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What Causes Low BP While On Avelox For Treatment Of Pneumonia?

Posted on Mon, 8 Dec 2014

Question: Hello, My question is about my 89 year old father. He was having symptoms of pneumonia last week and was put on Avelox 400 mg once a day for the past week. He has taken 7 so far. His cough started improving and all was fine until 1 AM last night when he showed signs of delirium and caused him not to sleep at all. This morning his BP is very low for him; his normal is around 140 to 160 and today it was 114/67. He doesn't sound confused anymore. He has been on Avelox before so I am worried that he might have gotten immunity to it. Any suggestions will be appreciated as we don't under any circumstances want to take him to hospital.

Answered by Dr. Ivo Ditah (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
If he's stable, monitor!

Detailed Answer:
Hi and thank you so much for this query.

I have reviewed this information fully. If your dad is stable(no confusion, no difficulties breathing and not fevers), I will recommend that you monitor him and not go for any ER visit right now. There is no reason to suspect that he has developed immunity to the drugs and more so if he is responding to treatment. Your worries are genuine and real. For now, do not get too bothered.

The blood pressure, though lower, it is not abnormal. Monitor him closely and report any new developments to me.

I hope this helps. I wish your dad well. Feel free to ask for more information and clarifications if need be.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Ivo Ditah (3 minutes later)

Thank you. For now he is just week but is eating well. He has 2 more days of avelox, your suggestion is continue with avelox and not switch to say cipro at this point?

thank you again.

Answered by Dr. Ivo Ditah (4 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Continue medications!

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Let him continue with the medications as prescribed. Ensure that he eats well and drink enough fluids. If anything new comes up, please let me know.

I wish you and your dad well.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Ivo Ditah (41 minutes later)

Thank you Dr Ditah,

I do apologize for pressing the point but my concern regarding immunity to avelox comes from the fact that his GP prescribed it to him about a month ago for only 5 days for the same indication. I worry that the 5 days was not enough at all and the bugs came back full force. Am I being paranoid?

right now he has a pressing head ache but is actually making jokes and fully sane.

XXXX

Answered by Dr. Ivo Ditah (34 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
5days is okay!

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Some persons are prescribed that drug once and others for longer duration. It all depends on the reason why. Follow up with treatment and only seek further care if something new comes up.

I wish you well.

Note: Get a consultation booked to know more about aging related medical issues. Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar