Urinary Infections

• A urinary infection is any inflammation of the urinary system, which includes the urethra, the kidneys and bladder. Nearly all urinary tract infections begin in the tube that releases urine from the body. The tube, called the urethra, is often colonized by bacteria that are native to the skin or the intestinal tract. When this occurs, the bacteria continue to grow and spread up the urinary tract to infect the other parts.
  
  

Avelox

• Avelox is a brand name of the antibiotic moxifloxacin, a member of the fluoroquinolones group of drugs. This group is name for the fluorine atom that each one of its members has. It disarms bacteria by preventing them from producing proteins that are necessary for their survival. If the bacteria cannot make these proteins, they die. It is prescribed to treat many types of infections, including sinusitis, bronchitis and pneumonia.
  
  

Usage

• Avelox is generally prescribed in a tablet form for up to 14 days. It can also be given in intravenous form for hospital use. The actual prescription depends on the type and severity of your urinary tract infection. You may start to feel better almost immediately after starting the antibiotics, but you should continue to take the medication until it is gone. Always follow your health-care provider's directions and seek his advice before altering your use of Avelox.
  
  

Side Effects

• Common side effects of Avelox include decreased blood pressure, nausea or dizziness. You may also experience headache, drowsiness or abdominal pain. Inform your health-care provider if you are allergic to any other fluroquinolones, such as ciprofloxacine or ofloxacin. If you experience a skin rash, swelling in your face and throat or difficulty swallowing, you may be having an allergic reaction to Avelox. Contact your health-care provider immediately if you suddenly start to feel side effects.
  
  

Warnings

• One of the common side effects of Avelox is dizziness or lightheadedness, so you should avoid operating heavy machinery or driving until you know if this happens to you. Be sure to tell your health-care provider if you have an abnormal heartbeat. It can also cause an irregular heartbeat, so most will not prescribe it to those with heart problems. Avelox can also cause sensitivity to sunlight, so do not spend an extended amount of time outside in the sun while you are taking it.