What is Avelox?

Avelox (moxifloxacin) is a fluoroquinolone (floor-o-KWIN-o-lone) antibiotic that fights bacteria in the body.

Avelox is used to treat different types of bacterial infections of the skin, sinuses, lungs, or stomach. It is used to treat community acquired pneumonia, plague, bacterial sinusitis, and chronic bronchitis with bacterial infection.

Fluoroquinolone antibiotics can cause serious or disabling side effects that may not be reversible.

Avelox should be used only for infections that cannot be treated with a safer antibiotic.

Important Information

You may not be able to use Avelox if you have a muscle disorder. Tell your doctor if you have a history of myasthenia gravis.

Moxifloxacin can cause serious side effects, including tendon problems, nerve damage, serious mood or behavior changes, or low blood sugar.

Stop using this medicine and call your doctor at once if you have symptoms such as: headache, hunger, irritability, numbness, tingling, burning pain, confusion, agitation, paranoia, problems with memory or concentration, thoughts of suicide, or sudden pain or movement problems in any of your joints.

In rare cases, moxifloxacin may cause damage to your aorta, which could lead to dangerous bleeding or death. Get emergency medical help if you have severe and constant pain in your chest, stomach, or back.

Avelox may cause swelling or tearing of a tendon. Stop taking moxifloxacin and call your doctor at once if you have sudden pain, swelling, bruising, tenderness, stiffness, or movement problems in any of your joints.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use Avelox if you are allergic to moxifloxacin or other fluoroquinolones (ciprofloxacin, gemifloxacin, levofloxacin, ofloxacin, norfloxacin, and others).

Avelox 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. This can happen during treatment or up to several months after you stop taking Avelox. Tendon problems 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.

To make sure Avelox is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had:

tendon problems, bone problems, arthritis, or other joint problems;
blood circulation problems, aneurysm, narrowing or hardening of the arteries;
heart problems, high blood pressure;
a genetic disease such as Marfan syndrome or Ehler's-Danlos syndrome;
diabetes;
a muscle or nerve disorder, such as myasthenia gravis;
liver or kidney disease;
seizures or epilepsy;
a head injury or brain tumor;
long QT syndrome (in you or a family member); or
low levels of potassium in your blood (hypokalemia).

Avelox is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.

It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant.

You should not breast-feed while using this medicine.

How should I take Avelox?

Take Avelox exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets.

Take Avelox with water, and drink extra fluids to keep your kidneys working properly.

You may take this medicine with or without food, at the same time each day.

Use this medicine for the full prescribed length of time, even if your symptoms quickly improve. Skipping doses can increase your risk of infection that is resistant to medication. Moxifloxacin will not treat a viral infection such as the flu or a common cold.

Do not share Avelox with another person.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.