Avelox is an antibiotic in a group of drugs called fluoroquinolones. Moxifloxacin fights bacteria in the body. Avelox is used to treat different types of bacterial infections.

Take Avelox exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label. Take Avelox with a full glass of water (8 ounces). Drink several extra glasses of fluid each day while you are taking this medicine.

Avelox may be taken with or without food, but take it at the same time each day. Take Avelox for the full prescribed length of time. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely cleared. Skipping doses may also increase your risk of further infection that is resistant to antibiotics. Avelox will not treat a viral infection such as the common cold or flu.

Before taking Avelox, tell your doctor if you have a heart rhythm disorder, kidney or liver disease, joint problems, a history of seizures, low levels of potassium in your blood (hypokalemia), muscle weakness or trouble breathing, a personal or family history of Long QT syndrome, or if you have ever had an allergic reaction to an antibiotic.

Avoid taking antacids, vitamin or mineral supplements, sucralfate or didanosine powder or chewable tablets within 8 hours before or 4 hours after you take Avelox. These other medicines can make Avelox much less effective when taken at the same time. Taking Avelox can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Avoid exposure to sunlight, sun lamps, or tanning beds.

Avelox may cause swelling or tearing of a tendon (the fiber that connects bones to muscles in the body), especially in the Achilles' tendon of the heel. These effects may be more likely to occur if you are over 60, if you take steroid medication, or if you have had a kidney, heart, or lung transplant. 

Stop taking Avelox and call your doctor at once if you have sudden pain, swelling, tenderness, stiffness, or movement problems in any of your joints. Rest the joint until you receive medical care or instructions. Do not share this medication with another person (especially a child), even if they have the same symptoms you do.

Side effects: nausea; vomiting; stomach pain; diarrhea; constipation; gas; heartburn; loss of appetite; change in ability to taste food; sores in the mouth or on the tongue; white patches in the mouth; dry mouth; headache; weakness; sweating; vaginal itching or burning.