enoxacin Health Article

Generic name(s):

enoxacin

Brand name(s):

Penetrex

What is the most important information I should know about enoxacin?

Take all of the enoxacin that has been prescribed for you even if you begin to feel better. Your symptoms may start to improve before the infection is completely treated. Drink plenty of extra fluids every day while taking enoxacin. Take enoxacin on an empty stomach 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals. Do not take antacids that contain magnesium or aluminum (e.g., Tums or Rolaids), the ulcer medicine sucralfate (Carafate), or vitamin or mineral supplements that contain iron or zinc for a minimum of 8 hours before or 2 hours after a dose of enoxacin. Taking antacids, sucralfate, or vitamin or mineral supplements too close to a dose of enoxacin can greatly decrease the effects of the antibiotic.

What is enoxacin?

Enoxacin is an antibiotic in a class of drugs called fluoroquinolones. It fights bacteria in the body.

Enoxacin is used to treat various bacterial infections, such as gonorrhea and urinary tract infections.

Enoxacin may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking enoxacin?

Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have kidney disease. You may not be able to take enoxacin, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during your treatment.

Enoxacin may increase the risk of seizures if you have a seizure disease.

Enoxacin is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether it will be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment. It is not whether enoxacin passes into breast milk. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. Children younger than 12 years of age should not take enoxacin because it may interfere with bone development.

How should I take enoxacin?

Take enoxacin exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these instructions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you. Take enoxacin with a full glass of water (8 ounces). Drink several extra glasses of fluid each day to prevent enoxacin crystals from forming in your urine. Take enoxacin on an empty stomach 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals.

Take enoxacin at evenly spaced intervals. It is usually taken twice daily. Follow your doctor's instructions.

Do not take antacids that contain magnesium or aluminum (e.g., Tums or Rolaids), the ulcer medicine sucralfate (Carafate), or vitamin or mineral supplements that contain iron or zinc for a minimum of 8 hours before or 2 hours after a dose of enoxacin. Taking antacids, sucralfate, or vitamin or mineral supplements too close to a dose of enoxacin can greatly decrease the effects of the antibiotic. Take all of the enoxacin that has been prescribed for you even if you begin to feel better. Your symptoms may start to improve before the infection is completely treated. Store this medication at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose up to 2 hours late. If more than 2 hours have passed since the missed dose, skip it and take the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention if an overdose is suspected.

The most common symptom of a enoxacin overdose is seizures.