home > drugs a-z list > maxaquin (lomefloxacin hcl) drug center > maxaquin (lomefloxacin hcl) drug - medication guide and patient information

Patients should be advised

· that peripheral neuropathies have been associated with lomefloxacin use. If symptoms of peripheral neuropathy including pain, burning, tingling, numbness and/or weakness develop, they should discontinue treatment and contact their physicians.

· to avoid to the maximum extent possible direct or indirect sunlight (including exposure through glass and exposure through sunscreens and sunblocks) and artificial ultraviolet light (eg, sunlamps) during treatment with lomefloxacin and for several days after therapy;

· that they may reduce the risk of developing phototoxicity from sunlight by taking the daily dose of lomefloxacin at least 12 hours before exposure to the sun (eg, in the evening);

· to discontinue lomefloxacin therapy at the first signs or symptoms of phototoxicity reaction such as a sensation of skin burning, redness, swelling, blisters, rash, itching, or dermatitis;

· that a patient who has experienced a phototoxic reaction should avoid re-exposure to sunlight and artificial ultraviolet light until he has completely recovered from the reaction. In rare cases, reactions have recurred up to several weeks after stopping lomefloxacin therapy.

· to drink fluids liberally;

· that lomefloxacin can be taken without regard to meals;

· that mineral supplements or vitamins with iron or minerals should not be taken within the 2-hour period before or after taking lomefloxacin (see Drug Interactions);

· that sucralfate and antacids containing magnesium or aluminum, or Videx^β (didanosine), chewable/buffered tablets or the pediatric powder for oral solution should not be taken within 4 hours before or 2 hours after taking lomefloxacin. (See PRECAUTIONS ¾ Drug Interactions.)

· that lomefloxacin can cause dizziness and lightheadedness and, therefore, patients should know how they react to lomefloxacin before they operate an automobile or machinery or engage in activities requiring mental alertness and coordination;

· to discontinue treatment and inform their physician if they experience pain, inflammation, or rupture of a tendon, and to rest and refrain from exercise until the diagnosis of tendinitis or tendon rupture has been confidently excluded;

· that lomefloxacin may be associated with hypersensitivity reactions, even following the first dose, and to discontinue the drug at the first sign of a skin rash or other allergic reaction;

· that convulsions have been reported in patients taking quinolones, including lomefloxacin, and to notify their physician before taking this drug if there is a history of this condition.

· that antibacterial drugs including Maxaquin (lomefloxacin hcl) should only be used to treat bacterial infections. They do not treat viral infections (e.g., the common cold). When Maxaquin (lomefloxacin hcl) is prescribed to treat a bacterial infection, patients should be told that although it is common to feel better early in the course of therapy, the medication should be taken exactly as directed. Skipping doses or not completing the full course of therapy may (1) decrease the effectiveness of the immediate treatment and (2) increase the likelihood that bacteria will develop resistance and will not be treatable by Maxaquin (lomefloxacin hcl) or other antibacterial drugs in the future.

Last reviewed on RxList: 2/2/2006
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.