What Is Lomefloxacin?

Lomefloxacin is an antibiotic used to treat urinary tract and lower respiratory infections as well as other infections caused by bacteria. It is sometimes administered prior to a prostate biopsy or bladder surgery as a preventative measure to decrease the chance of post-surgical infection. This drug is classified as a fluoroquinolone and works by killing bacteria in the body. Principal side effects include increased risk of tendinitis and photosensitivity. In the United States, this antibiotic is marketed under the brand name Maxaquin®.

This antibiotic is usually prescribed to treat mild to moderate lower respiratory and urinary tract infections that are caused by bacteria. Lomefloxacin is effective because it inhibits an enzyme necessary for bacteria to replicate. As a result, bacterial cells cannot reproduce and they die. Like any antibiotic, lomefloxacin is not effective against viral infections. Only patients with infections diagnosed as or strongly suspected to be bacterial should take this medication.

The typical adult dosage is 400 milligrams taken daily for between three days and two weeks. When given as a preventative treatment, a 400-milligram single dose is usually taken two to six hours before the procedure. For maximum benefit, lomefloxacin should be taken at the same time every day with a meal and a glass of water. Taking an antacid, iron, or zinc an hour before or two hours after taking lomefloxacin can interfere with this antibiotic’s effectiveness. This drug is not recommended for children less than 12 years old.

The two most disconcerting side effects associated with this medication are photosensitivity and an increased risk of tendinitis and tendon rupture. Photosensitivity reactions like blistering, redness, and rashes can occur during and for a few days after treatment, so people taking lomefloxacin should avoid direct sunlight and wear protective clothing. The risk of photosensitivity can be managed by taking this drug at least 12 hours before being exposed to the sun.

Patients experiencing tendon pain or inflammation should stop taking lomefloxacin and inform their doctors. The risk of tendinitis increases if the patient is more than 60 years old or has had a kidney, lung, or heart transplant. Developing tendinitis requires immediate rest of the affected area.

Other side effects can include dizziness, headaches, and neuropathy. People who develop severe gastrointestinal problems while taking this medication should stop and consult with their doctors prior to resuming treatment. Allergic reactions can occur after only one dose and may be mild like a rash or severe like anaphylaxis.

This medication can interact with other drugs. People scheduled to receive a live typhoid vaccine while taking lomefloxacin should not take this medication because it can decrease the vaccine’s effectiveness. This antibiotic can also enhance the side effects of droperidol or foscarnet. Patients considering this treatment should tell their doctors about any other medications, vitamins, and supplements they are taking.