Medications and Drugs

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Brand Names: Avelox

Generic Name: moxifloxacin (Pronunciation: moxi FLOX a sin)

• What is moxifloxacin (Avelox)?
• What are the possible side effects of moxifloxacin (Avelox)?
• What is the most important information I should know about moxifloxacin (Avelox)?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking moxifloxacin (Avelox)?
• How should I take moxifloxacin (Avelox)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Avelox)?
• What happens if I overdose (Avelox)?
• What should I avoid while taking moxifloxacin (Avelox)?
• What other drugs will affect moxifloxacin (Avelox)?
• Where can I get more information?

What is moxifloxacin (Avelox)?

Moxifloxacin is an antibiotic in a group of drugs called fluoroquinolones (flor-o-KWIN-o-lones). Moxifloxacin fights bacteria in the body.

Moxifloxacin is used to treat different types of bacterial infections.

Moxifloxacin may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Avelox 400 mg

oblong, red, imprinted with M400, BAYER

What are the possible side effects of moxifloxacin (Avelox)?

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.

Stop using moxifloxacin and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• dizziness, fainting, fast or pounding heartbeat;
• sudden pain or swelling near your joints (especially in your arm or ankle);
• diarrhea that is watery or bloody;
• confusion, hallucinations, depression, unusual thoughts or behavior;
• seizure (convulsions);
• pale or yellowed skin, dark colored urine, fever, weakness;
• urinating less than usual or not at all;
• easy bruising or bleeding;
• numbness, tingling, or unusual pain anywhere in your body;
• fever, sore throat, and headache with a severe blistering, peeling, and red skin rash; or
• the first sign of any skin rash, no matter how mild.

Less serious side effects may include:

• nausea, vomiting;
• drowsiness;
• blurred vision;
• feeling nervous, anxious, or agitated;
• sleep problems (insomnia or nightmares); or
• mild skin itching.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about moxifloxacin (Avelox)?

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to moxifloxacin or similar antibiotics such as ciprofloxacin (Cipro), levofloxacin (Levaquin), ofloxacin (Floxin), norfloxacin (Noroxin), lomefloxacin (Maxaquin), and others.

Before taking moxifloxacin, tell your doctor if you have kidney or liver disease, myasthenia gravis, joint problems, diabetes, a history of seizures, low levels of potassium in your blood (hypokalemia), or a personal or family history of "Long QT syndrome."

Avoid taking antacids, vitamin or mineral supplements, sucralfate (Carafate), or didanosine (Videx) powder or chewable tablets within 8 hours before or 4 hours after you take moxifloxacin. These other medicines can make moxifloxacin much less effective when taken at the same time.

Taking moxifloxacin can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Avoid exposure to sunlight, sun lamps, or tanning beds.

Moxifloxacin 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. These effects may be more likely to occur if you are over 60, if you take an oral steroid medication, or if you have had a kidney, heart, or lung transplant. Stop taking moxifloxacin and call your doctor at once if you have sudden pain, swelling, tenderness, stiffness, or movement problems in any of your joints. Rest the joint until you receive medical care or instructions.

Do not share this medication with another person (especially a child), even if they have the same symptoms you do.