FLUOROQUINOLONES

Brand & Generic Names

Cipro	Maxaquin
IPROFLOXACIN	NORFLOXACIN
ENOXACIN	Noroxin
Floxin	OFLOXACIN
LOMEFLOXACIN	Penetrex

Basic Information

• Habit forming? No
• Prescription needed? Yes
• Available as generic? No
• Drug class: Antibacterial (antibiotic), fluoroquinolone

Uses

Treats a wide range of germs that may cause diarrhea, pneumonia, skin and soft tissue infections, urinary tract infections, bone infections.

Dosage & Usage Information

How to take:
Tablets--Take with full glass of water on empty stomach (ciprofloxacin of lomefloxacin may be taken with meals).

When to take:
As directed by your doctor.

If you forget a dose:
Take as soon as you remember up to 2 hours late. If more than 2 hours, wait for next scheduled dose (don't double this dose).

What drug does:
Destroys bacteria in the body, probably by promoting DNA breakage in germs.

Time lapse before drug works:
1 to 2 hours.

Don't take with:
Antacids.
Any other medicine without consulting your doctor or pharmacist.

Overdose

SYMPTOMS:
Convulsions.

WHAT TO DO:

• Dial 911 (emergency) or 0 (operator) for an ambulance or medical help. Then give first aid immediately.
• If patient is unconscious and not breathing, give mouth-to-mouth breathing. If there is no heartbeat, use cardiac massage and mouth-to-mouth breathing (CPR). Don't try to make patient vomit. If you can't get help quickly, take patient to nearest emergency facility.
• See EMERGENCY information.

Possible Adverse Reactions or Side Effects

Life-threatening:

Hives, rash, intense Seek emergency treatment immediately. itching, faintness soon after a dose (anaphylaxis).

Common:

None expected.

Infrequent:

Dizziness, light- headedness, headache, nervousness, drowsiness or insomnia, stomach pain, diarrhea, nausea or vomiting.

Rare:

Agitation, confusion, hallucinations, tremors, skin rash or redness, shortness of breath, neck or face swelling, bloody or cloudy urine, swelling of feet or legs.

Warnings & Precautions

Don't take if:
You are allergic to fluoroquinolones or quinolone derivatives.

Before you start, consult your doctor:

• If you have any disorder of the central nervous system such as epilepsy or stroke.
• If you have liver or kidney disease.

Over age 60:
Adverse reactions and side effects may be more frequent and severe than in younger persons. You may need smaller doses for shorter periods of time.

Pregnancy:
Studies inconclusive on harm to unborn child. Decide with your doctor whether drug benefits justify risk to unborn child.

Breast-feeding:
Drug passes into milk. Avoid drug or discontinue nursing until you finish medicine. Consult doctor for advice on maintaining milk supply.

Infants & children:
Not recommended.

Prolonged use:
No documented problems.

Skin & sunlight:
Rare adverse reaction to sunlight or sun lamp. Avoid over-exposure.

Driving, piloting or hazardous work:
Don't drive or pilot aircraft until you learn how medicine affects you. Don't work around dangerous machinery. Don't climb ladders or work in high places. Danger increases if you drink alcohol or take other medicines affecting alertness and reflexes such as anti- histamines, tranquilizers, sedatives, pain medicine, narcotics and mind-altering drugs.

Discontinuing:
Don't discontinue without consulting doctor. Dose may require gradual reduction if you have taken drug for a long time. Doses of other drugs may also require adjustment.

Others:
May affect accuracy of laboratory test values for SGOT*, serum bilirubin, serum creatinine and LDH*.

Possible Interaction with Other Drugs

GENERIC NAME	COMBINED EFFECT
-------------------------	-----------------------
Aminophylline	Increased risk of aminophylline
	toxicity.
Antacids*	Decreased fluoroquinolone effect.
Caffeine	Increased risk of central nervous
	system side effects.
Carbonic anyhdrase	May cause kidney dysfunction.
Didanosine	Decreased fluoroquinolone effect.
Oxtriphylline	Increased risk of oxtriphylline
	toxicity.
Probenecid	May cause kidney dysfunction.
Sucralfate	Decreased fluoroquinolone effect.
Theophylline	May increase possibility of central
	nervous system poisoning, such as
	nausea, vomiting, restlessness,
	palpitations.
Warfarin	Increased warfarin effect.

Possible Interaction with Other Substances

INTERACTS WITH	COMBINED EFFECT
---------------	---------------
Alcohol:	Increased possibility of central
	nervous system side effects.
Beverages:	None expected.
Cocaine:	Increased possibility of central
	nervous system side effects.
Foods:	None expected.
Marijuana:	Increased possibility of central
	nervous system side effects.
Tobacco:	Increased possibility of central
	nervous system side effects.