Manufacturer:
Bayer Inc.

Generic Name:
moxifloxacin

Route:
oral

Why is it prescribed?

Avelox® tablets contains moxifloxacin.

Moxifloxacin is used to treat infections caused by various bacteria. This material will be limited to the treatment of respiratory tract infections (e.g. pneumonia, bronchitis).

Side Effects

Avelox® tablets contains moxifloxacin.

Along with its needed effects, moxifloxacin may cause some unwanted or undesirable effects. Generally, moxifloxacin is well tolerated and many people will not experience unwanted effects. The frequency and severity of these effects is dependant on many factors including dose, duration of therapy and individual susceptibility. Possible unwanted effects include:

• diarrhea
• nausea
• vomiting
• headache
• dizziness
• troubles sleeping
• stomach discomfort

• agitation
• tremors
• seizures
• shortness of breath
• confusion

• rash
• pseudomembranous colitis (inflammation of the colon caused by the overgrowth and toxin production of bacteria that are not killed by the antibiotic)
• abnormal heart rhythmns

Avelox® may be associated with the rare but potentially life threatening risk of liver injury, including liver failure.
Symptoms of liver problems include abdominal pain, loss of appetite, yellowing of the skin and eyes, severe itching, dark urine, and pale-coloured stools. Patients who experience any of these symptoms are advised to stop taking Avelox and contact a health care professional immediately.

Precautions and Warnings for Avelox® tablets

Avelox® tablets contains moxifloxacin

Use as directed. Many antacids and multivitamins may interfere with the absorption of moxifloxacin. You should take moxifloxacin either four hours before or eight hours after taking these products. Allergic reactions have been reported with moxifloxacin. The reaction can be immediate and severe. Allergic symptoms include wheezing, hives, itching, swelling, joint and muscle pain, difficulty breathing, fever and skin rashes. Nausea and vomiting are not symptoms of an allergic reaction.
Diabetics should monitor their blood sugar regularly while taking levofloxacin. Discontinue the medication and notify your doctor if a hypoglycemic (low blood sugar) reaction occurs.
Taking the antibiotic repeatedly or for prolonged periods may result in bacterial or fungal overgrowth which can lead to a second infection. When this occurs, the moxifloxacin may need to be stopped and another antibiotic prescribed to treat the new infection.
Diarrhea may develop while taking moxifloxacin. This is sometimes caused by an overgrowth of bacteria in the gut that are not killed by the antibiotic. In severe cases, this may be life threatening and would require treatment with other antibiotics. In mild cases, symptoms disappear shortly after the drug is discontinued.
Moxifloxacin may make you more sensitive to sunlight. Wear sunscreens and protective clothing and avoid exposure to the sun for long periods of time.
If you experience joint or muscle pain while taking moxifloxacin, notify your doctor, rest and do not exercise. There are some reports of tendon tears (mostly in the ankle) occurring during treatment with drugs related to moxifloxacin.
Drug Interactions: It is important to tell your doctor and pharmacist of any prescription or over-the-counter medications you are taking. In some cases, the dose of one or both drugs may need to be altered or another drug may be prescribed. The following drugs or drug classes may interact with moxifloxacin:

• antacids that contain aluminum or magnesium
• iron or mineral supplements
• zinc-containing products
• warfarin (e.g. Coumadin®)
• hypoglycemic drugs (e.g. glyburide, insulin)
• sucralfate (e.g. Sulcrate®)
• theophylline (e.g. Theo-Dur®)

• allergy to moxifloxacin or any quinolone (e.g. ciprofloxacin, ofloxacin)
• patients with abnormal heart rhythms
• patients taking medications for abnormal heart rhythms

• kidney disease
• nervous system disorders (e.g. epilepsy)
• low potassium
• liver disease

Patient Information

Use exactly as prescribed.
Avelox® can be taken with or without food.
Drink plenty of clear fluids (e.g. water) during treatment.
Do not crush or chew Avelox® tablets, swallow each one whole. Avoid antacids containing aluminum or magnesium.
If you are taking antacids or vitamin/mineral supplements while on Avelox®, you should take Avelox® at least 4 hours before or 8 hours after taking the supplement. Take Avelox® at approximately the same time each day (every 24 hours) until finished. Failure to take the complete course can result in incomplete elimination of the bacteria which can lead to a relapse of the infection. The prescribed course generally lasts a few days longer than symptoms of the infection (e.g. fever). Treatment usually lasts 7 to 14 days. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose do not take 2 doses at once (unless you have been instructed to do so). Contact your pharmacist if you are not sure what to do.
Avelox® may produce an allergic reaction which can range in severity from a mild rash or itching to a life-threatening reaction. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you experience rash, itching, fever, difficulty breathing, chest tightness or anything else that alarms you.
Notify your doctor or pharmacist if you experience lightheadedness, fainting, heart palpitations, tremors, restlessness or confusion.
If diarrhea occurs (severe or persistent), contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Store at room temperature (15 to 30 degrees centigrade) in a tightly closed container away from heat and direct light.

Directions for Use

The usual adult dose is 400 mg once daily.
Avelox® is not recommended for use in children or adolescents less than 18 years old.

Lung Diseases Treated with this Drug

• bronchitis
• pneumonia
• respiratory tract infections
• sinus infections
• sinusitis
• upper respiratory tract infections

Need More Information?

For more information contact your physician, pharmacist, other health care professional or for general questions call your local lung association.