Skip to main content

lomefloxacin

Generic name: lomefloxacin [ loe-me-FLOX-a-sin ]
Brand name: Maxaquin
Drug class: Quinolones and fluoroquinolones

What is lomefloxacin?

Lomefloxacin is an antibiotic in a class of drugs called fluoroquinolones. It fights bacteria in the body.

Lomefloxacin is used to treat various bacterial infections, such as bronchitis and urinary tract infections.

Lomefloxacin may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What is the most important information I should know about lomefloxacin?

Take all of the lomefloxacin that has been prescribed for you even if you begin to feel better. Your symptoms may start to improve before the infection is completely treated.

Take lomefloxacin with a full glass of water (8 ounces). Drink several extra glasses of fluid each day to prevent lomefloxacin crystals from forming in the urine.

Lomefloxacin may make the skin more sensitive to sunlight, and a severe sunburn may result. Avoid exposure to both direct and indirect sunlight during therapy and for a few days after treatment ends. If you experience severe burning, redness, itching, swelling, or blistering, contact your doctor.

Do not take antacids that contain magnesium or aluminum (e.g., Tums or Rolaids), the ulcer medicine sucralfate (Carafate), or vitamin or mineral supplements that contain iron or zinc for a minimum of 2 hours before or 2 hours after a dose of lomefloxacin. Taking antacids, sucralfate, or vitamin or mineral supplements too close to a dose of lomefloxacin can greatly decrease the effects of the antibiotic.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking lomefloxacin?

Before taking lomefloxacin, tell your doctor if you have

You may not be able to take lomefloxacin, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment.

Lomefloxacin in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether lomefloxacin will be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.

It is not known whether lomefloxacin passes into breast milk. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Lomefloxacin is not approved for use by children younger than 12 years of age. Lomefloxacin may interfere with bone development.

How should I take lomefloxacin?

Take lomefloxacin exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these instructions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

Take lomefloxacin with a full glass of water (8 ounces). Drink several extra glasses of fluid each day to prevent lomefloxacin crystals from forming in the urine.

You can take lomefloxacin with or without food.

Lomefloxacin is usually taken once a day. Taking lomefloxacin in the evening may reduce the risk of increased skin sensitivity to sunlight. Follow your doctor's instructions.

Do not take antacids that contain magnesium or aluminum (e.g., Tums or Rolaids), the ulcer medicine sucralfate (Carafate), or vitamin or mineral supplements that contain iron or zinc for a minimum of 2 hours before or 2 hours after a dose of lomefloxacin. Taking antacids, sucralfate, or vitamin or mineral supplements too close to a dose of lomefloxacin can greatly decrease the effects of the antibiotic.

Take all of the lomefloxacin that has been prescribed for you even if you begin to feel better. Your symptoms may start to improve before the infection is completely treated.

Store this medication at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose up to 2 hours late. If more than 2 hours have passed since you missed the dose, skip it and take the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention.

The most common symptom of a lomefloxacin overdose is seizures.

What should I avoid while taking lomefloxacin?

Lomefloxacin may make the skin more sensitive to sunlight, and a severe sunburn may result. Avoid exposure to both direct and indirect sunlight during therapy and for a few days after treatment ends. If you experience severe burning, redness, itching, swelling, or blistering, contact your doctor.

Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Lomefloxacin may cause dizziness. If you experience dizziness, avoid these activities.

Lomefloxacin side effects

If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking lomefloxacin and seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor immediately:

If you experience any of the following less serious side effects, continue taking lomefloxacin and talk your doctor:

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

Lomefloxacin dosing information

Usual Adult Dose for Bronchitis:

400 mg orally once a day for 10 days

Usual Adult Dose for Cystitis:

400 mg orally once a day for 3 days

Duration: 3 days if caused by E coli in females; 10 days if caused by K pneumoniae, P mirabilis, or S saprophyticus

Usual Adult Dose for Prostatitis:

400 mg orally once a day for 14 to 30 days

Usual Adult Dose for Salmonella Enteric Fever:

400 mg orally once a day for 7 to 14 days

Usual Adult Dose for Salmonella Gastroenteritis:

400 mg orally once a day for 3 days

Usual Adult Dose for Shigellosis:

400 mg orally once a day for 3 to 5 days

Usual Adult Dose for Transurethral Prostatectomy:

400 mg orally 2 to 6 hours prior to procedure

Usual Adult Dose for Urinary Tract Infection:

Complicated: 400 mg orally once a day for 14 days

What other drugs will affect lomefloxacin?

Do not take antacids that contain magnesium or aluminum (e.g., Tums or Rolaids), the ulcer medicine sucralfate (Carafate), or vitamin or mineral supplements that contain iron or zinc for a minimum of 2 hours before or 2 hours after a dose of lomefloxacin. Taking antacids, sucralfate, or vitamin or mineral supplements too close to a dose of lomefloxacin can greatly decrease the effects of the antibiotic.

Before taking lomefloxacin, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following drugs:

You may not be able to take lomefloxacin, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you are taking any of the medicines listed above.

Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with lomefloxacin. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including herbal products.

Further information

What does my medication look like?

Lomefloxacin is available with a prescription under the brand name Maxaquin. Other brand or generic formulations may also be available. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about this medication, especially if it is new to you.

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.