Avelox (A-ve-loks)
Avelox (moxifloxacin [MOX i FLOX a sin]) for prostatitis is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic that treats bacterial infections. It belongs in the drug class called quinolone antibiotics.
Avelox Warnings
Avelox for prostatitis and other fluoroquinolones contain a black box warning such as the following:
WARNING: Fluoroquinolones, including AVELOX, are associated with an increased risk of tendinitis and tendon rupture in all ages. This risk is further increased in older patients usually over 60 years of age, in patients taking corticosteroid drugs, and in patients with kidney, heart or lung transplants.
Fluoroquinolones, including AVELOX, may exacerbate muscle weakness in persons with myasthenia gravis. Avoid AVELOX in patients with known history of myasthenia gravis.
Avelox and other fluoroquinolones are linked to a heightened risk of tendinitis (swelling of fibrous tissue that connects a bone to a muscle) and tendon rupture. This can happen to any patient but the risk is more elevated in older patients (over 60). Others at increased risk include those who are taking corticosteroids; patients who have had a transplant of the kidney, heart, or lung; people with kidney disease; patients with rheumatoid arthritis; and people who participate in regular physical activity.
If you experience pain or swelling in joints, muscles, or tendons, you should rest, cease exercising, and seek medical attention immediately.
Avelox and other fluoroquinolones may worsen muscle fragility in patients who have myasthenia gravis and cause severe difficulty breathing or death. Do not take Avelox if you suffer from this neuromuscular disorder.
Seek medical attention immediately if you hear or feel a snap or pop in a tendon area, have bruising after injuring a tendon area, or have the inability to or bear weight on the affected area. Also seek medical attentions if you experience weak muscles or difficulty breathing.
Avelox may cause nerve damage that may not go away even after you stop taking the medication. Call your doctor immediately if you experience pain, numbness, tingling, or burning in your arms or legs. Also call your doctor if you have a change in your ability to feel light touch, heat, hold, or pain. Stop taking the medication if you experience these symptoms. You doctor may prescribe a different medication.
Do not take this medication to treat a viral infection, as it is unnecessary and will not work to clear the infection. It should only be used to treat bacterial infection.
Overuse of this medication may lead to a decrease in effectiveness of Avelox working to fight infection in your body. If you take this medication for a long period of time, you may experience oral thrush or a yeast infection.
Talk to your doctor about the risks of taking Avelox.
Why Is Avelox Prescribed for Prostatitis?
Doctors may prescribe antibiotics such as Avelox as a first treatment for acute/chronic bacterial prostatitis to get rid of infection.
How Should Avelox Be Used?
Read the prescription information provided to you by your pharmacist carefully.
Follow your physician’s dose instructions. Avelox is taken orally with or without food, usually once per day. Take Avelox at regular intervals to increase its effectiveness. Dose and length of treatment are based on medical condition and response to treatment. While taking this medication, drink ample fluids, unless otherwise advised by your physician.
Take the prescribed amount of this medication until it is finished. Do not stop taking the medication if symptoms disappear after a few days. If you stop taking the medication before you finish with the full prescription, the infection may return.
If your symptoms continue or worsen, inform your physician.
Other products may bind to Avelox, which reduces its effectiveness. Take this medication at least 4 hours prior to or 8 hours after taking any of these products. Discuss products you take with your pharmacist or physician, including Accupril (quinapril), Carafate (sulcralfate), vitamins or minerals, and anything containing magnesium, aluminum, or calcium.
Other Uses for Avelox
This medication is used to treat multiple types of bacterial infections. It works to stop the growth of bacteria. It is used to treat tuberculosis, endocarditis, and anthrax, as well as other infections.
Do I Need to Follow Special Precautions?
A doctor may prescribe Avelox for chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS) even if no infection is present because symptoms of this condition may be similar to bacterial prostatitis. Your physician should rule out infection before prescribing this medication.
Discuss other medications and supplements you take with your physician before taking Avelox. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to (Avelox) moxifloxacin or have had a serious reaction to other fluoroquinolone or quinolone antibiotics such as Cipro, Factive, Levaquin, NegGram, Noroxin, Floxin, or any other medications.
Tell your doctor if anyone in your family has ever had a prolonged QT interval or an irregular heartbeat. Also mention if you have ever had nerve problems, seizures, chest pain, liver disease, slow heartbeat, or a low level of potassium in your blood.
Discuss with your physician any allergies you have before taking this medication. Be sure to tell your physician if you have an allergy to Avelox or another quinolone antibiotic. Avelox may contain inactive ingredients that can cause an allergic reaction.
