Avelox

Common Name: moxifloxacin

How does Avelox work?

Moxifloxacin belongs to one of the groups of medicines known as antibiotics. Antibiotics fight infections caused by bacteria. Moxifloxacin belongs to the family of antibiotics known as fluoroquinolones. Moxifloxacin is used to treat the following infections when they are caused by bacteria: acute sinusitis, acute exacerbation (worsening) of chronic bronchitis, and community-acquired pneumonia of mild to moderate severity. It works by killing the bacteria that cause these infections. Your doctor may choose to use this medication for other conditions not listed here. If you're unsure why you are taking this medication, please ask your doctor.

How should I use Avelox?

The recommended adult dose of moxifloxacin is 400 mg once daily, with or without food. The medication may be taken for 5 to 10 days depending on the particular infection being treated. Many things can affect the dose and schedule of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. Your dose or schedule may differ than the ones listed here. Do not change the way you are taking your medication without checking with your doctor first. Moxifloxacin tablets should be swallowed whole with plenty of fluids. Moxifloxacin should be taken at least four hours before or eight hours after multivitamins that contain iron or zinc, or antacids that contain magnesium, aluminum, or calcium. Ask your pharmacist if you are not sure if your mulitvitamins or antacids contain these ingredients. It is very important that this medication be taken on a regular schedule as prescribed by the doctor. If you miss a dose of this medication, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and carry on with your regular schedule. Do not double-up on doses.

What form(s) does Avelox come in?

Each oblong, dull-red, film-coated tablet, engraved "BAYER" on one side and "M400" on the other contains moxifloxacin 400 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients include croscarmellose sodium, lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, red ferric oxide, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, polyethylene glycol, and titanium dioxide.

What should I NOT take with Avelox?

Moxifloxacin should not be used by: anyone allergic to moxifloxacin or any other of the fluoroquinolone antibiotics (e.g., ciprofloxacin, ofloxacin, norfloxacin) anyone with known certain types of heart rhythms anyone taking certain drugs for abnormal heart rhythms, such as: disopyramide quinidine procainamide amiodarone bretylium ibutilide sotalol

Are there any other precautions or warnings for Avelox?

Tendon damage: This class of medications has been reported to cause damage to the shoulder, hand, or Achilles tendons. This damage can sometimes be severe enough to require surgery. People who have pain or inflammation of a tendon should stop taking the medication, refrain from exercise, and see their doctor as soon as possible. Pregnancy: This medication has not been adequately studied for use by pregnant women. Safety during pregnancy has not been established. This medication should be used during pregnancy only if the expected benefits outweigh the potential risks. Breast-feeding: It is not know whether moxifloxacin passes into breast milk. Because of the potential risks to the nursing infant, a decision should be made to either stop breastfeeding or stop taking the medication, taking into account the importance of the medication to the mother. Children: The safety and efficacy of moxifloxacin for children younger than 18 years of age has not been established.