Maxaquin

Generic name: Lomefloxacin hydrochloride
Brand names: Maxaquin

Why is Maxaquin prescribed?

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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.

Most important fact about Maxaquin

During and following treatment, Maxaquin causes sensitivity reactions in people exposed to sunlight or sunlamps. The reactions can occur despite use of sunscreens and sunblocks, and can be prompted by shaded or diffused light or exposure through glass. Avoid even indirect sunlight while taking Maxaquin and for several days following therapy.

How should you take Maxaquin?

It is important to finish your prescription of Maxaquin completely. If you stop taking your medication too soon, your symptoms may return.

Maxaquin may be taken with or without food. Take it with a full 8-ounce glass of water; and be sure to drink plenty of fluids while on Maxaquin.

You can reduce the risk of a reaction to sunlight by taking Maxaquin in the evening (at least 12 hours before you will be exposed to the sun).

--If you miss a dose...

Take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Do not take 2 doses at the same time.

--Storage instructions...

Store at room temperature.

What side effects may occur?

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, tell your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking Maxaquin.

More common side effects may include:
Headache, nausea

Why should Maxaquin not be prescribed?

If you are sensitive to or have ever had an allergic reaction to Maxaquin or other quinolone antibiotics such as Cipro and Floxin, you should not take Maxaquin. Make sure your doctor is aware of any drug reactions you have experienced.

Special warnings about Maxaquin

Use Maxaquin cautiously if you have disorders such as epilepsy, severe hardening of the arteries in the brain, and other conditions that can lead to seizures. Maxaquin may cause convulsions.

In rare cases, people taking antibiotics similar to Maxaquin have experienced severe, even fatal reactions, sometimes after only one dose. These reactions may include confusion, convulsions, difficulty breathing, hallucinations, hives, itching, light-headedness, loss of consciousness, rash, restlessness, swelling in the face or throat, tingling, and tremors. If you develop any of these symptoms, stop taking Maxaquin immediately and seek medical help.

If other antibiotics have given you diarrhea, or it develops while you are taking Maxaquin, be sure to tell your doctor. Maxaquin may cause inflammation of the bowel, ranging from mild to life-threatening.

Maxaquin may cause dizziness or light-headedness and may impair your ability to drive a car or operate potentially dangerous machinery. Do not participate in any activities that require full alertness until you know how Maxaquin affects you.

Maxaquin can cause rupture of muscle tendons. If you notice any pain or inflammation, stop exercising the affected tendon until your doctor has examined you.

Possible food and drug interactions when taking Maxaquin

If Maxaquin is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Maxaquin with the following:

Antacids containing magnesium or aluminum, such as Maalox or Gaviscon
Caffeine (including coffee, tea, and some soft drinks)
Cimetidine (Tagamet)
Cyclosporine (Sandimmune and Neoral)
Didanosine (Videx) chewable tablets or powder for oral solution
Probenecid (Benemid)
Sucralfate (Carafate)
Theophylline (Theo-Dur)
Warfarin (Coumadin)
Vitamins or products containing iron or zinc

Do not take the antacids, Videx preparations, or Carafate within 4 hours before or 2 hours after a dose of Maxaquin.

Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding

The effects of Maxaquin in pregnancy have not been adequately studied. If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, notify your doctor immediately. It is not known if Maxaquin appears in breast milk. Because many drugs do make their way into breast milk, your doctor may have you stop nursing while you are taking Maxaquin.

Recommended dosage

ADULTS

Chronic Bronchitis

The usual dosage is 400 milligrams once a day for 10 days.

Cystitis

The usual dosage is 400 milligrams once a day for 10 days.

Complicated Urinary Tract Infections

The dosage is 400 milligrams once a day for 14 days.

People With Impaired Renal Function or Cirrhosis

Your doctor will adjust the dosage according to your needs.

People on Dialysis

The recommended dosage for people on dialysis is 400 milligrams, followed by daily maintenance doses of 200 milligrams (one half tablet) once a day for the duration of treatment.

CHILDREN

Safety and efficacy have not been established for children under the age of 18.

Overdosage

There is no information on overdosage with Maxaquin. However, any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. If you suspect an overdose, seek medical help immediately.