UsesUsed to treat bacterial infections including upper and lower urinary tract infections, lower respiratory tract infections, skin and soft tissue infections and sexually transmitted infections (of urethra and cervix)
Mechanism of ActionIt acts by killing the bacteria that cause infection
DosageAdult- PO- The recommended dose range is 200 to 800 mg per day in divided doses Eye drops- Instill 1-2 drops into affected eye(s) every 4 hours
Side EffectsMost Common- Nausea, headache, sleeplessness, genital itching in women, dizziness, vaginal inflammation, diarrhea and vomiting Body as a whole- Weakness, chills, uneasiness, extremity pain and nosebleed Heart- Heart arrest, fluid retention, high blood pressure, low blood pressure, palpitations and dilatation of blood vessels Gastrointestinal- Indigestion Genitourinary- Burning, irritation, pain and rash of the female genitalia, painful menstrual period, irregular periods, painful urination, urinary frequency and urinary retention Musculoskeletal- Joint/muscle pain Central Nervous System- Seizures, anxiety, cognitive change, depression, dream abnormality, emotion, hallucinations, tingling, fainting, unsteadiness, tremor and confusion Metabolic- Increased thirst and weight loss Respiratory- Respiratory arrest, cough and runny nose Skin- Shock, increased sweating and hives Eye and ENT- Hearing loss, ringing in the ear, and sensitivity to light
Warnings/PrecautionsCaution should be exercised in patients with history of joint problems, rheumatoid arthritis, heart, kidney, or lung transplant; Alzheimer disease, seizures, stroke, central nervous system disorder, heart, liver, or kidney disease, decrease in blood minerals, any allergy, who are taking other medications, children, elderly, during pregnancy and breastfeeding It may cause drowsiness, dizziness, or light-headedness, do not drive a car or operate machinery while taking this medication Avoid exposure to sunlight It may affect blood sugar level; monitor sugar level regularly Avoid alcohol consumption Avoid long-term use of this medication; otherwise it may cause secondary infection