Discuss your medical history before taking this drug, especially with regard to:
- Diabetes
- Recent heart attack or other heart problems
- Tendonitis, bursitis, or other joint or tendon issues
- Liver disease
- Myasthenia gravis
- Nerve problems
- History of seizures
- Head or brain injuries, brain tumors, or any other conditions that elevate your risk for seizures
Avelox may cause QT prolongation (a racing heart condition). On rare occasions, QT prolongation may cause severe fast or irregular heartbeat, dizziness, or fainting. If you experience any of these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately. Rarely, this condition may be fatal.
Inform your physician of other medications you are taking and whether or not you have any heart problems or a family history of heart problems, as the risk increases for QT prolongation if you have particular health concerns.
Low levels of potassium or magnesium may elevate your risk for QT prolongation. Your physician should monitor this carefully.
You may be at an increased risk of QT prolongation if you take diuretics or experience severe sweating, diarrhea, or vomiting.
Caution should be used in patients with diabetes. On rare occasions, Avelox may cause drastic changes in blood sugar levels. Watch for signs of high or low blood sugar.
Symptoms of high blood sugar include:
- Elevated thirst
- Increased urination
Symptoms of low blood sugar include:
- Unexpected sweating
- Shaking
- Rapid heartbeat
- Hunger
- Blurred vision
- Dizziness
- Tingling hands or feet
Check blood sugar levels frequently per your physician’s instructions. Tell your doctor immediately if your blood sugar levels change.
If you experience low blood sugar, take glucose tablets or gel or eat table sugar, honey, or candy. You may also drink fruit juice or sugar-containing soda to increase your levels quickly.
To aid in preventing low blood sugar, eat meals regularly. Do not miss meals. If you experience a reaction to the medication involving blood sugar levels, your physician may adjust your diabetes medication, if applicable, or change your prescription to a different antibiotic.
As Avelox may cause dizziness, do not drive, use heavy machinery, or perform any dangerous activity until you know how your body reacts to the medication.
Limit alcohol consumption while taking this medication.
Avelox may cause heightened sun sensitivity. Do not stay in the sun for long periods of time or use tanning beds or sunlamps while taking this medication. When outside, put on sunscreen and wear protective clothing.
This medication may decrease the effectiveness of live bacterial vaccines. Do not have any immunizations or vaccinations during treatment with Avelox, unless directed by your physician.
Discuss any prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking before having any surgeries.
Elderly patients may be more susceptible to side effects of Avelox, such as tendon issues and QT prolongation.
Do I Need to Follow a Special Diet When Taking Avelox?
Maintain your normal diet, unless otherwise directed by your physician. To aid in prevention of low blood sugar, eat meals regularly. Do not miss meals. Avelox is taken orally with or without food, usually once per day.
While taking this medication, drink ample fluids, unless otherwise advised by your physician.
What If I Forget a Dose?
If a dose is missed, take the medication as soon as you remember. However, if nearing the time when you are supposed to take the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular schedule. If a dose is missed, do not double the dose.
Are There Side Effects When Taking Avelox for Prostatitis?
Side effects may include:
- Nausea
- Slight diarrhea
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Blurred vision
- Anxiety, nervousness, or agitation
- Mild itchy skin
- Difficulty sleeping
If any of the above side effects persist or worsen, inform your physician promptly. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how Avelox affects you.
If you experience any signs of an allergic reaction, seek emergency medical attention immediately. Symptoms of an allergic reaction may include:
- Hives
- Trouble breathing
- Swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat
If you experience any of the following severe side effects, inform your physician immediately:
- Acute dizziness
- Fainting
- Rapid or throbbing heartbeat
- Abrupt pain or popping in joints
- Bruising, swelling, sensitivity, rigidity, or lack of movement in joints
- Bloody or watery diarrhea
- Confusion
- Hallucinations
- Depression
- Insomnia or nightmares
- Odd thoughts or behaviors
- Light-headedness
- Seizures
- Yellow, red, purple, or pale skin
- Blisters
- Dark urine
- Fever, sore throat, or other signs of new infection
- Weakness, especially in the extremities
- Decreased or lack of urination
- Unusual bruising or bleeding
- Any numbness, tingling, or odd pain
- Any sign of a skin rash
- Burning eyes
Does Avelox Have Special Storage Instructions?
Store this medication in its original container tightly sealed.
This medication should be stored at room temperature away from light and moisture. Keep this medication away from children and pets. Do not store in the bathroom.
Discard this product properly when it is expired. (Do not flush it down the toilet or rinse it down the drain.)
What Do I Do in the Case of an Accidental Overdose?
In case of a suspected overdose, contact an emergency room or poison control center immediately. For a local control center in the United States, call 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents: call a poison control center within your province.
What Else Should I Know about Avelox for Prostatitis?
Chronic bacterial prostatitis may require treatment with antibiotics for at least 4 to 6 weeks, with the possibility of up to 12 weeks. Taking quercetin with fluoroquinolone antibiotics may lower the effectiveness of the antibiotics.
