Avelox (moxifloxacin)

What is Avelox (moxifloxacin)?

Avelox tablets contain the active ingredient moxifloxacin hydrochloride, a broad-spectrum quinolone antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections.

Moxifloxacin is only available under the brand name Avelox.

Can I buy Avelox online?

The Online Clinic will prescribe Avelox (moxifloxacin) where it is clinically indicated. Please complete a consultation form to be assessed by a doctor.

What is Avelox (moxifloxacin) used to treat?

Avelox is used for serious bacterial infections, contracted in hospitals or when other older antibiotics have failed due to resistance. Avelox is used to treat bacterial infections of the sinuses and lungs including bacterial sinusitis, pneumonia, and pelvic inflammatory disease. The Online Clinic normally prescribes Avelox to treat Mycoplasma Genitalium or Ureaplasma where front line treatments (such as Azithromycin) have failed.

How does Avelox (moxifloxacin) work?

Moxifloxacin kills infecting bacteria by entering them and inhibiting an enzyme important for DNA replication and repair. This disrupts the normal cell function and replication of the bacteria and kills them.

How is Avelox (moxifloxacin) used to treat bacterial sinusitis, pneumonia, and pelvic inflammatory disease?

Avelox is available as 400 mg tablets and the dose should ideally be determined by your doctor. However, depending on the bacterial infection being treated, Avelox is recommended to be taken once daily over 5 to 21 days. You are recommended to swallow Avelox whole with plenty water; you can take it with or without food. If you are taking indigestion remedies, or medicines or vitamins with iron or zinc, then you are advised to take Avelox 6 hours either side of taking these.

What else is Avelox (moxifloxacin) used to treat?

Avelox tablets are also used to treat anthrax, endocarditis, meningitis and tuberculosis. Avelox is also available as a 400 mg solution for intravenous infusion to treat pneumonia, cellulitis and intra abdominal infections.

Are there any side effects of Avelox (moxifloxacin)?

The most common side effects of Avelox include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, candidiasis, headache and dizziness. Less common side effects include indigestion, appetite loss, weakness or fatigue, dehydration, skin reactions and muscle or joint pain.

Can anyone use Avelox (moxifloxacin)?

Avelox should be used with caution if you are aged 60 or over, are using corticosteroids, have had a heart, kidney or lung transplant, have angina that can lead to arrhythmias or a history of epilepsy. You should avoid using Avelox if you are allergic to any quinolone-type antibiotics, have any type of heart condition affecting heart beats and rhythms, have liver problems, or are pregnant or lactating.

Please make a full disclosure on our consultation form.

Reviewed by: Dr Loraine Haslam MBBS, DRCOG, DFSRH, LoC SDI, LoC IUT, MRCGP
GMC registration number: 4524038
Date: 21 July 2024
Next review: 20 July 2026
All UK registered doctors can have their registration checked on
The Medical Register at the GMC website.

Information Leaflet

Source and further information

Download Moxifloxacin Patient Information Leaflet