Key facts about Avelox
What is Avelox?
Avelox is the brand name for moxifloxacin and is available as an oral tablet.
What dosages is Avelox available in?
Avelox is available as a 400 mg oral tablet.
What is Avelox used for?
Avelox is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic that is used to treat certain bacterial infections in adults 18 years of age and older, including community acquired pneumonia, chronic bronchitis flare-ups, skin infections, gut infections, plague, and sinus infections.
How does Avelox work?
Avelox is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic. It works by blocking certain enzymes (proteins) that bacteria use to grow and repair their genetic material (DNA) in order to survive. By blocking this process, the antibiotic kills bacteria.
How do I take Avelox?
Avelox is typically taken by mouth once daily for 5 to 21 days, depending on the infection being treated.
Is it safe for me to take Avelox?
Avelox is a safe and effective treatment when used for FDA licensed indications. However, like all medications, they may give you unwanted side effects. You should always discuss potential side effects with your physician to ensure the medication is suitable and right for you. You should not take this medication if you have a known hypersensitivity to Avelox or other quinolones.
Avelox Common Side Effects
Common side effects of Avelox include:
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Trouble sleeping
- Vomiting
- Constipation
- Belly pain
Avelox Serious Side Effects
Serious side effects are rare with Avelox. Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Heart problems: irregular heart rhythm, skipped heartbeat, chest pain, heart suddenly stops pumping
- Liver problems: nausea, vomiting, not feeling hungry, pain in the right side of the stomach, yellowing of the whites of the eyes or skin, dark-colored urine, light-colored stool
- Kidney problems: nausea, vomiting, muscle cramps, dry skin, pain while urinating, difficult urination
- Mood problems: anxiety, confusion, agitated, restlessness, depressed, hallucination(s)
- Severe allergic reactions: fever, rash, extreme tiredness, body aches, mouth sores, blisters, trouble breathing
Effects of other drugs, drug classes and over-the-counter products on Avelox
The following medications may interact with Avelox:
- Antacids, sucralfate, and multivitamins – Decreased Avelox absorption Take Avelox
- Tablet at least 4 hours before or 8 hours after these products
- Warfarin – Anticoagulant effect enhanced. Monitor prothrombin time/INR, and bleeding
- Class IA and Class III antiarrhythmics – Proarrhythmic effect may be enhanced. Avoid concomitant use
- Antidiabetic agents – Carefully monitor blood glucose
Who makes Avelox?
Merck & Co., Inc.
Is Avelox safe in pregnancy?
Avelox may cause harm to your unborn baby, based on animal studies. Talk with your healthcare provider about the risks of taking Avelox if you become pregnant.
