Avelox

Avelox is a medication used for treating infections caused by many different types of bacteria. It comes in tablet and injectable form, and is generally taken once a day. It is a quinolone antibiotic that stops bacteria from multiplying by interfering with certain enzymes. Before your healthcare provider prescribes Avelox, make sure he or she knows if you have hypokalemia, epilepsy, or any allergies.

 

What Is Avelox?

Avelox® (moxifloxacin) is a prescription antibiotic approved to treat a variety of different infections. It is a powerful "broad-spectrum" antibiotic that is effective against many different types of bacteria.
 
(Click Avelox Uses for more information on what the medication is used for, including possible off-label uses.)
 

Who Makes It?

Avelox is manufactured by Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
 

How Does It Work?

Avelox belongs to a class of antibiotics known as fluoroquinolones, also known as quinolones. These medications work by interfering with two important bacterial enzymes (topoisomerase IV and DNA gyrase). These enzymes are necessary for bacteria to be able to copy and repair DNA (important steps required in order for bacteria to multiply).
 

When and How to Take Avelox

Some general considerations for those taking Avelox include the following:
 
  • The medication comes in tablet and injectable form. It is usually taken once a day.
     
  • You can take Avelox with or without food. If the medication bothers your stomach, try taking it with food.
     
  • Avelox can be taken at any time of the day; however, be sure to take the medication at the same time each day so that there are approximately 24 hours between doses.
     
  • For the medication to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed. Avelox will not work adequately if you stop taking it too soon.
     

Dosing Information

The dose of Avelox your healthcare provider recommends will vary, depending on a number of factors, including:
 
  • The type of infection and bacteria
  • Other medical conditions you may have
  • Other medications you may be taking.
     
As is always the case, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
 
(Click Avelox Dosage for more information.)
 

Side Effects of Avelox

As with any medicine, side effects are possible with Avelox. However, not everyone who takes the drug will have problems. In fact, most people tolerate it quite well. Serious side effects are less common. Some of the common side effects include but are not limited to:
 
(Click Avelox Side Effects to learn more, including potentially serious side effects you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)
 

Drug Interactions

Avelox can potentially interact with several other medications (see Avelox Interactions).
 

What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider Before Taking Avelox?

You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking this medication if you have:
 
  • Low potassium levels in the blood (hypokalemia)
  • Seizures or epilepsy
  • Cerebral arteriosclerosis (hardening and thickening of the arteries of the brain)
  • An irregular heart rhythm known as long QT syndrome
  • Had a heart, liver, or lung transplant
  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Kidney disease, such as kidney failure (renal failure) 
  • Any allergies, including allergies to food, dyes, or preservatives.
     
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you are:
 
Make sure to tell your healthcare provider about all other medicines you are taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
 
(Click Avelox Warnings and Precautions to learn more, including information on who should not take the drug.)
 

What If I Take an Overdose?

Based on the results of animal studies, people who take an overdose of Avelox may experience effects such as (but not limited to):
 
  • Drowsiness
  • Shakiness (tremor)
  • Seizures
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • An irregular heart rhythm (arrhythmia).
     
If you happen to take too much, seek immediate medical attention.
 
(Click Avelox Overdose for more information.)
 

What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose?

If you do not take your Avelox as scheduled, take your missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose. Try not to miss doses, as this increases the risk of developing an antibiotic-resistant infection.
 

Available Strengths

Avelox tablets come in one strength -- Avelox 400 mg. This medication is also available in injectable form.
 

How Should Avelox Be Stored?

Store Avelox at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Be sure to keep it in an airtight container. Keep this and all medications out of the reach of children.
 

Is Generic Avelox Available?

Currently, this medication is not available in generic form (see Generic Avelox for more information).
 
Add this article to your Favorites     Email this article     Print
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;