Avelox (Moxifloxacin)

Common Use

Avelox contains the active ingredient moxifloxacin, which belongs to a class of antibiotics called fluoroquinolones—in simple terms, it works by stopping the growth and multiplication of bacteria. This antibiotic treats only bacterial infections and will not work for viral infections such as the common cold or flu.

Avelox is used to treat a variety of bacterial infections, including:

Community-acquired pneumonia – a lung infection acquired outside of hospitals or healthcare settings

Acute bacterial sinusitis – infection and inflammation of the sinuses (the air-filled spaces around the nose)

Acute bacterial exacerbation of chronic bronchitis – a worsening of chronic bronchitis caused by a bacterial infection

Complicated and uncomplicated skin and skin structure infections – including abscesses, infected wounds, and cellulitis

Intra-abdominal infections – such as infections that occur after surgery or in the abdominal cavity (in combination with other antibiotics)

Dosage and Direction

Take Avelox orally once a day, with or without food—whatever suits you best. The dosage and length of treatment depend on your medical condition, the type of infection, and other factors. Follow your doctor’s instructions carefully.

Important timing instructions: Take Avelox at least 4 hours before or 8 hours after taking any of the following medications, as they can bind with moxifloxacin and prevent its full absorption:

Antacids containing magnesium or aluminum

Multivitamins and mineral supplements containing magnesium, aluminum, iron, or zinc

Sucralfate (Carafate) – used for stomach ulcers

Bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol)

Didanosine (Videx) – chewable or dispersible buffered tablets or pediatric oral solution

Precautions

Before taking Avelox, tell your doctor if:

You are allergic to moxifloxacin or to other quinolone antibiotics (such as ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, ofloxacin)

You have diabetes – moxifloxacin can affect blood sugar levels

You have a nervous system disorder (such as peripheral neuropathy, which causes numbness, tingling, or weakness in the hands or feet)

You have heart problems – such as a recent heart attack, heart failure, slow heartbeat, or a condition called QT prolongation (a heart rhythm disorder)

You have a family history of QT prolongation or sudden cardiac death

You have joint or tendon problems (such as tendonitis, bursitis) – fluoroquinolones can increase the risk of tendon rupture

You have liver disease

You have a seizure disorder or conditions that increase the risk of seizures (such as brain or head injury, brain tumors, cerebral atherosclerosis)

Special considerations:

Moxifloxacin may affect the heart rhythm (QT prolongation), which can be dangerous in patients with certain heart conditions

Older patients and children may be more sensitive to the side effects of this medication, such as heart problems or tendon problems

During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor

Moxifloxacin may pass into breast milk. Breastfeeding is not recommended while using this drug. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding

Contraindications

Do not take Avelox if you have had an allergic reaction to moxifloxacin or to any other quinolone antibiotic, such as:

Ciprofloxacin (Cipro)

Levofloxacin (Levaquin)

Ofloxacin

Norfloxacin

Enoxacin

Lomefloxacin

Possible Side Effects

Common side effects may include:

Nausea

Headache

Weakness or fatigue

Diarrhea

Dizziness

Lightheadedness

Trouble sleeping (insomnia)

Many people using this medication do not experience serious side effects. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor promptly.

Serious side effects (report to your doctor immediately):

Shaking (tremors)

Mental or mood changes (anxiety, confusion, hallucinations, depression, or rare thoughts of suicide)

Unusual bruising or bleeding

Severe or persistent headache

Signs of a new infection (fever, chills, sore throat)

Unusual change in the amount of urine (sign of kidney problems)

Signs of liver problems (yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, severe stomach pain)

Seek immediate medical attention if any of these rare but serious side effects occur:

Severe dizziness or fainting

Fast or irregular heartbeat (palpitations)

Seizures (convulsions)

Severe allergic reaction – rash, severe dizziness, itching or swelling of the face, tongue, or throat, trouble breathing

Drug Interactions

Do not use this drug with the following medication:

Strontium (used for osteoporosis) – very serious interactions may occur

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist about all prescription and nonprescription herbal products you use, especially:

Live bacterial vaccines (such as typhoid vaccine, BCG) – moxifloxacin may reduce their effectiveness

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) – such as ibuprofen, naproxen – may increase the risk of seizures

Corticosteroids – such as prednisone, hydrocortisone – may increase the risk of tendon problems

Drugs for diabetes – such as glyburide, insulin – moxifloxacin may affect blood sugar levels

Warfarin (Coumadin) – moxifloxacin may increase the effects of this blood thinner, increasing the risk of bleeding

Consult your doctor or pharmacist for details.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember—unless it is near the time for your next dose. If that’s the case, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to make up for a missed one.

Overdose

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.

Storage

Store at room temperature at 25°C (77°F), away from light and moisture. Brief storage between 15–30°C (59–86°F) is permitted. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Disclaimer

We provide only general information about medications, which does not cover all directions, possible drug interactions, or precautions. Information on this site cannot be used for self-treatment or self-diagnosis. Any specific instructions for a particular patient should be agreed upon with your healthcare adviser or the doctor in charge of your case. We disclaim reliability of this information and any mistakes it may contain. We are not responsible for any direct, indirect, special, or other indirect damage as a result of any use of the information on this site, nor for the consequences of self-treatment.

About Our Service Cydoctors.com is an online pharmacy based right here in Cyprus. We know that when a bacterial infection hits, getting your antibiotic quickly and reliably is essential—so we’ve made our service straightforward, dependable, and built with your convenience in mind. Because we’re local to the island, we can arrange delivery in the shortest possible time. For our customers in Nicosia, Limassol, and Paphos, we’re pleased to offer overnight delivery, so your Avelox can be with you by the next day, ready to help you fight off that infection and get back to feeling like yourself again.