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Overview: Baxdela is an antibiotic used to treat a variety of bacterial infections. The most common side effects are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and headache. Do not drive or do other activities that require alertness or coordination until you know how Baxdela affects you. Stop this medicine and call your health care provider right away if you get a rash.

Uses

What is Baxdela used for?

Baxdela (delafloxacin) is an antibiotic that is commonly used for the following infections caused by certain bacteria.

Baxdela may not be right for some of the infections listed above, depending on which germs are causing the infection. Bacteria in some locations may have developed resistance to Baxdela, which will make it not work as well.

Baxdela may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

How does Baxdela work (mechanism of action)?

Baxdela kills certain types of bacteria by disrupting their ability to create and repair their DNA.

How is Baxdela supplied (dosage forms)?

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 450 mg oral tablets

Baxdela is also available in injectable forms.

How should I store Baxdela?

Oral Tablets. Baxdela tablets should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F and 77 F (20 C and 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F and 86 F (15 C and 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store it in a cool, dry place. Do not remove tablets from their blister packs until you’re ready to take them.

Injection. Baxdela injection is usually given by a health care provider in a hospital or clinic. You will not store it at home.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of Baxdela?

The most common side effects of Baxdela are listed below. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Headache
  • Changes in liver function tests

There may be other side effects of Baxdela that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of Baxdela?

While less common, the most serious side effects of Baxdela are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Tendon Problems. Baxdela may increase your risk of tendon rupture or injury. Tendons are the connectors between your bones and muscles. Problems with tendons can happen in people who are taking Baxdela or who have taken it in the past several months. This can possibly lead to tendon swelling, also called tendonitis, or tearing of the tendon. It is most common with the tendon on the back of your ankle, called the Achilles tendon, but can also happen with other tendons. Stop using Baxdela, rest the affected area, and get medical help right away if you hear or feel a snap, see bruising right after an injury, or cannot move or put weight on a limb.

Nerve Problems. Nerves are the fibers that carry sensations from your body to the brain. Damage to these nerves, called peripheral neuropathy, can happen in people who are taking Baxdela. Stop taking Baxdela and call your health care provider right away if you develop pain, burning, tingling, numbness, or weakness in your arms, hands, legs, or feet.

Hallucinations or Psychotic-like Behaviors. Baxdela may cause hallucinations or psychotic-like behaviors. It may also cause memory trouble, confusion, decreased awareness of your surroundings, trouble sleeping, or nightmares. Stop taking Baxdela and tell your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms, or if you have been told by others you have these symptoms.

  • Hearing, seeing, smelling, tasting, or otherwise perceiving things that others do not
  • Delusional thoughts, such as false beliefs that you are being controlled
  • Disorganized thoughts, such as jumping between topics or having a hard time focusing
  • Sudden decline in self-care, such as personal hygiene or academic/work performance
  • Feeling unusually suspicious (paranoia), restless, agitated, anxious, or nervous
  • Aggressive behavior

Suicidal Thoughts or Actions. Baxdela may increase the risk of suicidal thoughts or actions in a small number of people. If you are about to harm yourself, call 911 or call or text 988, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Stop taking Baxdela and call your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms.

  • New or increased thoughts of suicide or death
  • Suicide attempt
  • New or increased feelings of anxiety, depression, or other unusual changes in your mood or behavior

Seizures. Some people who have taken Baxdela have reported having seizures, dizziness, and tremors. There are many types of seizures, and some of them are not easy to recognize. Stop taking Baxdela and call your health care provider if you have any of the following signs that a seizure is happening or could happen.

  • Muscle twitching, jerking, spasms, tremors, or other uncontrolled movements
  • Stiffening of your arms and legs
  • Feeling anxious, nervous, confused, or a sense of dread
  • Feeling dizzy or lightheaded
  • Falling or losing consciousness

Severe Allergic Reactions. Baxdela may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking Baxdela and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Antibiotic-associated Diarrhea. An overgrowth of germs called Clostridioides difficile, or “C. diff,” can happen in your gut with many types of antibiotics, including Baxdela. This can cause a condition known as antibiotic-associated diarrhea and can happen even up to two months after stopping the antibiotic. Call your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of this condition.

