Lomefloxacin

Pronunciation: loh-meh-FLOX-a-sin.

Generic name
lomefloxacin
Drug class
Fluoroquinolone antibiotic (second-generation)
Form
Film-coated tablet, 400 mg
Route
Oral
Legal status
Historically prescription-only where it was marketed; the product is now discontinued/withdrawn in every market directly verified in this review (United States, France/EU) and appears absent from current official registries in Canada, with ambiguous/unconfirmed status in Australia and New Zealand.

Availability and supply rules vary by country

Trade names by country:

Australia: · Full directory

What lomefloxacin is and how it works

Lomefloxacin is an older, second-generation fluoroquinolone antibiotic that was used to treat certain bacterial infections, including acute bronchitis flare-ups and urinary tract infections. It is a DISCONTINUED medicine: its US marketing authorisation is inactive and its French/EU marketing authorisation was formally withdrawn in October 2023, primarily because of a severe phototoxicity (sun-sensitivity) risk that was more pronounced with lomefloxacin than with many other fluoroquinolones. (1) (4)

If you have older medication or have seen this name in historical records, be aware that lomefloxacin is no longer an actively marketed antibiotic in the markets directly verified for this page. It carried genuine, serious risks -- most notably severe skin reactions to sunlight, but also tendon rupture, nerve damage (peripheral neuropathy), and nervous-system effects such as seizures or confusion -- that contributed to its being superseded by other fluoroquinolones and other antibiotic classes. Never take old, leftover lomefloxacin without first confirming with a pharmacist or clinician that it is appropriate and still safe to use.

Mechanism of action: how lomefloxacin works

Lomefloxacin is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic that inhibits bacterial DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV, enzymes bacteria need to replicate and repair their DNA, leading to bacterial cell death. (1) (3)

What lomefloxacin is used for

Acute bacterial exacerbation of chronic bronchitis (historical use)

Was used for mild-to-moderate flare-ups of chronic bronchitis due to susceptible bacteria, though it was specifically not recommended when Streptococcus pneumoniae was a likely cause, due to in-vitro resistance. (1)

Urinary tract infections (historical use)

Was used for uncomplicated and complicated urinary tract infections, and for acute uncomplicated cystitis in women specifically as a later-line option when more commonly recommended antibiotics were considered unsuitable (per the French label). (1) (2)

Preoperative infection prevention (historical use)

Was used before transrectal prostate biopsy and certain transurethral surgical procedures, to help prevent infection. (1)

Before taking lomefloxacin

Do not take / not appropriate for

  • Do not take lomefloxacin if you have a known allergic reaction to lomefloxacin or to any other quinolone-class antibiotic. (all countries) (1) (3)
  • Do not take lomefloxacin if you have previously had a tendon problem linked to a quinolone antibiotic. (all countries) (3)
  • Children and adolescents who are still growing should not take lomefloxacin, due to a risk of joint/cartilage problems seen in animal studies. (all countries) (3)
  • Do not take lomefloxacin while breastfeeding. (all countries) (3)

Tell your clinician about

  • Any history of tendon problems, or tendon problems after taking any quinolone antibiotic in the past.
  • Any history of seizures or epilepsy.
  • Any history of nerve problems, including numbness, tingling, or unexplained weakness.
  • Any kidney problems, since dosing is adjusted for reduced kidney function.
  • Whether you are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding.
  • Whether you will be spending time in strong sunlight or using tanning equipment, given the significant phototoxicity risk with this medicine specifically.
(1) (3)

How to take lomefloxacin

  • This is a discontinued medicine; this section reflects historical dosing information only and is not an indication of current availability or an active prescription recommendation.
  • Historically, lomefloxacin was taken once daily, and evening dosing was specifically recommended to help reduce the risk of sun-related skin reactions.
  • Avoid direct and indirect sunlight, and artificial ultraviolet light (including through window glass), during treatment and for several days after stopping, given the significant phototoxicity risk documented for this medicine.
  • Never adjust your own dose -- any historical or ongoing use of this medicine should be directed entirely by a prescriber.
(1) (3)

Procedures and treatment changes

Tell the treating team before surgery, procedures, or any medicine change. Do not alter treatment without the responsible clinician. (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7)

Missed dose

Contact your prescriber or pharmacist for guidance if you miss a dose. do not take an extra dose or adjust your next dose on your own.

Overdose

Seek urgent medical attention if you think too much lomefloxacin has been taken, or if seizures, severe confusion, an irregular heartbeat, or a severe skin reaction develops. (1)

Side effects

Side effects and their urgency vary; report severe, persistent, or concerning symptoms.

Headache.

What to notice: Headache.

What to do: Discuss persistent or troublesome symptoms with the treating clinician or pharmacist. (1)

Nausea and abdominal discomfort.

What to notice: Nausea and abdominal discomfort.

What to do: Discuss persistent or troublesome symptoms with the treating clinician or pharmacist. (1)

Dizziness.

