Comments on avelox's Journal

Avelox Active Ingredients: Moxifloxacin Representative Names: Avelox What are moxifloxacin tablets? (Back to top) MOXIFLOXACIN (Avelox®, Avelox® ABC Pack™) is an antibiotic. It kills certain bacteria or stops their growth. It is used to treat bronchitis, pneumonia, sinusitis, and certain skin infections. Generic moxifloxacin tablets are not yet available. What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine? (Back to top) They need to know if you have any of these conditions: •diabetes •heart disease •liver disease •long exposure to sunlight (working outdoors) •seizures (convulsions) •stomach problems (especially colitis) •stroke •tendon or joint pain •other chronic conditions •an unusual or allergic reaction to fluoroquinolone antibiotics, foods, dyes, or preservatives •pregnant or trying to get pregnant •breast-feeding How should I take this medicine? (Back to top) Take moxifloxacin tablets by mouth with or without food. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow tablets whole with a full glass of water. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Finish the full course prescribed by your prescriber or health care professional even if you think your condition is better. Do not stop taking except on your prescriber's advice. Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed. What if I miss a dose? (Back to top) If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses. What drug(s) may interact with moxifloxacin? (Back to top) •aluminum salts •antacids •arsenic trioxide •astemizole •bepridil •certain heart medications for irregular rhythm (e.g., amiodarone, disopyramide, dofetilide, flecainide, ibutilide, quinidine, procainamide, sotalol) •certain medications for depression or other mental problems (e.g., tricyclic antidepressants, amoxapine, maprotiline, phenothiazines, haloperidol, pimozide, risperidone, sertindole, and ziprasidone) •cisapride •clarithromycin •cyclobenzaprine •cyclosporine •didanosine (ddI) •diuretics (water pills) such as furosemide or hydrochlorothiazide which can cause low potassium levels •dolasetron •doxercalciferol •droperidol •erythromycin •iron (ferrous sulfate) preparations •levomethadyl •magnesium salicylate •magnesium salts •manganese •medicines for diabetes •multivitamins that contain iron, magnesium, manganese, or zinc •NSAIDs such as Advil®, Aleve®, ibuprofen, Motrin®, naproxen •pentamidine •probucol •quinapril •retinoid products such as tretinoin (Retin-A®, Renova®) or isotretinoin (Accutan®) •sevelamer •sucralfate •terfenadine •troleandomycin •warfarin •zinc salts •ziprasidone Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines. What side effects may I notice from taking moxifloxacin? (Back to top) Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible: Rare or uncommon: •confusion •difficulty breathing •irregular heartbeat, palpitations or chest pain •joint, muscle or tendon pain •seizures •severe or watery diarrhea •skin rash, itching •swelling of the face or neck •tingling in hands or feet •tremor or restlessness •unusual tiredness or weakness •vision problems •vomiting Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome): •diarrhea •difficulty sleeping •dizziness •headache •nausea or stomach upset What should I watch for while taking moxifloxacin? (Back to top) Tell your prescriber or health care professional if your symptoms do not improve in 2 to 3 days. If you get an unusual reaction stop taking moxifloxacin and call your prescriber or health care professional for advice. If you are a diabetic, monitor your blood glucose carefully while on this medicine. You may get dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how moxifloxacin affects you. To reduce the risk of dizzy or fainting spells, do not sit or stand up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. Many antacids and multivitamins can interfering with absorption of moxifloxacin. This may stop moxifloxacin from working. Take moxifloxacin either 4 hours before or 8 hours after taking any of these products. If you notice symptoms such as pain, burning, tingling, numbness and/or weakness, stop taking moxifloxacin and contact your healthcare provider immediately. If you notice pain or swelling of a tendon or around a joint, stop taking moxifloxacin. Rest the affected area and call your healthcare provider. Do not exercise or resume taking moxifloxacin until your healthcare provider tells you to do so. Keep out of the sun, or wear protective clothing outdoors and use a sunscreen. Do not use sun lamps or sun tanning beds or booths. If you are going to have surgery, tell your prescriber or health care professional that you are taking moxifloxacin. Where can I keep my medicine? (Back to top) Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open. Store at room temperature in a tightly closed container. Avoid high humidity. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.