Enoxacin

Uses and Administration

Enoxacin is a fluoroquinolone antibacterial with actions and uses similar to those of ciprofloxacin ( Refer to ). It is used mainly in the treatment of urinary-tract infections ( Refer to ) and gonorrhoea ( Refer to ).

For urinary-tract infections, enoxacin is given orally in doses of 200 or 400 mg twice daily.

For details of reduced doses in renal impairment, see Refer to .

A single 200-mg or 400-mg dose may be given for uncomplicated gonorrhoea.

(last reviewed 2010-08-20; last modified 2014-10-17)

References.

(last reviewed 2010-08-20; last modified 2004-03-25)

References

1. Patel SS, Spencer CM. Enoxacin: a reappraisal of its clinical efficacy in the treatment of genitourinary tract infections.Drugs. 1996; 51: 137–60. PubMed

Administration in renal impairment

When the creatinine clearance is 30 mL/minute or less urinary concentrations of enoxacin may be too low to have a therapeutic effect in urinary-tract infections. In other infections, half the usual oral dose of enoxacin is recommended.

(last reviewed 2010-08-20; last modified 2010-07-15)

Adverse Effects, Treatment and Precautions

Adverse Effects and Precautions

As for Ciprofloxacin, Refer to .

Reduced dosage may be needed in renal impairment—see Administration in Renal Impairment, under Uses and Administration, Refer to .

(last reviewed 2010-08-20; last modified 2007-03-09)

Interactions

As for Ciprofloxacin, Refer to .

Of the fluoroquinolones, enoxacin has been reported to cause the most marked interaction with theophylline ( Refer to ) and with caffeine ( Refer to ).

(last reviewed 2010-08-20; last modified 2007-02-13)

Mechanism of Action

Antimicrobial Action

As for Ciprofloxacin, Refer to , although enoxacin is generally less potent in vitro.

(last reviewed 2010-08-20; last modified 2004-03-25)

Pharmacokinetics

Peak plasma concentrations of 2 to 3 micrograms/mL occur 1 to 2 hours after a 400-mg oral dose of enoxacin. The plasma half-life is about 3 to 6 hours. Plasma protein binding ranges from 18 to 67%. Enoxacin appears to be widely distributed in the body and concentrations higher than those in plasma have been reported in tissues such as lung, kidney, and prostate. High concentrations occur in bile, but the extent of biliary excretion is not clear.

Enoxacin is eliminated from the body mainly by urinary excretion, but also by metabolism. The major metabolite, 3-oxo-enoxacin , has some antibacterial activity. Urinary excretion of enoxacin is by both tubular secretion and glomerular filtration and may be reduced by probenecid. High concentrations occur in the urine since about 60% of an oral dose of enoxacin appears unchanged in the urine within 24 hours; about 10% is recovered as 3-oxo-enoxacin. In renal impairment the half-life of enoxacin may be prolonged and the oxometabolite may accumulate.

(last reviewed 2010-08-20; last modified 2009-10-23)

Therapeutic Use

• Antibacterials