Safquin

Indications

Lomefloxacin is an antibiotic. As eye drops or eye ointment it is used for bacterial eye infections such as bacterial conjunctivitis (red, sticky eye with discharge) and inflammation of the eyelid edges caused by bacteria. As tablets it is used for some bacterial infections of the urinary tract and chest, usually when other antibiotics are not suitable. It does not work against viral or fungal infections.

How It Works

Lomefloxacin belongs to the fluoroquinolone group of antibiotics. It blocks enzymes (DNA gyrase and topoisomerase) that bacteria need to copy their genetic material, so the bacteria die.

Dosage and Administration

• Eye drops (0.3%): usually 1 drop into the affected eye 2 to 3 times a day for 7 to 9 days. The doctor may advise more frequent drops in the first day. Follow the prescription.
• Eye ointment: apply a small amount inside the lower eyelid as prescribed.
• Tablets: adults usually 400 mg once a day, for the number of days the doctor advises. Not for children or teenagers under 18.

Wash your hands before use, do not let the dropper tip touch the eye, and finish the full course even if the eye looks better.

Interactions

For tablets: antacids and products containing aluminium, magnesium, calcium, iron or zinc reduce absorption, so take lomefloxacin at least 2 hours before or 4 hours after them. Taking it with Warfarin can increase bleeding risk. Using it with steroid tablets such as Prednisolone increases the risk of tendon damage. Taking it with NSAID painkillers may increase the risk of fits. Eye drops have very few interactions; if you use other eye drops, wait at least 5 minutes between them.

Contraindications

Do not use if you are allergic to lomefloxacin or any other quinolone antibiotic (such as Ciprofloxacin or Levofloxacin). Tablets should not be used by children and teenagers, or by people who have had tendon problems with a quinolone before.

Side Effects

Eye drops: brief stinging or burning, redness, itching or blurred vision just after use. Tablets: strong sensitivity to sunlight (sunburn-like rash), nausea, headache, dizziness and trouble sleeping. Rarely, quinolone tablets cause tendon pain or rupture, nerve problems (tingling, numbness), changes in heart rhythm, low or high blood sugar, and mood changes.

Get urgent medical help if you have swelling of the face, lips or throat, difficulty breathing, a widespread rash, sudden tendon pain or swelling (especially at the heel), a fast or irregular heartbeat, or severe watery or bloody diarrhoea.

Pregnancy and Lactation

Tablets are not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Eye drops reach the blood only in tiny amounts, but use them in pregnancy or while breastfeeding only if a doctor advises.

Precautions and Warnings

Avoid strong sunlight and sunlamps while taking the tablets and for a few days after; use sunscreen and cover up. Tell your doctor if you have epilepsy, myasthenia gravis, heart rhythm problems, diabetes, kidney disease or are over 60. Do not wear contact lenses while you have an eye infection. If the eye does not improve in 2 to 3 days, see the doctor. Do not drive if your vision is blurred or you feel dizzy.

Overdose

Swallowing a bottle of eye drops by accident is unlikely to cause serious harm, but seek medical advice, especially for a child. An overdose of tablets may cause dizziness, confusion, nausea or fits; get medical help straight away.

Therapeutic Class

Fluoroquinolone antibiotic (eye and oral antibacterial).

Storage

Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light and out of the reach of children. Keep the eye drop bottle tightly closed and throw it away 4 weeks after first opening.