Maxaquin  - Generic Name: Lomefloxacin

What is/are Lomefloxacin?

LOMEFLOXACIN is a quinolone antibiotic. It can kill bacteria or stop their growth. This medicine is used to treat infections of the lungs and urinary tract. It is also used to prevent infections during surgery on the urinary tract. It will not work for colds, flu, or other infections. This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

What should I tell my health care providers before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• arteriosclerosis
• exposure to sunlight (work outdoors)
• heart disease or irregular heart rhythm
• kidney disease
• seizures
• an unusual or allergic reaction to lomefloxacin, other quinolone antibiotics, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth with a full glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take this medicine with food or on an empty stomach. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Take all of your medicine as directed even if you think your are better. Do not skip doses or stop your medicine early.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

Note: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following:

• cisapride
• droperidol
• some medicines for irregular heart rhythm

This medicine may also interact with the following:

• antacids with aluminum, magnesium
• cimetidine
• cyclosporine
• didanosine
• iron products
• probenecid
• some multivitamins
• sucralfate
• warfarin
• zinc

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care providers a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What side effects may I notice from this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
• breathing problems
• changes in hearing
• changes in vision
• high or low blood sugar (ask your doctor or health care professional for a list of these symptoms)
• confusion, depression, agitation, anxiety, hallucinations, tremor
• fast or irregular heartbeat, feeling faint
• fever, chills, infection
• joint, muscle, tendon pain or swelling
• redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth
• seizures
• unusual pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness
• vaginal irritation, discharge

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• diarrhea
• dry mouth
• headache
• loss of appetite
• nausea, vomiting
• stomach pain
• trouble sleeping
• unusual taste

This list may not describe all possible side effects.

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Tell your doctor or health care professional if your symptoms do not improve or get worse. Make sure you stay well hydrated while taking this medicine. Drink several glasses of fluids a day.

If you are a diabetic monitor your blood sugar carefully. If your blood sugar reading is unusual, stop taking this medicine and call your doctor for advice.

You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells.

This medicine can make you more sensitive to the sun. Keep out of the sun during treatment with this medicine and for several days after therapy. Avoid direct or indirect sunlight, including exposure through glass and exposure through sunscreens and sunblock, as much as is possible. Do not use sun lamps or tanning beds/booths. Stop taking this medicine and call your doctor right away if you get a reaction from the sun. Take your dose in the evening to the risk of a reaction.

Do not treat diarrhea with over-the-counter products. Contact your doctor if you have diarrhea that lasts more than 2 days or if the diarrhea is severe and watery.

Avoid taking didanosine, sucralfate and antacids containing magnesium or aluminum within 4 hours before or 2 hours after taking this medicine. Do not take mineral supplements or vitamins with iron or minerals within 2 hours of taking this medicine.

Where should I keep this medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.