Why is this drug prescribed?

Raxar is a member of the quinolone family of antibiotics. It is used to treat mild to moderate infections, including:

Acute flare-ups of chronic bronchitis
Pneumonia
Gonorrhea
Gynecological infections

Most important fact about this drug

Raxar, like other antibiotics, works best when there is a constant amount in the blood. To maintain effective blood levels, try not to miss any doses. Scheduling your dose for the same time each day may help you remember.

How should you take this medication?

Raxar can be taken with or without food.

--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 2 doses at once.

--Storage instructions...

Store at room temperature.

What side effects may occur?

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking Raxar.

• More common side effects may include:
  Diarrhea, dizziness, headache, nausea, taste disturbance, vaginal inflammation

• Less common side effects may include:
  Abdominal pain, constipation, drowsiness, dry mouth, increased risk of sunburn, indigestion, infection, insomnia, itching, loss of appetite, nervousness, pain, rash, vaginal discharge, vomiting, weakness

• Rare side effects may include:
  Abnormal dreams, abnormal stools, abnormal thinking, acne, agitation, anxiety, asthma, belching, blood disorders, bloody phlegm, body odor, bronchitis, chest pain, chills, circulation problems, confusion, deafness, decreased muscle movements, depression, dermatitis, difficulty breathing, disturbed sense of smell, dry eyes, dry skin, ear problems, emotional problems, eye pain or problems, face swelling, fainting, fever, flu-like symptoms, gas, hallucinations, hair loss, herpes skin infection, high blood sugar, hives, increased appetite, increased cough, increased muscle movements, increased phlegm, inflammation of the gums or mouth, irregular heartbeat, joint pain, loss of body fluids (dehydration), loss of taste, low blood pressure, low blood pressure upon standing, lymph system problems, mouth infection, mouth/throat ulcers, muscle aches, neck stiffness, nosebleeds, numbness, pelvic pain, pinkeye (conjunctivitis), rapid heartbeat, rash, rectal problems, ringing in the ears, runny nose, sensitivity to light, skin peeling, skin problems, sore throat, spasm of the larynx, speech disorder, stomach problems, stupor, sweating, swelling, thirst, tingling skin, tongue discoloration, tongue swelling, tremors, unsteady walk, urge to void bowel or bladder, urinary tract problems, vision problems, weight loss

Why should this drug not be prescribed?

If you have ever had an allergic reaction to a quinolone antibiotic such as Cipro, Floxin, or Trovan, do not take Raxar. Also avoid Raxar if you have liver failure.

Because Raxar can trigger a disruption in heart rhythm known as "QT prolongation," do not take this drug if you suffer from this type of irregular heartbeat. Avoid Raxar, too, if you are taking another drug that could cause this problem. Such drugs include:

Heart medications such as Quinidex, Procan SR, Cordarone, Betapace, and Vascor
Antidepressants such as Elavil and Pamelor
Antipsychotic drugs such as Prolixin and Mellaril
The antihistamines Seldane and Hismanal
Cisapride (Propulsid)
Pentamidine (NebuPent)

Special warnings about this medication

Raxar is not recommended if you suffer from any condition that increases your chances of heart irregularities, including low potassium, very slow heartbeat, congestive heart failure, poor circulation in the heart muscle, or atrial fibrillation (a type of rhythm disturbance).

Quinolone antibiotics have been known to trigger convulsions. Use Raxar with caution if you suffer from seizures due to epilepsy or hardening of the arteries in the brain. If you experience a seizure while taking Raxar, call your doctor immediately.

Raxar can affect your blood sugar levels. If you have diabetes, monitor your blood sugar carefully.

If you suffer an allergic reaction to Raxar, stop taking the drug and call your doctor immediately. Warning signs of a reaction include a rash, hives, or other skin reactions; a rapid heartbeat; and difficulty swallowing or breathing.

Raxar makes some people dizzy or light-headed. Do not drive, operate dangerous machinery, or participate in any hazardous activity that requires full mental alertness until you know how the drug effects you.

Raxar can weaken the tendons. If you feel any pain or inflammation in a tendon area, stop taking the drug and call your doctor; you should rest and avoid exercise.

You may become more sensitive to light while taking Raxar. Try to stay out of the sun and avoid tanning booths while taking this drug. If a severe sunburn occurs, stop taking Raxar and call your doctor.

Drink plenty of fluids while taking Raxar to prevent any potential kidney problems and to assure that the drug is cleared from the body.

Raxar may stimulate the central nervous system, which can lead to tremors, restlessness, light-headedness, confusion, and hallucinations. If you develop any of these symptoms, stop taking Raxar and call your doctor immediately. Also check with your doctor if severe diarrhea sets in.

Possible food and drug interactions when taking this medication

If Raxar is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Raxar with the following:

Cyclosporine (Neoral and Sandimmune)
Drugs used to treat high blood sugar such as Micronase and Glucotrol
Midazolam (Versed)
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory painkillers such as Advil, Aleve, Motrin, and Naprosyn
Triazolam (Halcion)
Theophylline (Theo-Dur, Theolair)
Warfarin (Coumadin)

The following drugs should not be taken within 4 hours before or after a dose of Raxar:

Antacids such as Maalox or Mylanta
Didanosine (Videx)
Iron Supplements
Multivitamins containing iron and zinc
Sucralfate (Carafate)

Raxar may increase the stimulant effect of caffeine. Be cautious when drinking caffeinated beverages such as coffee, tea, or cola.

Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding

The effects of Raxar during pregnancy have not been adequately studied. If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, notify your doctor immediately.

Raxar does appear in breast milk and could cause serious side effects in a nursing infant. If this medication is essential to your health, your doctor may advise you to discontinue breastfeeding until treatment with Raxar is finished.

Recommended dosage

ADULTS

400 or 600 milligrams once a day for 10 days.

Pneumonia

600 milligrams once a day for 10 days.

Gynecological Infections of the Cervix or Urethra

400 milligrams once a day for 7 days.

Gonorrhea

A single dose of 400 milligrams.

CHILDREN

Overdosage

An overdose of Raxar could set off heart irregularities. If you suspect an overdose, seek medical attention immediately.