Brand Names: Penetrex

Generic Name: enoxacin (Pronunciation: ee NOX ah sin)

• What is enoxacin (Penetrex)?
• What are the possible side effects of enoxacin (Penetrex)?
• What is the most important information I should know about enoxacin (Penetrex)?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking enoxacin (Penetrex)?
• How should I take enoxacin (Penetrex)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Penetrex)?
• What happens if I overdose (Penetrex)?
• What should I avoid while taking enoxacin (Penetrex)?
• What other drugs will affect enoxacin (Penetrex)?
• Where can I get more information?

What is enoxacin (Penetrex)?

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

Enoxacin is used to treat various bacterial infections, such as gonorrhea and urinary tract infections.

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

What are the possible side effects of enoxacin (Penetrex)?

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

• an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
• seizures;
• confusion or hallucinations;
• liver damage (yellowing of the skin or eyes, nausea, abdominal pain or discomfort, unusual bleeding or bruising, severe fatigue); or
• muscle or joint pain.

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

• nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea;
• headache, lightheadedness, or drowsiness;
• ringing in your ears; or
• increased sensitivity of the skin to sunlight.

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.

Read the Penetrex (enoxacin) Side Effects Center for a complete guide to possible side effects »

What is the most important information I should know about enoxacin (Penetrex)?

Take all of the enoxacin 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.

Drink plenty of extra fluids every day while taking enoxacin.

Take enoxacin on an empty stomach 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals.

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 8 hours before or 2 hours after a dose of enoxacin. Taking antacids, sucralfate, or vitamin or mineral supplements too close to a dose of enoxacin can greatly decrease the effects of the antibiotic.