Avelox (moxifloxacin hydrochloride) is most often administered as an intravenous medication in the treatment of infectious illness caused by the strep, staph, or E.coli organisms. It is also frequently used in the treatment of community-acquired pneumonia. According to the "PDR Nurse's Drug Handbook," Avelox has potent anti-infective properties and carries many side effects, the most serious of which affect the hematologic (blood) system.
Hematologic System Side Effects
Avelox is a wide-spectrum anti-infective capable of compromising the body's natural balance of defense organisms. Leukopenia, the reduction of white blood cells, thrombocytopenia, the reduction of platelets, and thrombocytosis, an increase in platelets, are the most common hematologic side effects in Avelox therapy. A decrease in platelets may compromise clotting efficacy, whereas an increase can cause stroke or heart attack. The effects of a lowered white blood cell count will not be apparent until after Avelox therapy is completed, but will lower the patient's resistance to new illnesses.
Central Nervous System Side Effects
Vertigo, headache, asthenia (loss of strength), pain, general malaise, insomnia, anxiety, confusion, lethargy, and paresthesia (numbness and tingling) are the most reported side effects of the central nervous system. Patients should consult their doctor if any of these symptoms becomes severe.
Gastrointestinal Side Effects
Strong anti-infective medications such as Avelox oftentimes cause an overgrowth of yeast in the mouth (thrush) and in the intestinal tract (candidiasis). These side effects frequently require treatment with additional medications. Other side effects include colitis, abdominal pain, anorexia, constipation, diarrhea, dry mouth, flatulence and nausea. The majority of these side effects can be managed with over-the-counter medications.
Cardiovascular Side Effects
Chest pain, hypertension (high blood pressure), palpitations, peripheral edema and tachycardia (fast heart rate) are the most commonly reported cardiovascular side effects of Avelox. Patients with a cardiac history must be prudent in reporting any of these side effects to their cardiologist or their primary care physician. Patients should seek immediate medical attention should chest pain become sudden, sharp and severe.
Musculoskeletal Side Effects
Tendon rupture is a reported side effect of Avelox therapy. Other muscular side effects include joint, back, leg and muscle pain. Pain side effects may be managed with over-the-counter medications.
Integumentary Side Effects
Patients have reported rash, increased sweating and injection site reactions (inflammation, pain and swelling) while receiving Avelox treatment.
Genitourinary Side Effects
Women receiving Avelox have reported side effects of vaginal yeast infections and vaginitis.
Heptologic Side Effects
Avelox has been known to decrease liver functioning and cause jaundice in patients. Any flu-like symptoms or yellowing of the skin should be reported to a physician for proper treatment.
References
- "PDR Nurse's Drug Handbook 2010"; Thomson Reuters and Alexander Ivy"; 2009
- "Mosby's 2010 Nursing Drug Reference"; Linda Skidmore-Roth, 2009
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