Moxifloxacin Fact Sheet

Revised: Nov. 2016

Medication Information

Moxifloxacin (also called Avelox) is an antibiotic medicine. It is used to cure tuberculosis in combination with other medicines

The TB germs are very strong and are hard to get rid of. You will need to take this medicine for 6 to 12 months in order to kill the TB bacteria. Your doctor will decide how many months you will need to take the medicine.

Taking the Medication

• Take this medicine as directed by your doctor.
• Even if you start to feel better, it is important to keep taking this medicine until the doctor tells you to stop.
• This medicine may be taken with or without food.
• Drink plenty of fluids.
• Swallow the pill whole. Do not crush or chew the pill.

Possible Side Effects

• Nausea, vomiting
  • Stomach pain
  • Tiredness, weakness
  • Yellow skin or eyes
  • Loss of appetite
  • Headache, dizziness
  • Irregular heart beat
  • Rash, hives
  • Swelling of face or lips
  • Muscle or joint pain
  • Tendon rupture (rare)
  • Diarrhea (3 or more watery stools per day)

Precautions

• Moxifloxacin may cause dizziness. When you start taking this medicine be careful when driving or operating machines.
• If you are diabetic, check your blood sugar levels regularly.
• Avoid too much sunlight or artificial UV light (tanning beds). It is easy to get a sunburn while you are taking Moxifloxacin
• Do not drink alcohol. Drinking alcohol can increase the chance of liver problems while you are taking Moxifloxacin.
• Avoid hard physical activity. Although not common, this medicine can make it easier to get tendon injuries.

Special Populations

• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding talk to your doctor before taking this medicine.

Drug Interactions

• Do not take dairy products, antacids or vitamins containing iron, magnesium, calcium or zinc, within 2 hours before or after taking this medicine.

Missed Doses

• If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time to take your next dose, do not take the missed dose. Do not take 2 doses at the same time.

Storage

• Store this medicine at room temperature in a cool, dry place.
  Do not put it in the refrigerator.