Avelox (Moxifloxacin)

Uses

Moxifloxacin is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic which kills bacteria by affecting topoisomerase enzymes within the bacteria. Topoisomerase enzymes help separate and keep DNA intact as the cell of the bacteria is dividing. This antibiotic is affective against gram negative and gram positive bacteria strains and is used to treat a variety of infections including chlamydia, pneumonia, abdominal, and sinus infections.

How to Use

Take this medication by mouth with water. This medication can be taken with or without food. Be sure to take it regularly exactly as directed.

It is important that you complete the entire course of this medicine. Do not stop taking it because you are feeling better.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is already almost time for your next dose, take only that next dose. Do not double up on any dose.

Important Information

Contact your doctor if you have sever diarrhea that last for more than 2 days

If you are a diabetic, be sure to monitor your blood glucose closely while taking this medication.

This medication can make you more sensitive to the sun. Try to keep out of the sun, and do not use tanning booths, and use sunscreen if you have to be exposed to the sun for a long period of time.

Products that contain antacids, calcium, magnesium, zinc or iron should be taken 4 hours before, or 8 hours after taking this medication to help it’s effectiveness.

Side effects that should be immediately reported to your healthcare provider

Confusion, hallucinations, allergic reactions(hives, itching, rashes, swelling of the face or mouth), trouble breathing, changes in heartbeat, swelling of joints, tendons or muscles, difficulty or pain passing urine, persistent headaches, blurred vision, seizures.

Other Side Effects

Nausea, upset stomach, dry mouth, diarrhea, trouble sleeping.

Be sure that your prescribing doctor is aware if you have any of the the following conditions before taking this medication

All conditions involving the bones, liver, heart, joints, tendons or allergic reactions. Seizures, myasthenia gravis, pregnancy or breastfeeding, cerebral diseases.

Dose

Mild-Moderate Community Acquired Pneumonia

400 mg by mouth or intravenously once daily for 7-14 days.

Sinusitis

400 mg by mouth or intravenously once daily for 10 days.

Chronic Bronchitis

400 mg by mouth or intravenously once daily for 5 days.

Intra abdominal Infections

400 mg by mouth or intravenously once daily for 5-14 days. This therapy should be started as an intravenous therapy and then switched to oral therapy.

Bacterial Conjuctivitis and Chlamydial Conjuctivitis

Ophthalmic Dosage(Vigamox): Instill 1 drop into each affected eye 3 times per day for 7 days.

Ophthalmic Dosage(Moxeza)

Instill 1 drop into each affected eye 2 times per day for 7 days.

Plague and Plague Prophylaxis

400 mg by mouth or intravenously once daily for 10-14 days.

Sources

1. Moxeza(TM) ophthalmic solution, moxifloxacin hcl ophthalmic solution[package insert].Fort Worth, TX: Alcon Laboratories, Inc; 2010.

2. Avelox (moxifloxacin) [package insert]. Whitehouse Station, NJ: Merck and Co., Inc.; 2015.