What is Avelox used for?

Avelox is an antibiotic used to treat adults with bacterial infections of the lungs, sinuses,  skin, and intra-abdominal area (inner belly). 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 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.
• The following medications can cause Avelox to not be absorbed if taken at the same time: 
  • antacids containing aluminum or magnesium
  • iron supplements
  • multivitamins containing iron
  • sucralfate (Carafate)
  • didanosine  (Videx)

What should I tell my doctor or healthcare provider?

• Tell your healthcare 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 healthcare 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, sotalol, and amiodarone) that affect the heart.  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 healthcare 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 healthcare 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

Date Approved: December 10, 1999; Date Updated: December 13, 2006