GENERIC NAME: MOXIFLOXACIN - ORAL (mox-ih-FLOX-uh-sin)
BRAND NAME(S): Avelox
Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage
USES: Moxifloxacin is used to treat a variety of bacterial infections. This medication belongs to a class of drugs called quinolone antibiotics. It works by stopping the growth of bacteria. This antibiotic only treats bacterial infections. It will not work for viral infections (e.g., common cold, flu). Unnecessary use or overuse of any antibiotic can lead to its decreased effectiveness.
HOW TO USE: Take this medication by mouth, with or without food, usually once daily or as directed by your doctor. Do not take more than prescribed. Drink plenty of fluids while using this drug unless your doctor tells you otherwise. Take this medication 4 hours before or 8 hours after taking any drugs that contain magnesium or aluminum. Some examples include quinapril, certain forms of didanosine (chewable/dispersible buffered tablets or pediatric oral solution), sucralfate, vitamins/minerals, and antacids. Follow the same instructions if you also take bismuth subsalicylate, iron, and zinc. These medications bind with moxifloxacin and prevent its full absorption. Antibiotics work best when the amount of medicine in your body is kept at a constant level. Therefore, take this drug at evenly spaced intervals (at the same time every day). Continue to take this medication until the full-prescribed amount is finished even if symptoms disappear after a few days. Stopping the medication too early may allow bacteria to continue to grow, which may result in a relapse of the infection. Read the Patient Information Leaflet available from your pharmacist. If you have any questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist. Inform your doctor if your condition persists or worsens.
SIDE EFFECTS: Dizziness, nausea, or diarrhea may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: uncontrolled movements (e.g., tremor), swelling of the arms/legs, numbness/tingling of the hands/feet, mental/mood changes (including rare thoughts of suicide). Tell your doctor immediately if any of these highly unlikely but very serious side effects occur: seizures, yellowing of the eyes/skin, dark urine, persistent nausea/vomiting, severe stomach/abdominal pain, easy bruising/bleeding, new signs of infection (e.g., fever, persistent sore throat), chest pain, fast/irregular heartbeat, fainting. This medication may rarely cause tendon damage (e.g., tendonitis, tendon rupture). Seek immediate medical attention, rest, and stop exercising if you develop joint/muscle/tendon pain or swelling. This medication may rarely cause a severe intestinal condition (pseudomembranous colitis) due to a resistant bacteria. This condition may occur while receiving therapy or even weeks after treatment has stopped. Do not use anti-diarrhea products or narcotic pain medications if you have the following symptoms because these products may make them worse. Tell your doctor immediately if you develop persistent diarrhea, abdominal or stomach pain/cramping, or blood/mucus in your stool. Use of this medication for prolonged or repeated periods may result in oral thrush or a new vaginal yeast infection (oral or vaginal fungal infection). Contact your doctor if you notice white patches in your mouth, a change in vaginal discharge, or other new symptoms. A serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
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