What to notice: Dizziness.

What to do: Discuss persistent or troublesome symptoms with the treating clinician or pharmacist. (1)

Diarrhoea.

What to notice: Diarrhoea.

What to do: Discuss persistent or troublesome symptoms with the treating clinician or pharmacist. (1)

Sun-sensitivity skin reactions (photosensitivity), including with only mild sun exposure.

What to notice: Sun-sensitivity skin reactions (photosensitivity), including with only mild sun exposure.

What to do: Discuss persistent or troublesome symptoms with the treating clinician or pharmacist. (1) (3)

Serious warnings

Severe skin reactions to sunlight (phototoxicity) — high caution

Symptoms: Sunburn-like reactions, redness, swelling, or blistering of the skin after even brief or indirect sun/UV exposure -- can occur through window glass and despite sunscreen use.

Action: Stop sun/UV exposure and contact a clinician promptly at the first sign of a skin reaction. This is the most clinically significant, well-documented risk specific to lomefloxacin, and was the primary reason it was withdrawn from several markets. Avoid direct and indirect sunlight during treatment and for several days after stopping. (1) (3)

Tendon problems, including tendon rupture — high caution

Symptoms: Pain, swelling, or inflammation in a tendon (such as the Achilles tendon), or a sudden inability to bear weight or move a joint normally.

Action: ask the prescriber about stopping it and rest the affected area, then seek prompt medical attention -- tendon rupture has been reported with lomefloxacin, sometimes within the first 48 hours of treatment or up to several months after stopping, and the risk is higher in older adults, people with reduced kidney function, and those also taking corticosteroid medicines. (1) (3)

Nerve damage (peripheral neuropathy) — high caution

Symptoms: Pain, burning, tingling, numbness, or weakness, particularly in the hands or feet.

Action: Contact a clinician promptly and ask the prescriber about stopping it at the first sign of these symptoms -- this nerve damage can become permanent if the medicine is continued after symptoms start. (1) (3)

Central nervous system effects, including seizures — high caution

Symptoms: Seizures/convulsions, confusion, tremor, or hallucinations.

Action: Seek prompt medical attention -- lomefloxacin has been associated with a possibly higher seizure risk than some other fluoroquinolones, and should be used with particular caution in anyone with a history of seizures or epilepsy. (1) (3)

Serious allergic (anaphylactoid) reaction — emergency

Symptoms: Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat; difficulty breathing; a sudden drop in blood pressure; widespread rash or hives -- can occur even after the very first dose.

Action: Seek emergency medical help immediately and do not take another dose. (1) (2)

Interactions

  • Antacids and sucralfate reduce absorption of lomefloxacin and should be separated by several hours from dosing. (1)
  • Corticosteroid medicines taken together with lomefloxacin increase the risk of tendon problems, particularly in older adults. (1) (3)

Pregnancy, breastfeeding, kidney/liver function, age

Pregnancy

Discuss with a clinician; this is a discontinued antibiotic and current, individualised guidance on any historical use in pregnancy should come from a prescriber rather than this general reference page. (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7)

Breastfeeding

Contraindicated -- lomefloxacin should not be taken while breastfeeding, per the sources reviewed. (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7)

Children

Contraindicated in children and adolescents who are still growing, due to a joint/cartilage (arthropathy) risk seen in animal studies. (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7)

Elderly

Older adults have a higher risk of tendon rupture with lomefloxacin, particularly if also taking corticosteroid medicines or if kidney function is reduced. (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7)

Hepatic_impairment

No specific hepatic dose adjustment is described in the sources reviewed for this dossier. (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7)

Renal_impairment

A reduced maintenance dose (200 mg daily, or 400 mg every 2 days, after an initial 400 mg dose) was used for creatinine clearance 10-40 mL/min, per the sources reviewed. (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7)

Monitoring

Before starting

  • Review of kidney function
  • Review of seizure history
  • Review of prior tendon problems with any quinolone antibiotic
  • Discussion of sun/UV exposure plans given the significant phototoxicity risk

During treatment

  • Watching for early signs of tendon pain or swelling
  • Watching for numbness, tingling, or weakness (possible nerve damage)
  • Watching for any skin reaction to sunlight or UV light
  • Watching for seizures, confusion, or other nervous-system symptoms
(1) (3)

Storage

If historical stock is encountered, do not use without first checking with a pharmacist -- this medicine is discontinued and any old supply should be disposed of through a proper medicine take-back program rather than used or stored for future use.

Professional information

Clinician-facing context only, sourced from the archived US FDA/DailyMed Maxaquin label (last revised 2006) and the French ANSM RCPs for Logiflox/Decalogiflox (last revised 2019/2020); this is a discontinued antibiotic and these documents are historical, not current, prescribing references.

