Lomefloxacin is indicated in the treatment of infections of urinary origin caused by susceptible pathogens to fluoroquinolones, but it can also be used in the case of lower respiratory tract infections.
What is Lomefloxacin?
Lomefloxacin is an antibacterial drug that belongs to the group of fluoroquinolones (quinolones Generation III) and, as such, it is active on a wide spectrum of bacteria: Gram-negative bacteria, Gram-positive cocci, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, mycobacteria, anaerobes, and chlamydia mycoplasmas.
It is characterized by an important bacteriostatic activity exerted by its inhibiting ability against some bacterial enzymes – such as DNA gyrase – involved in bacterial DNA replication and, therefore, fundamental for the life of the bacteria.
The bacteriostatic activity also extends to the lower urinary tract thanks to some characteristics of the drug that allow it to arrive unchanged in the urinary environment.
How should Lomefloxacin be taken?
Lomefloxacin is commercially available for oral use in the form of tablets. It is then excreted in the urine almost unchanged.
Side effects associated with Lomefloxacin
Lomefloxacin is generally a well-tolerated drug. However, particular attention should be paid to patients with kidney disease, for which they may require continuous adjustments in dosage. Although it is generally well tolerated, the use of this drug – especially if it lasts for a long time – can induce the development of gastrointestinal disorders of various types (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea), as well as headache, sleep disorders, irritability, asthenia, photosensitivity, kidney and liver disorders, as well as bone and joint disorders.
Contraindications and warnings associated with the use of Lomefloxacin
The use of lomefloxacin is generally not recommended during pregnancy and also in the subsequent period of breastfeeding since, to date, there are no studies that can assess the safety profile of the drug for the fetus. Moreover, the use of lomefloxacin is also contraindicated in individuals with hypersensitivity to the active substance.
