Lomefloxacin

Lomefloxacin is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic medicine available in Bangladesh under many brand names. Below are its uses, dosage, side effects and precautions — and all brands with their current prices.

• Tablet: treatment of infections caused by susceptible bacteria, such as urinary tract infections and, where locally appropriate, acute bacterial exacerbations of chronic bronchitis.
• Eye drops: treatment of superficial bacterial eye infections such as bacterial conjunctivitis caused by susceptible organisms.
• Not effective for viral infections such as colds, flu or viral conjunctivitis.

Adult dosing depends on the infection site, severity, kidney function, dosage form and local prescribing information. Tablets are generally taken as a prescribed course, often once daily, and should be completed unless the prescriber advises otherwise. Eye drops should be instilled into the affected eye exactly as directed, with clean hands and without touching the dropper tip to the eye. Separate oral Lomefloxacin from antacids, iron, zinc, sucralfate or similar mineral-containing products by several hours. Always follow the registered doctor’s prescription or pharmacist’s instructions.

• Common: nausea, vomiting, abdominal discomfort, diarrhoea, headache, dizziness and sleep disturbance.
• Eye drops: temporary burning, stinging, redness, irritation, itching, watery eyes or blurred vision after instillation.
• Photosensitivity: increased risk of severe sunburn or skin reactions with sunlight or UV exposure.
• Serious: tendon pain, tendinitis or tendon rupture; numbness, tingling or weakness suggesting peripheral neuropathy; seizures, confusion, hallucinations or severe mood changes; severe allergic reaction; severe or bloody diarrhoea; liver problems; abnormal heart rhythm, especially in susceptible patients.

Use caution in people with a history of tendon disorders, myasthenia gravis, seizure disorders, significant kidney impairment, heart rhythm problems, low potassium or magnesium, diabetes, older age, or those taking corticosteroids. Avoid unnecessary sunlight or tanning lamps and use sun protection during treatment and for a short period after stopping. Stop the medicine and seek medical help if tendon pain, severe rash, nerve symptoms, severe diarrhoea or allergic symptoms occur. For eye drops, remove contact lenses unless the prescriber says they may be used. Use under a registered doctor’s or pharmacist’s guidance.

• Antacids, sucralfate, iron, zinc, magnesium, aluminium, calcium supplements and some multivitamins can reduce absorption of oral Lomefloxacin; separate dosing by several hours.
• Didanosine formulations containing antacids or minerals can reduce absorption.
• Warfarin and other anticoagulants: may increase bleeding risk; monitoring may be needed.
• NSAIDs may increase the risk of CNS stimulation or seizures in susceptible patients.
• Corticosteroids increase the risk of tendinitis and tendon rupture.
• Medicines that prolong the QT interval may increase the risk of abnormal heart rhythm.
• Probenecid may increase quinolone blood levels by reducing renal elimination.

• Known hypersensitivity to lomefloxacin, other quinolone or fluoroquinolone antibiotics, or any component of the product.
• Previous serious reaction to a fluoroquinolone, such as tendon disorder, severe neuropathy or severe allergic reaction, unless a specialist decides otherwise.
• Generally not recommended in children or adolescents, pregnancy or breastfeeding unless the expected benefit clearly outweighs the risk and no safer suitable option is available.

Lomefloxacin is generally avoided during pregnancy because fluoroquinolones have potential risks to developing cartilage and safer antibiotics are often available. It is also usually avoided during breastfeeding unless specifically advised by a doctor; if needed, the prescriber will weigh the benefit against possible infant exposure and may suggest monitoring or an alternative medicine.

Store at room temperature, away from excessive heat, moisture and direct sunlight. Keep tablets in the original pack and keep eye drops tightly closed; do not use eye drops if the solution changes colour or becomes contaminated. Keep all medicines out of the reach of children and discard after the expiry date or as advised after opening eye drops.