United States, France (historical; product now discontinued in both)

Indication: Acute bacterial exacerbation of chronic bronchitis / urinary tract infections / preoperative prophylaxis (historical indications)

Dose summary: 400 mg once daily, 3-14 days depending on indication; reduced maintenance dosing (200 mg daily or 400 mg every 2 days after an initial 400 mg dose) for creatinine clearance 10-40 mL/min.

Renal context: Dose reduction required for creatinine clearance 10-40 mL/min, per the sources reviewed. (1) (3)

Mechanism of action

Hepatic guidance

No specific hepatic dose adjustment described in the sources reviewed.

Overdose note

No specific antidote identified in the sources reviewed; manage supportively, with particular attention to seizure activity and cardiac rhythm. (1) (3)

Frequently asked questions

Does lomefloxacin carry the same FDA boxed warning as other fluoroquinolone antibiotics?

No -- and this is an important, verified correction: lomefloxacin's own last-approved US label (last revised 2006) does not carry a formatted FDA boxed warning at all. That is because lomefloxacin (Maxaquin) was withdrawn from active US marketing before the FDA added its fluoroquinolone-class boxed warnings for tendon rupture (2008), myasthenia gravis (2011), and peripheral neuropathy/central nervous system effects (2016). Lomefloxacin's own label does, however, genuinely document (as standard, non-boxed Warnings) real risks of severe phototoxicity, tendon rupture, peripheral neuropathy, and central nervous system effects such as seizures. (1)

Is lomefloxacin still available?

No, not in the markets directly verified for this page. It is discontinued in the United States (its NDC has been inactivated) and its French/EU marketing authorisation was formally withdrawn on 26 October 2023. It is absent from Canada's official drug registry. Its status in Australia is unclear -- an old registration record still shows as active, but the sponsor company is listed as being in administration (insolvency). It is not among the fluoroquinolones New Zealand's own regulator names as currently available there. (1) (4) (5) (6) (7)

Why was lomefloxacin withdrawn?

The sources reviewed point to severe phototoxicity (sun-sensitivity skin reactions, sometimes occurring after only brief or indirect sun exposure) as the primary, most distinctive safety concern that set lomefloxacin apart from other fluoroquinolones and contributed to it being superseded in clinical practice, alongside its other real fluoroquinolone-class risks (tendon rupture, peripheral neuropathy, and central nervous system effects). (1) (3)

What is the mechanism of action of lomefloxacin?

Lomefloxacin is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic that inhibits bacterial DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV, enzymes bacteria need to replicate and repair their DNA, leading to bacterial cell death. (1) (3)

What is the generic name of Lomefloxacin?

The generic name is lomefloxacin. (1) (2)

What class of drug is lomefloxacin?

Lomefloxacin is classed as: Fluoroquinolone antibiotic (second-generation). (1) (2)

References

  1. MAXAQUIN (lomefloxacin hydrochloride) tablets, film coated -- full prescribing information (last revised 2006)U.S. Food and Drug Administration / DailyMed (NIH), archived full prescribing information · United States · accessed 2026-07-31 · source 1
  2. LOGIFLOX 400 mg, comprime pellicule secable (lomefloxacine) -- RCP, last revised 18/07/2019Agence nationale de securite du medicament et des produits de sante (ANSM), France -- Resume des Caracteristiques du Produit (RCP) · France / European Union (national authorisation) · accessed 2026-07-31 · source 2
  3. DECALOGIFLOX, comprime pellicule secable (lomefloxacine 400 mg) -- RCP, last revised 19/11/2020Agence nationale de securite du medicament et des produits de sante (ANSM), France -- Resume des Caracteristiques du Produit (RCP) · France / European Union (national authorisation) · accessed 2026-07-31 · source 3
  4. LOGIFLOX 400 mg -- official administrative/marketing status recordBase de donnees publique des medicaments (official French government public medicines database), operated with ANSM · France / European Union · accessed 2026-07-31 · source 4
  5. Health Canada Drug Product Database -- query for brand name "maxaquin" and active ingredient "lomefloxacin"Health Canada -- Drug Product Database (DPD), official public API · Canada · accessed 2026-07-31 · source 5
  6. MAXAQUIN lomefloxacin 400 mg (as hydrochloride) tablet -- ARTG entries 39800 (blister pack) and 39801 (bottle)Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), Australia -- Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG) · Australia · accessed 2026-07-31 · source 6
  7. Systemic fluoroquinolone antibiotics: Safety reminder (September 2025)Medsafe (New Zealand Medicines and Medical Devices Safety Authority) · New Zealand · accessed 2026-07-31 · source 7

Brand names by country

Single-ingredient lomefloxacin names are shown separately by country. Product availability, strengths, and supply rules can change; combination products are not included here.

Priority countries

View brands in additional countries.

This page provides general historical/reference information about lomefloxacin, a discontinued antibiotic, and is not a substitute for advice from a prescriber or pharmacist. It is not a currently available treatment option in the markets directly verified for this page; do not use old or leftover supplies without first checking with a healthcare professional.

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