  • Watery diarrhea
  • Diarrhea that does not go away
  • Blood in your stool (poop)
  • Severe stomach cramps
  • Fever that starts after you start or finish the medicine

Increased Pressure Around the Brain. Baxdela can increase the pressure around the brain, a serious condition called pseudotumor cerebri (or increased intracranial pressure). Stop taking Baxdela and call your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms.

  • Dizziness
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Severe headache
  • Vision changes

Aortic Aneurysm and Dissection. Tell your health care provider if you have ever had swelling or a tear in the large artery that carries blood from the heart, called the aorta. Get emergency help if you have sudden symptoms related to this condition, such as chest pain, stomach pain, or back pain.

High Blood Sugar (Hyperglycemia). Baxdela may increase your blood sugar levels. Talk to your health care provider about how to maintain healthy blood sugar levels while you are taking this medicine.

Low Blood Sugar (Hypoglycemia). Baxdela can cause low blood sugar, which can be serious and may lead to death. You may need to check your blood sugar more often if you have changes to your diet, exercise plan, or medicines for diabetes. Do not use Baxdela and call your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of hypoglycemia.

  • Headache
  • Crankiness or anxiety
  • Hunger
  • Dizziness or confusion
  • Blurry vision
  • Slurred speech
  • Sweating
  • Feeling jittery or shakiness
  • Fast heartbeat
  • Seizures

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use Baxdela?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take Baxdela.

  • Baxdela
  • Delafloxacin
  • Any other medicine known as a fluoroquinolone antibiotic or quinolone antibiotic
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in Baxdela.

What should I know about Baxdela before using it?

Do not take Baxdela unless it has been prescribed to you by a health care provider. Take it as prescribed.

Do not share Baxdela with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep Baxdela out of the reach of children.

Baxdela can affect your alertness or coordination. Do not drive or do other activities that require alertness or coordination until you know how Baxdela affects you.

People who are under 18 or over 60 years old can be at a greater risk of some side effects from Baxdela. Talk to your health care provider about your risks if you are in one of these age groups.

You should avoid taking Baxdela within two hours before or six hours after taking antacids, multivitamins, or supplements that contain calcium, magnesium, aluminum, zinc, or iron. These may decrease the amount of Baxdela your body absorbs. Thus, Baxdela may not work well.

What should I tell my health care provider before using Baxdela?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if Baxdela is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.

Other Medicines and Supplements. Baxdela may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before taking Baxdela, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how Baxdela could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if Baxdela passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your health care provider will let you know if you should take Baxdela while breastfeeding.

How can I get more information about Baxdela?

For more information about Baxdela, you can visit the drugmaker’s website at www.baxdela.com or call 844-633-6568.

Interactions

Does Baxdela interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between Baxdela and foods or drinks.

There are no known interactions between Baxdela and alcohol, but heavy drinking can slow your immune response and make it harder for your body to fight infection. 

Does Baxdela interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

 In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before taking Baxdela.

  • An antacid, supplement or laxative containing aluminum, magnesium, zinc, or iron
  • Sucralfate (Carafate), which is a medicine used to treat certain ulcers
  • A medicine for diabetes
  • A corticosteroid, which is a medicine for certain inflammatory conditions

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with Baxdela. Always check with your health care provider.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much Baxdela?

If you or someone else has used too much Baxdela, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Baxdela?

It is important to complete your prescribed course of Baxdela, even if your symptoms get better or go away. This will reduce the risk that future infections are resistant to Baxdela or other similar medicines.

Oral Tablets. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If less than eight hours remain before your next dose, skip the missed dose. Then take your scheduled dose at the normal time. Do not take double or extra doses.

Injection. Baxdela injection is usually given by a health care provider in a hospital. Your health care provider will make sure you are receiving Baxdela as scheduled.