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Maxaquin |
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What is Maxaquin and why is it prescribed? Maxaquin is a quinolone antibiotic used to treat lower respiratory infections, including chronic bronchitis, and urinary tract infections, including cystitis. Maxaquin is also given before bladder surgery and prostate biopsy to prevent the infections that sometimes follow these operations. During and following treatment, Maxaquin causes sensitivity reactions in people exposed to sunlight or sunlamps. The reactions can occur despite use of sunscreens and sunblocks, and can be prompted by shaded or diffused light or exposure through glass. Avoid even indirect sunlight while taking Maxaquin and for several days following therapy. How should you take Maxaquin? Follow your doctors directions for taking Maxaquin. It is important to finish your prescription of Maxaquin completely. If you stop taking your medication too soon, your symptoms may return. Maxaquin may be taken with or without food. Take it with a full 8-ounce glass of water; and be sure to drink plenty of fluids while on this medication. You can reduce the risk of a reaction to sunlight by taking Maxaquin in the evening (at least 12 hours before you will be exposed to the sun). If you miss a dose take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Do not take two doses at the same time. Store Maxaquin at room temperature. Are there any Maxaquin side effects? Maxaquin side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. More common Maxaquin side effects may include headache and nausea. Less common Maxaquin side effects may include diarrhea, dizziness, and sensitivity to light. Rare Maxaquin side effects may include abdominal pain, abnormal or terrifying dreams, abnormal vision, agitation, allergic reaction, altered taste, angina pectoris, anxiety, back pain, bleeding between menstrual periods, bleeding in the stomach and intestines, blood clots in the lungs, blood in the urine, blue skin color, chest pain, chills, coma, confusion, conjunctivitis, constipation, convulsions, cough, decreased heat tolerance, depression, difficult or labored breathing, difficulty swallowing, dry mouth, earache, eye pain, facial swelling, fainting, fatigue, fluid retention and swelling, flu-like symptoms, flushing, gas, general feeling of illness, gout, hallucinations, high-pitched sound during breathing, heart attack, heart failure, high blood pressure, hives, inability to sleep, increased appetite, increased mucus from the lungs, increased sweating, indigestion, inflammation in the male genital area, inflammation of the stomach and intestines, inflammation of the vagina, irregular heartbeat, itching, joint pain, lack of urine, leg cramps, loss of appetite, loss of sense of identity, low blood pressure, low blood sugar, lung infection or other problems, muscle pain, nervousness, nosebleed, overactivity, pain in the genital-rectal area, problems with urination, purple or red spots on the skin, rapid heartbeat, rash, ringing in the ears, skin disorders, skin eruptions or peeling, sleepiness, slow heartbeat, thirst, tingling or a "pins and needles" feeling, tongue discoloration, tremor, vaginal yeast infection, vertigo, vomiting, weakness, wheezing, and white or yellow vaginal discharge. What are the possible food and drug interactions when taking Maxaquin? If Maxaquin is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. Be sure to inform your doctor of all the prescription and over the counter medications you are taking. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Maxaquin with Antacids containing magnesium or aluminum (such as Maalox or Gaviscon), Caffeine (including coffee, tea, and some soft drinks), Cimetidine (Tagamet), Cyclosporine (Sandimmune and Neoral), Didanosine (Videx) chewable tablets or powder for oral solution, Probenecid (Benemid), Sucralfate (Carafate), Theophylline (Theo-Dur), Warfarin (Coumadin), or Vitamins or products containing iron or zinc. Do not take the antacids, Videx preparations, or Carafate within 4 hours before or 2 hours after a dose of Maxaquin. Are there any special warnings about Maxaquin? Use Maxaquin cautiously if you have disorders such as epilepsy, severe hardening of the arteries in the brain, and other conditions that can lead to seizures. Maxaquin may cause convulsions. In rare cases, people taking antibiotics similar to Maxaquin have experienced severe, even fatal reactions, sometimes after only one dose. These reactions may include confusion, convulsions, difficulty breathing, hallucinations, hives, itching, light-headedness, loss of consciousness, rash, restlessness, swelling in the face or throat, tingling, and tremors. If you develop any of these symptoms, stop taking Maxaquin immediately and seek medical help. If other antibiotics have given you diarrhea, or it develops while you are taking Maxaquin, be sure to tell your doctor. Maxaquin may cause inflammation of the bowel, ranging from mild to life-threatening. Maxaquin may cause dizziness or light-headedness and may impair your ability to drive a car or operate potentially dangerous machinery. Do not participate in any activities that require full alertness until you know how Maxaquin affects you. Maxaquin can cause rupture of muscle tendons. If you notice any pain or inflammation, stop exercising the affected tendon until your doctor has examined you. |
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Information on this website is provided for educational purposes and should not replace discussions with your doctor. |
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