Moxifloxacin Information
Actira – Moxifloxacin
Other brand names: Avelox
Why is this medication prescribed?
Moxifloxacin is in a class of drugs called
fluoroquinolone antibiotics. It works by stopping the life cycle of
bacteria. It is used to eliminate certain bacteria that cause infections
in your lungs and sinuses. Antibiotics will not work for colds, flu, or
other viral infections.
This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or
pharmacist for more information.
How should this medicine be used?
Moxifloxacin comes as tablet to take by
mouth. It is usually taken once a day for 5 to 10 days. Moxifloxacin
tablets should be swallowed whole with a full glass of water. It can be
taken with or without food.
Follow the directions on your prescription
label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you
do not understand. Use moxifloxacin exactly as directed. Do not use more
or less of it or use it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Continue to take moxifloxacin even if you feel well. Do not stop taking
moxifloxacin without talking to your doctor.
Other uses for this medicine
Moxifloxacin is used occasionally to treat
prostatitis, osteomyelitis, traveler's diarrhea, gonorrheal cervicitis or
urethritis, pelvic inflammatory disease, sinusitis, otitis media, septic
arthritis, bacterial meningitis, bacteremia, and endocarditis, and to
prevent infection in urological surgery. Talk to your doctor about the
possible risks of using this drug for your condition.
What special precautions should I follow?
Before using moxifloxacin,
• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you
are allergic to moxifloxacin, alatrofloxacin injection (Trovan), cinoxacin
(Cinobac), ciprofloxacin (Cipro), enoxacin (Penetrex), gatifloxacin
(Tequin), levofloxacin (Levaquin), lomefloxacin (Maxaquin), nalidixic acid
(NegGram), norfloxacin (Noroxin), ofloxacin (Floxin), sparfloxacin
(Zagam), trofloxacin tablets (Trovan), or any other drugs.
• tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription
medications you are taking, especially other antibiotics; amiodarone
(Cordarone); cisapride (Propulsid); disopyramide (Norpace); diuretics
('water pills') such as furosemide (Lasix) and hydrochlorothiazide
(Hydrodiuril); erythromycin (E-Mycin, Ery-Tab, PCE, others); medications
for depression or other mental diseases; nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory
agents; procainamide (Pronestyl); quinidine; sotalol (Betapace); and
vitamins and herbal products.
• do not take with antacids containing magnesium or aluminum (Milk of
Magnesia, Riopan, Maalox, Mylanta), sucralfate (Carafate), iron or zinc
supplements, vitamins that contain iron or zinc, or didanosine (Videx)
tablets or pediatric powder for oral solution. Take these medications at
least 8 hours before or 4 hours after moxifloxacin.
• tell your doctor if you currently have diarrhea; have or have ever had
liver disease, severe cerebral arteriosclerosis, or epilepsy; or if you
have, have had, or have a family history of heart disease such as
irregular rhythms, low potassium levels, bradycardia, or heart attacks.
• tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, or if
you are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while using moxifloxacin,
call your doctor immediately.
• if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or
dentist that you are taking moxifloxacin.
• plan to avoid unnecessary or prolonged exposure to sunlight and to wear
protective clothing, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Moxifloxacin may make your
skin sensitive to sunlight.
• you should know that moxifloxacin may cause dizziness and
lightheadedness. Do not drive a car or work on dangerous machinery until
you know how moxifloxacin will affect you.
What special dietary instructions should I follow?
While taking moxifloxacin, you should drink
at least eight full glasses of water or other liquid every day.
What should I do if I forget a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you
remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the
missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a
double dose to make up for a missed one.
What side effects can this medication cause?
Side effects from moxifloxacin can
occur. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go
away:
• upset stomach
• diarrhea
• dizziness
• headache
• stomach pain
• vomiting
• change in taste
If you experience any of the following
symptoms, call your doctor immediately:
• skin rash
• itching
• hives
• difficulty breathing or swallowing
• swelling of the face or throat
• fever
• yellowing of the skin or eyes
• dark urine
• pale or dark stools
• blood in urine
• sunburn or blistering
• confusion
• hallucinations
• depression
• suicidal thoughts
• fast or irregular heartbeat
• fainting
• pain, inflammation, or rupture of a tendon
• tremor
• extreme tiredness
• seizures or convulsions
• visual changes
What storage conditions are needed for this medicine?
Keep this medication in the container it
came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room
temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom).
Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to
your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.
In case of emergency/overdose
In case of overdose, call your local poison
control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not
breathing, call local emergency services at 911.
What other information should I know?
Moxifloxacin has not been tested in
children younger than 18 years of age, so keep the medication out of reach
of children.
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor may
order certain lab tests to check your response to moxifloxacin.
Do not let anyone else take your medication. Your prescription is probably
not refillable. If you still have symptoms of infection after you finish
the moxifloxacin, call your doctor.
|
|