had an allergic reaction to an antibiotic;
-
use a diuretic medicine (water pill);
-
have a low level of potassium in your blood (hypokalemia);
-
have heart or liver disease; or
-
have epilepsy or another seizure disorder.
You may not be able to use moxifloxacin or you may require a dosage
adjustment or special monitoring if any of these conditions affects you.
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 use moxifloxacin without telling your doctor if
you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.
Moxifloxacin may pass into breast milk and could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this
medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Moxifloxacin should not be used by children younger than 18 years of age.
How should I use moxifloxacin?
Moxifloxacin should be used exactly as your doctor has prescribed it for you. Do not use more
of the medication than recommended. Do not take moxifloxacin for longer than your doctor has
prescribed.
Take each oral dose with a full glass (8 ounces) of water. Drink plenty of fluid while taking
moxifloxacin.
Take this medication for as many days as it has been prescribed for you even if you begin
to feel better. Your symptoms may start to improve before the infection is completely treated.
Moxifloxacin will not treat a viral infection such as the common cold or flu.
Moxifloxacin is sometimes given as an intravenous (IV) infusion through a needle placed in one
of your veins. Moxifloxacin IV is given slowly over a period of one hour.
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. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the
missed dose and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take extra
medicine to make up the missed dose.
It is best to take each dose of moxifloxacin at the same time each day.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine.
Symptoms of a moxifloxacin overdose may include extreme sleepiness, seizures, tremors,
vomiting or diarrhea.
What should I avoid while taking moxifloxacin?
Avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight or tanning beds. Moxifloxacin may make your skin
more sensitive to sunburn. Wear protective clothing and use sunscreen if you must be out in the sun
while using moxifloxacin. Call your doctor if you have severe burning, redness, itching, rash, or swelling
after being in the sun.
Moxifloxacin can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. If this
happens, avoid driving or doing anything that requires you to be awake and alert.
Moxifloxacin side effects
Stop using moxifloxacin and get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue,
or throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:
-
rapid or pounding heartbeat;
-
diarrhea that is watery or bloody;
-
hallucinations, depression, thoughts of suicide;
-
fainting or seizure (convulsions);
-
liver damage (yellowing of the skin or eyes, sudden stomach
pain, severe fatigue); or
-
sudden pain or swelling near your joints (especially in your
arm or ankle).
Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Talk with your
doctor if you have any of these side effects:
-
mild nausea, vomiting, or stomach pain;
-
dizziness, confusion; or
-
nervousness, anxiety, sleep problems.
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor
about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.
If you have diarrhea while using moxifloxacin, call your doctor before using any medicine to
stop the diarrhea, especially if it is watery or contains blood.
What other drugs will affect moxifloxacin?
Do not use moxifloxacin without first talking to your doctor if you or any member of your
family have a heart condition known as long QT syndrome. Also, do not use moxifloxacin if you are
also using a heart rhythm medicine such as quinidine (Cardioquin, Quinidex, Quinaglute), procainamide
(Pronestyl, Procan SR), amiodarone (Cordarone, Pacerone), sotalol (Betapace), and others.
Certain other drugs can make moxifloxacin less effective when taken at the same time. The
following medicines should be taken at least 4 hours after or 8 hours before you take moxifloxacin:
antacids that contain magnesium, calcium, or aluminum (such as Tums, Rolaids, Maalox); the ulcer
medicine sucralfate (Carafate); vitamin or mineral supplements that contain iron or zinc; didanosine
chewable/buffered tablets or pediatric powder for oral solution (ddI, Videx, Videx Pediatric, and
others).
Before using moxifloxacin tell your doctor if you are using any of the following drugs:
-
a tricyclic antidepressant such as amitriptyline (Elavil, Endep),
amoxapine (Asendin), imipramine (Tofranil), nortriptyline (Pamelor), doxepin (Sinequan);
-
erythromycin (E-Mycin, Ery-Tab, E.E.S.); or
-
cisapride (Propulsid).
You may not be able to use moxifloxacin, or you may require a dosage
adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you are using any of the medicines listed above.
There may be other drugs not listed that can affect moxifloxacin. Tell your doctor about all the
prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal
products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling
your doctor.
Where can I get more information?
-
Your pharmacist has additional information about moxifloxacin written for health professionals
that you may read.
What does my medication look like?
Moxifloxacin is available with a prescription under the brand name Avelox. Other brand or
generic formulations may also be available. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about this
medication, especially if it is new to you.
-
Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your
medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.
