Floxacin
Floxacin Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Mechanism of Action, How Long Does it Take to Work? Floxacin is a brand name. Its generic name is Ciprofloxacin.
Floxacin
Introduction
Floxacin is a synthetic antibiotic in the fluoroquinolone class used to treat a variety of bacterial infections. It is the most commonly prescribed antibiotic in the United States and Canada for skin, respiratory, urinary tract, and abdominal infections.
Uses
Floxacin may be used to treat a wide range of bacterial infections, such as: Bronchitis, Skin infections, Sinusitis, Urinary tract infections, Gonorrhea, Typhoid fever, Cholera, Prostatitis, and others.
Mechanism of Action
Floxacin works by inhibiting bacterial DNA gyrase (an enzyme responsible for DNA replication) resulting in cellular death and clearance of bacteria. Additionally, it may interfere with the ability of bacterial cells to synthesize proteins, which is also necessary for survival.
Absorption
Floxacin is rapidly and completely absorbed after oral administration. Its bioavailability is about 70-80%.
Route of Elimination
Floxacin and its metabolites are eliminated predominantly in the urine, with 80-90% of a dose being accounted for in 24 hours.
Dosage
The dosage of ciprofloxacin varies depending on the condition it is being used to treat. It may be given in either oral or intravenous (IV) forms.
Administration
Floxacin may be administered orally or intravenously. When taken orally, the drug should be taken with a full glass of water, one hour before or two hours after meals.
Side Effects
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Headache
- Abdominal pain
- Rash
- Dizziness
- Insomnia
Toxicity
Floxacin is generally well tolerated, but like any drug, it can cause side effects. Overdose of ciprofloxacin may cause severe liver damage and neurotoxicity.
Precautions
- Floxacin should not be used in patients younger than 18 years of age.
- Patients with a history of seizures or CNS disorder should not take ciprofloxacin.
- Floxacin should not be used in pregnant women.
- Inform your doctor if you have any liver or kidney condition.
Interactions
- Floxacin may interact with other drugs such as antacids, oral contraceptives, theophylline, certain antibiotics, caffeine, probenecid, metoclopramide, warfarin, cyclosporine, and other drugs.
- Inform your doctor if you are taking any of the above medications before taking this drug.
Disease Interactions
- Floxacin should not be used in patients with a history of epilepsy, seizures or epilepsy-like events.
- Patients with a history of tendon problems or kidney, heart or lung transplant should not take this drug.
Drug Interactions
- NSAIDs such as ibuprofen, naproxen, and celecoxib
- Warfarin
- Anticonvulsants such as phenytoin and carbamazepine
- Cyclosporine
- Corticosteroids
- Theophylline
Food Interactions
Floxacin should be taken with food to reduce stomach upset. Iron supplements, antacids, and certain foods can reduce the absorption of ciprofloxacin.
Pregnancy Use
Floxacin should not be used during pregnancy as it may cause harm to the unborn baby. It is classified as pregnancy category C.
Lactation Use
Floxacin has not been studied in breastfeeding women and should be avoided in breastfeeding mothers.
Acute Overdose
Symptoms of ciprofloxacin overdose may include confusion, drowsiness, vomiting, abdominal pain, nausea, and rapid heart rate. In case of overdose, contact a healthcare provider right away.
Contraindication
Certain conditions may preclude the use of ciprofloxacin. These conditions include: hypersensitivity to the drug, pregnancy, breastfeeding, and a history of tendon rupture or myasthenia gravis.
Use Direction
Floxacin should be taken exactly as prescribed by your doctor; do not take it in larger or smaller amounts or for longer or shorter time than prescribed. Additionally, it is important to finish the full course of treatment prescribed, even if your symptoms improve.
Storage Conditions
Floxacin should be stored at room temperature, away from heat, light, and moisture.
Volume of Distribution
The volume of distribution of ciprofloxacin is 0.45-1.3 L/kg.
Half Life
The half-life of ciprofloxacin is 4-5 hours.
Clearance
The clearance of ciprofloxacin is approximately 2.5-3.5 mL/min/kg.
Here you find in details version of Floxacin
Some Frequently Asked Questions About Floxacin
What is Floxacin?
Floxacin is a broad-spectrum antibiotic used to treat a wide range of bacterial infections. It belongs to a class of antibiotics known as fluoroquinolones, which work by preventing bacterial DNA from replicating.
What is Floxacin used to treat?
Floxacin is commonly used to treat a variety of bacterial infections such as respiratory infections, urinary tract infections, skin infections, ear infections, and gastrointenstinal infections.
Who should not take Floxacin?
Floxacin is not recommended for individuals with a known hypersensitivity or allergy to the drug. Additionally, it should be avoided or used with caution in people with known or suspected kidney or liver disease.
What are the potential side effects of Floxacin?
The most commonly reported adverse effects associated with Floxacin use include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, headache, dizziness, rash or itching, and low blood sugar. More serious side effects may include some of the following: confusion, hallucinations, tendonitis, joint pain, spasms or twitching, muscle pain and weakness, and easy bruising or bleeding.
Are there any interactions between Floxacin and other drugs?
Yes. Floxacin has known drug interactions with many other medications. It can potentially reduce the effectiveness of some medications, such as oral contraceptives, as well as increase the risk of side effects when taken with other medications, such as warfarin and antacids containing aluminum or magnesium.
How long does it take for Floxacin to work?
Most people begin to feel better a few days after starting Floxacin treatment, however the medication must be used for the full duration prescribed by your doctor in order to work properly and prevent bacteria from developing a resistance.
Does Floxacin need to be taken with food?
Floxacin can be taken with food or on an empty stomach. However, it is best to take the medication at the same time each day in order to maintain an even level of the drug in your system.
What should I do if I miss a dose of Floxacin?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your usual dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for the missed one. It is important to take the medication as prescribed by your doctor.
Are there any over-the-counter alternatives to Floxacin?
No, Floxacin is a prescription antibiotic medication and should only be taken as prescribed and under the supervision of a physician. There are no over-the-counter alternatives that are as effective as Floxacin.
What precautions should be taken when taking Floxacin?
Floxacin can make you sun sensitive, so it is important to cover up and protect your skin from the sun when you are taking the medication. It is also important to drink at least two liters of fluids daily while taking Floxacin in order to prevent dehydration.
Can Floxacin cause liver damage?
In rare cases, Floxacin can cause liver damage, particularly if you are taking other medications that can affect your liver. It is important to talk to your doctor about any potential drug interactions to avoid this risk.
Can Floxacin be used to treat a sinus infection?
Floxacin is sometimes used to treat sinus infections, although not all sinus infections are caused by bacteria. Your doctor can determine if it is the right medication for your particular infection.
What happens if Floxacin is not used for the full course of treatment prescribed by your doctor?
It is important to complete the full course of treatment prescribed by your doctor with any antibiotic in order to prevent bacterial resistance. If Floxacin is not taken for the full course, the bacteria may not be completely eliminated and the infection could return.
Can Floxacin be used to treat a virus?
No, Floxacin is an antibiotic medication used to treat bacterial infections and is not effective against viral infections.