Moxifloxacin (Injection)

Introduction:

Moxifloxacin (mox-i-FLOX-a-sin)

Treats infections of the lungs, sinuses, abdomen (stomach), or skin caused by certain types of bacteria. This medicine is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic.

Brand Name(s):

Avelox I.V.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Injectable

• Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given. This medicine is given through a needle placed in one of your veins.
• A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine. It may also be given by a home health caregiver.
• Keep using this medicine for the full treatment time, even if you feel better after the first few doses. Your infection may not clear up if you stop using the medicine too soon.
• This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Read and follow these instructions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions. Ask your pharmacist for the Medication Guide if you do not have one. Your doctor might ask you to sign some forms to show that you understand this information.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

• If you store this medicine at home, keep it at room temperature, away from heat and direct light.Do not refrigerate.
• Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any leftover medicine, containers, and other supplies. You will also need to throw away old medicine after the expiration date has passed.
• Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are using a steroid medicine (such as dexamethasone, prednisolone, prednisone, Medrol®, or Decadron®). Using a steroid together with this medicine may increase your chance of having tendon problems.
• Make sure your doctor knows if you are using arsenic trioxide (Trisenox®), a blood thinner (such as warfarin, Coumadin®), cisapride (Propulsid®), dofetilide (Tikosyn®), erythromycin (Ery-Tab®), medicine for depression (such as amitriptyline, doxepin, fluoxetine, nortriptyline, Elavil®, Pamelor®, or Sinequan®), medicine for mental illness (such as Geodon®, Haldol®, Mellaril®, or Serentil®), pain medicine (such as diclofenac, etodolac, indomethacin, nabumetone, piroxicam, Feldene®, Relafen®, or Voltaren®), or medicine for an abnormal heart rhythm (such as amiodarone, procainamide, quinidine, sotalol, Betapace®, or Corvert®).

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have a history of heart disease, heart rhythm problems, liver disease, hypokalemia (low blood potassium), stroke, or a seizure disorder such as epilepsy. Tell your doctor if you have a family history of a heart rhythm condition called prolonged QT interval.
• This medicine may cause a serious type of allergic reaction called anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention. Stop taking this medicine and call your doctor right away if you have itching, hives, trouble breathing, or any swelling of your hands, face, or mouth while you are using this medicine.
• This medicine may make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Use a sunscreen when you are outdoors. Avoid sunlamps and tanning beds.
• This medicine may rarely cause inflammation or tearing of a tendon (the cord that attaches muscles to bones). This can occur while you are taking the medicine or after you finish taking it. The risk of having tendon problems may be increased if you are over 60 years of age, are using steroid medicines (e.g., dexamethasone, prednisolone, prednisone, Medrol®), have severe kidney problems, have a history of tendon problems (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis), or if you have received an organ transplant (e.g., heart, kidney, or lung). Stop using this medicine and check with your doctor right away if you have sudden pain or swelling in a tendon after exercise (e.g., ankle, back of the knee or leg, shoulder, elbow, or wrist), bruise more easily after an injury, or are unable to bear weight or move the affected area. Refrain from exercise until your doctor says otherwise.
• If you have severe diarrhea, ask your doctor before taking any medicine to stop the diarrhea.
• This medicine may make you dizzy. Avoid driving, using machines, or doing anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert.
• If your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse, call your doctor.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing.
• Blistering, peeling, or red skin rash.
• Change in how much or how often you urinate.
• Chest pain, fast or uneven heartbeat.
• Diarrhea that may contain blood.
• Increased hunger or thirst.
• Lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting.
• Numbness, tingling, weakness, or burning pain in your hands, arms, legs, or feet.
• Pain or swelling in your knee, ankle, shoulder, elbow, hand, or wrist.
• Seizures.
• Swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet.
• Unexplained fever.
• Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness.
• Yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes.

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Anxiety, confusion, nervousness, or trouble sleeping.
• Constipation, nausea, stomach pain, or vomiting.
• Muscle or joint pain.
• Pain, swelling, or redness where the needle is placed.
• Sores or white patches in your mouth or throat.
• Vaginal itching or discharge.

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor: