Avelox

Avelox is the brand name for the antibiotic medication moxifloxacin. It is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic that is commonly prescribed to treat various bacterial infections.

Moxifloxacin works by inhibiting the activity of certain enzymes in bacteria, thereby preventing the bacteria from growing and multiplying. This helps to eliminate the infection and alleviate the associated symptoms.

Antibiotic is typically used to treat respiratory tract infections, including pneumonia and bronchitis. It can also be prescribed for certain types of skin and soft tissue infections, as well as complicated intra-abdominal infections. In some cases, it may be used to prevent certain infections in individuals who are at high risk.

Medicine is available in different forms, including tablets and intravenous (IV) formulations. The dosage and duration of treatment will depend on the type and severity of the infection being treated, as well as the patient's overall health and specific circumstances.

Indications of Avelox

Avelox is indicated for use in many bacterial infections including:

• Skin infections
• Lung infection
• Sinuses
• Stomach infection
• It is also used to prevent and treat plague.

Dosage

The dosage of Avelox can vary depending on the specific condition being treated and the severity of the infection. Dosage recommendations typically include the following:

1. Avelox tablets: The recommended dose for most infections is 400 mg once daily. This dose can be taken with or without food.
2. Avelox IV (intravenous) infusion: The recommended dose for adults is typically 400 mg administered once daily as an infusion over a period of 60 minutes. The duration of treatment may vary depending on the infection being treated.

How to Take

Here are some general guidelines:

1. Avelox tablets: Take the tablet with a full glass of water. You can take it with or without food. Swallow the tablet whole without crushing, breaking, or chewing it.
2. Avelox IV (intravenous) infusion: This form of Avelox is administered in a medical setting such as a hospital. The infusion is typically given over a period of 60 minutes.

Here are some additional points to keep in mind:

• Take Avelox at the same time each day to maintain a consistent level of the medication in your body.
• If you are prescribed other medications, check with your doctor or pharmacist to ensure there are no interactions between Avelox and the other drugs.
• If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is close to the time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
• It is important to complete the full course of treatment, even if you start feeling better before the treatment is finished. Stopping the medication prematurely can lead to the return of the infection or the development of antibiotic resistance.

Side Effects of Avelox

The side effects of Avelox are:

• Allergic reactions (hives, short breath, swelling on tongue, throat, lips or face, difficulty in breathing, etc)
• Tearing or swelling of tendon especially of Achilles´ tendon of heel. Tendon rupture may lead to swelling, tenderness, bruising, pain, stiffness, tingling, popping or snapping sound in any joint.
• It can also lead to permanent damage to nerve leading to numbness, burning pain, tingling, sensitivity to light touch, temperature, etc.
• Trouble breathing
• Muscle weakness
• Headache with dizziness, fast heartbeat and chest pain.
• Watery or bloody diarrhea
• Skin rashes
• Depression, hallucination, confusion, tremors, paranoia, anxiety or restlessness, convulsions, nightmares, insomnia, masochistic feelings and thoughts of committing suicide.
• Ill feeling, chills, fever, sore throat, easy bruising, mouth sores, sore throat and pale skin.
• High blood sugar
• Low blood sugar
• Increased pressure inside skull leading to severe headache, dizziness, nausea, ringing in ears, pain behind eyes and vision problem.

Contraindications of Avelox

Moxifloxacin is contraindicated in many situations like:

• If you are allergic to moxifloxacin or any other fluoroquinolones like gemifloxacin, norfloxacin, ciprofloxacin, ofloxacin, et al.
• Do not take Avelox if you are suffering from any kind of muscle disorder. Tell your doctor if you are suffering from myasthenia gravis.

You must consult your doctor before taking Avelox if you have:

• Tendon problem, joint problems including arthritis
• Heart rhythm disorder. Let your doctor know if you take any medication for it.
• Nerve or muscle disorder
• Family or personal history of Long QT syndrome.
• Hepatic disease
• Renal disease
• Epilepsy or seizures
• Diabetes
• Hypokalemia (low potassium level in blood)
• History of allergy with any antibiotic
• History of brain tumor or any head injury
• If you consume any blood thinning drug like Coumadin or warfarin.

