Maxaquin (Lomefloxacin)

Drug Uses

This medicine is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections. It may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.

How Taken

Take each dose with a full glass of water. This drug may be taken with or without food. Drink plenty of fluids while taking this medication. Take this medication 2 hours before or 4 hours after taking any medications containing magnesium or aluminum. Some examples include quinapril, certain forms of didanosine (e.g. chewable/dispersible buffered tablets or pediatric oral solution), vitamins/minerals, and antacids. Sucralfate bismuth subsalicylate, iron, and zinc are also included.

These medications bind with maxaquin preventing its full absorption. Antibiotics work best when the amount of medicine in your body is kept at a constant level. Do this by taking the medication at evenly spaced intervals throughout the day and night. Continue to take this medication until the full prescribed amount is finished even if symptoms disappear after a few days. Stopping the medication too early may allow bacteria to continue to grow resulting in a relapse of the infection.

Drug Class and Mechanism

Maxaquin is a quinolone antibiotic used to treat lower respiratory infections, including chronic bronchitis, and urinary tract infections, including cystitis (inflammation of the inner lining of the bladder). Maxaquin is also given before bladder surgery and prostate biopsy to prevent the infections that sometimes follow these operations.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as remembered. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take the scheduled dose only, then resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.

Storage

Store at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (between 15 and 30 degrees C) away from moisture and sunlight. Do not store in the bathroom.

Warnings/Precautions

Before taking this drug, tell your doctor of any over-the-counter or prescription drugs you are taking, especially:

• other antibiotics,
• warfarin,
• cyclosporine,
• quinapril,
• didanosine,
• vitamins/minerals (e.g., magnesium, aluminum, iron, zinc),
• antacids,
• sucralfate,
• bismuth subsalicylate.

Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

Before taking this medication, tell your doctor your medical history especially of:

• epilepsy,
• kidney disease,
• tendon problems,
• nervous system disorders,
• liver disease,
• blood vessel problems,
• any drug allergies.

Use caution driving or performing tasks requiring alertness if this medication makes you dizzy or lightheaded. Limit alcohol intake. Because this medication may make you more sensitive to the sun, avoid prolonged sun exposure. Wear protective clothing and use a sunscreen when outdoors. Taking your dose of medication in the evening instead of morning may help to reduce this sensitivity reaction. This medication should be used with caution in children less than 18 years of age because it may cause joint or bone problems. This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is unknown if this drug is excreted into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Possible Side Effects

This medication may cause

• stomach upset,
• loss of appetite,
• change in taste,
• loose stools,
• nausea,
• headache or dizziness during the first few days as your body adjusts to the medication.

If these symptoms persist or become severe, inform your doctor. Report new pain or tenderness (tendonitis) in arms or legs promptly. If you develop diarrhea while taking this medication, notify your doctor. Do not take any nonprescription medication to treat the diarrhea without first consulting your doctor.

Notify your doctor if you develop:

• tremors,
• chest pain,
• restlessness,
• nightmares,
• vision changes,
• mental/mood changes,
• ringing in the ears,
• seizures.

This medication may infrequently cause drowsiness. In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to this drug, seek medical attention immediately.

Symptoms of an allergic reaction include:

• rash,
• itching,
• swelling,
• fever,
• trouble breathing.

If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

More Information

Do not share this medicine with others for whom it was not prescribed. Do not use this medicine for other health conditions. Keep this medicine out of the reach of children.