What is Avelox?

• Avelox (moxifloxacin) is an antibiotic in a group of drugs called fluoroquinolones. Moxifloxacin fights bacteria in the body.
• Avelox is used to treat different types of bacterial infections.
• Avelox may also be used for purposes not listed here.

Before taking Avelox

Before taking moxifloxacin make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
• If you suffer from heart rhythm disturbances or other heart problems.
• If you have heart failure (a condition where the pumping action of the heart is reduced).
• If you have liver disease.
• If you have ever suffered from tendon or muscular problems.
• If you have ever had epilepsy or fits.
• If you have myasthenia gravis (a condition causing tired and weak muscles).
• If you are under 18 years of age or over 60 years of age.
• If you have ever had a mental health problem such as psychosis or depression.
• If you suffer from glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency (a rare enzyme disorder).
• If you are taking any other medicines including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines.
• If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or to any other medicine.

How to take Avelox

• Before beginning treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet.
• Take moxifloxacin exactly as your doctor has told you. It is usually taken once each day.
• Try to take moxifloxacin at the same time each day to avoid missing any doses.
• If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember and then continue as normal. Do not take two doses together to make up for a missed dose.
• Unless you have been told otherwise, you must complete the course of moxifloxacin otherwise the infection may come back.
• Swallow moxifloxacin tablets whole (not chewed or crushed) with a drink of water. They may be taken either before or after meals.

What should I avoid while taking Avelox?

You may be taking certain other medicines that should not be taken at the same time as Avelox. Avoid taking the following medicines within 8 hours before or 4 hours after you take Avelox. These other medicines can make Avelox much less effective when taken at the same time:

• antacids that contain magnesium or aluminum (such as Maalox);
• the ulcer medicine sucralfate (Antepsin);
• vitamin or mineral supplements that contain iron or zinc.

Avoid exposure to sunlight or tanning beds. Avelox can make you sunburn more easily. Wear protective clothing and use sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) when you are outdoors. Call your doctor if you have severe burning, redness, itching, rash, or swelling after being in the sun.

Antibiotic medicines can cause diarrhoea, which may be a sign of a new infection. If you have diarrhea that is watery or bloody, stop taking Avelox and call your doctor. Do not use anti-diarrhoea medicine unless your doctor tells you to.

Avelox may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert.

Avelox side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction to Avelox: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using Avelox and call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

• severe dizziness, fainting, fast or pounding heartbeats;
• sudden pain, snapping or popping sound, bruising, swelling, tenderness, stiffness, or loss of movement in any of your joints;
• diarrhea that is watery or bloody;
• confusion, hallucinations, depression, insomnia or nightmares, unusual thoughts or behavior, feeling light-headed;
• seizure (convulsions);
• severe headache, ringing in your ears, dizziness, nausea, vision problems, pain behind your eyes;
• 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;
• the first sign of any skin rash, no matter how mild; or
• severe skin reaction -- fever, sore throat, swelling in your face or tongue, burning in your eyes, skin pain, followed by a red or purple skin rash that spreads (especially in the face or upper body) and causes blistering and peeling.

Less serious Avelox side effects may include:

nausea, mild diarrhoea;
headache, dizziness;
blurred vision;
feeling nervous, anxious, or agitated;
mild skin itching.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur.

How to store Avelox

• Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.
• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

If you have any more questions please ask your Pharmacist.

Remember to keep all medicines out of reach of children

Please Note: We have made every effort to ensure that the content of this information sheet is correct at time of publish, but remember that information about drugs may change. This sheet does not list all the uses and side-effects associated with this drug. For full details please see the drug information leaflet which comes with your medicine. Your doctor will assess your medical circumstances and draw your attention to any information or side-effects which may be relevant in your particular case.

References:

http://www.patient.co.uk/medicine/Moxifloxacin.htm

http://www.rxlist.com/avelox-drug.htm

http://www.drugs.com/avelox.html

http://www.avelox.com/en/intro/index.php

http://www.webmd.com/drugs/drug-17879-Avelox+Oral.aspx?drugid=17879&drugname=Avelox+Oral

http://voices.yahoo.com/avelox-antibiotic-avelox-side-effects-sinusitis-543831.html

http://chealth.canoe.ca/drug_info_details.asp?brand_name_id=5298