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 should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking lomefloxacin?
Before taking lomefloxacin, tell your doctor if you have
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kidney disease; or
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seizures or epilepsy.
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 of lomefloxacin?
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.
Where can I get more information about lomefloxacin?
Your pharmacist has information about lomefloxacin written for health professionals that you may read.
What are the possible side effects of lomefloxacin?
If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking lomefloxacin and
seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor immediately:
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an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat;
swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
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seizures;
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confusion or hallucinations;
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liver damage (yellowing of the skin or eyes, nausea,
abdominal pain or discomfort, unusual bleeding or bruising, severe fatigue); or
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muscle or joint pain.
If you experience any of the following less serious side effects, continue
taking lomefloxacin and talk your doctor:
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nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea;
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headache, lightheadedness, or drowsiness;
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ringing in the ears; or
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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.
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 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.
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:
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cimetidine (Tagamet, Tagamet HB);
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probenecid (Benemid);
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cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune);
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insulin or an oral diabetes medication such as glipizide
(Glucotrol), glyburide (Micronase, Diabeta, Glynase), and others; or
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a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) such as
ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil, Nuprin, others), naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn, Anaprox), ketoprofen
(Orudis KT, Orudis, Oruvail), and others.
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.
What happens if I have an overdose of lomefloxacin?