Interactions

Interactions can occur when two or more drugs interact with each other, affecting their effectiveness or causing adverse effects. Here are some important points to consider regarding drug interactions with Avelox:

1. Other medications: Certain medications may interact with Avelox and alter its effects. For example, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen and naproxen can increase the risk of certain side effects when taken together with Avelox.
2. Drug classes to be cautious with: Medicine belongs to a class of antibiotics called fluoroquinolones. It is important to be cautious when using other fluoroquinolone antibiotics concurrently, as this can increase the risk of certain adverse effects. Additionally, Avelox may interact with medications that affect heart rhythm, such as antiarrhythmic drugs or certain psychiatric medications.
3. Existing medical conditions: Conditions such as kidney problems, liver disease, heart conditions, and certain neurological disorders may require special consideration or dosage adjustments.
4. Food and beverage interactions: Avelox can be taken with or without food, but it is recommended to avoid consuming dairy products, calcium-fortified juices, or other products containing calcium, magnesium, aluminum, or iron within a few hours of taking tablets. These substances can interfere with the absorption of the medication.

Warnings

Here are some important warnings and precautions to be aware of when taking Avelox:

1. Tendon rupture: Avelox and other fluoroquinolone antibiotics have been associated with an increased risk of tendonitis and tendon rupture, particularly in older adults and those who are also taking corticosteroid medications. Stop taking Avelox if you experience any tendon pain, swelling, or inflammation, as well as if you have difficulty moving or bear weight on a tendon.
2. Central nervous system effects: Fluoroquinolones may cause central nervous system (CNS) side effects such as dizziness, confusion, tremors, hallucinations, and seizures.
3. Hypersensitivity reactions: Avelox can potentially cause severe allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, which is a life-threatening condition. Seek immediate medical attention if you develop symptoms such as rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, or difficulty breathing while taking Avelox.
4. Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea: Antibiotics can disrupt the normal balance of bacteria in the colon, leading to an overgrowth of a bacteria called Clostridium difficile (C. difficile). This can cause severe diarrhea and colitis.
5. Photosensitivity: Avelox may increase your sensitivity to sunlight and ultraviolet (UV) light. Avoid excessive sun exposure, tanning beds, and use appropriate sun protection measures, such as wearing protective clothing and using sunscreen, during treatment with this drug.
6. Myasthenia gravis: Avelox may worsen muscle weakness in individuals with myasthenia gravis, a neuromuscular disorder.
7. Use in specific populations: Medicine should be used with caution in individuals with certain medical conditions, such as kidney or liver disease, heart conditions, diabetes, or a history of seizures. Dosage adjustments may be necessary in these cases.

Avelox and Alcohol

Mixing alcohol with Avelox can increase the risk of certain side effects and may also reduce the effectiveness of the medication. Here are some important points to consider regarding Avelox and alcohol:

1. Increased risk of central nervous system (CNS) effects: Both Avelox and alcohol can individually cause CNS effects such as dizziness, drowsiness, and impaired judgment. When taken together, the risk of experiencing these effects may be amplified. This can potentially impair your ability to drive, operate machinery, or engage in activities requiring mental alertness.
2. Gastrointestinal side effects: Avelox can sometimes cause gastrointestinal side effects such as nausea, vomiting, and stomach upset. Alcohol consumption can also irritate the gastrointestinal tract and increase the likelihood of experiencing these side effects.
3. Overall health and well-being: Alcohol can have negative effects on the immune system and impair the body's ability to fight off infections. When you are undergoing treatment with Avelox for an infection, it is important to prioritize your health and allow your body to heal. Consuming alcohol can potentially interfere with this process and prolong your recovery.

Avelox and Pregnancy

Any sort of effect of Avelox on pregnancy hasn´t been noted as of now. It is still unknown whether moxifloxacin will cause any side effect on an unborn baby. Let your doctor know if you plan to become pregnant or are already pregnant before using this drug.

It is unknown if the drug passes into breast milk and harm the feeding baby.

ˆ Back to top of page