What is Avelox used for? Avelox is an antibiotic used to treat
adults with bacterial infections of the lungs, sinuses and skin. It does not work for viral
infections (for example, the common cold). Who should not take
Avelox?
Avelox should not be used in individuals who:
- have ever had a severe allergic reaction to any of the quinolone antibiotics such
as ciprofloxacin or levofloxacin.
- have certain heart irregularities (prolonged QT interval) seen on an
electrocardiogram (ECG)
- have untreated low blood potassium
- are taking certain medicines to treat an irregular heartbeat
General Precautions with Avelox:
- Individuals who take Avelox should not drive or operate heavy machinery until
they know that Avelox does not cause them to get dizzy.
- Individuals who take Avelox should avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight. Although
not reported with Avelox, certain other quinolones increase the sensitivity of the skin to
sunlight, and severe sunburn may result. Call your doctor if you experience severe
burning, redness, itching, rash, or swelling after exposure to the sun while taking
Avelox.
What should I tell my doctor or health care provider?
Tell your health care provider if you are trying to become pregnant, are already
pregnant, or are breast-feeding. The effects on the unborn child and nursing infant are
unknown.
Review ALL medications that you are taking with your health care provider,
including those that you take without a prescription. Avelox can interact with other
medicines, including multivitamins. To avoid possible additive drug effects, Avelox should
not be taken together with certain medications (such as quinidine, procainamide, sotolol,
and amiodarone) that affect heart the electrocardiogram test. In theory, this could result
in a dangerous heart rhythm disturbance.
Some medicines also produce an effect on the electrocardiogram test, including
cisapride, erythromycin, some antidepressants and some antipsychotic drugs. These may
increase the risk of heart beat problems when taken with Avelox. For this reason it is
important to let your health care provider know all of the medicines that
you are using.
What are some possible side effects of Avelox? (This is NOT a
complete list of side effects reported with Avelox. Your health care provider can discuss
with you a more complete list of side effects.)
The side effects of Avelox are generally mild, but serious side effects have
been reported in people taking this class of drugs. These reactions may occur after taking
just one dose. If you experience any of the following side effects, stop taking Avelox and
call your doctor:
- an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of
the lips, tongue, or face; or hives)
- central nervous system (CNS) side effects including: seizures, dizziness,
confusion, tremors, hallucinations, depression, or suicidal thoughts
- pain, inflammation, or rupture of a tendon
Other side effects may include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Stomach pain
- Diarrhea
- Dizziness
- Headache
For more detailed information about Avelox, ask your health care provider.
http://www.fda.gov/cder/foi/label/1999/21085lbl.pdf Link to
Avelox's Labeling
Posted 2/7/01
Updated 1/24/02 |
