Baxdela
Baxdela (delafloxacin) is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic used to treat certain skin and lung bacterial infections in adults. It's FDA approved for acute bacterial skin and skin structure infections (ABSSSI) and community-acquired bacterial pneumonia (CABP). It comes as a tablet taken by mouth or as an injection given through a vein (IV infusion) by a healthcare professional. This medication only comes as a brand name —there isn’t a generic version available. Common side effects include nausea, diarrhea, and headache.
What is Baxdela (delafloxacin)?
What is Baxdela (delafloxacin) used for?
How Baxdela (delafloxacin) works
Baxdela (delafloxacin) is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic. It works by stopping bacteria from copying their DNA, which kills the bacteria and clears the infection.
Drug facts
Side effects of Baxdela (delafloxacin)
The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.
Common Side Effects
ABSSSI:
- Diarrhea (8%)
- Nausea (8%)
- Headache (3%)
- Higher levels of liver enzymes (3%)
- Vomiting (2%)
CABP:
- Diarrhea (5%)
- Higher levels of liver enzymes (5%)
Less Common Side Effects
- Changes in heart rate
- Changes in blood sugar
- Blurred vision
- Stomach pain
- Indigestion
- Yeast infection
- Trouble sleeping
- Abnormal dreams
- Muscle pain
- Fainting
Baxdela (delafloxacin) serious side effects
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Serious allergic reaction: rash, hives, swollen face or tongue, tightness in the throat, trouble breathing, fast heartbeat, fainting
- Infectious diarrhea: stomach cramps, fever, watery diarrhea, diarrhea that doesn't go away, bloody stools
- Blood vessel problems: sudden and severe pain in the back, chest, or abdomen
- Tendon problems: pain and swelling in the back of the ankle, shoulder, hand, or other joints
- Nerve problems: pain, burning, tingling, numbness, weakness
- Nervous system problems: seizures, hallucinations, tremors, anxiety, confusion, depression, suicidal thoughts or behavior, paranoia, memory problems, trouble sleeping, abnormal thoughts
The following Baxdela (delafloxacin) side effects have also been reported
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
- Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
- Increased pressure around the brain—severe headache, blurry vision, change in vision, nausea, vomiting
- Joint, muscle, or tendon pain, swelling, or stiffness
- Mood and behavior changes—anxiety, nervousness, confusion, hallucinations, irritability, hostility, thoughts of suicide or self-harm, worsening mood, feelings of depression
- Pain, tingling, or numbness in the hands or feet
- Seizures
- Severe diarrhea, fever
- Sudden or severe chest, back, or stomach pain
- Unusual vaginal discharge, itching, or odor
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
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Pros and cons of Baxdela (delafloxacin)
Pros
- Covers drug-resistant bacteria, including MRSA
- Available as an oral tablet and injection
- Can be taken with or without food
Cons
- Needs to be taken twice daily
- Serious risks include tendon problems and nerve damage
- Not known if safe for children
Pharmacist tips for Baxdela (delafloxacin)
- Finish your full treatment with Baxdela (delafloxacin), even if you start to feel better. Stopping this medication too early can cause the infection to come back. It might also make the infection harder to treat.
- Take Baxdela (delafloxacin) 2 hours before or 6 hours after any medications or supplements containing magnesium, zinc, or iron. These minerals can stop Baxdela (delafloxacin) from working properly.
- If you miss a dose of Baxdela (delafloxacin), take it as soon as you remember — unless it’s less than 8 hours before your next dose. If it's less than 8 hours, skip the missed dose and wait to take your next dose at the regular time.
- Serious side effects from Baxdela (delafloxacin) can happen at the same time and might not go away. These include tendon pain or rupture, nerve problems, or brain-related problems. Stop taking the medication right away and tell your prescriber if you notice any of these.
- Call your prescriber right away if you notice tendon pain, swelling, or weakness while taking Baxdela (delafloxacin). Stop exercising and rest the joint in the meantime.
- Baxdela (delafloxacin) can cause nerve damage. Tell your prescriber if you feel tingling, burning, numbness, or weakness in your arms or legs. Stop taking the medication and call your care team right away if this happens.
- Baxdela (delafloxacin) can cause dizziness and lightheadedness. See how the medication affects you before driving or using heavy equipment.
- Diarrhea is a common side effect of Baxdela (delafloxacin), but it usually goes away after you stop taking the medication. If you get watery or bloody stools — even weeks later — call your prescriber since this could be a sign of a more serious condition.
Common questions about Baxdela (delafloxacin)
Baxdela (delafloxacin) is generally safe for people with diabetes but should be taken with care. Like other fluoroquinolone antibiotics, Baxdela (delafloxacin) can affect your blood sugar levels, causing either low or high blood sugar. If you take oral diabetes medications or insulin, you might need to check your blood sugar more often while taking this medication. Watch for symptoms like dizziness, shaking, or confusion, and let your prescriber know if they happen.
Yes. Baxdela (delafloxacin) works against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), a tough type of bacterial infection that many antibiotics can't treat. Unlike other fluoroquinolone antibiotics like ciprofloxacin or levofloxacin, Baxdela (delafloxacin) can help treat MRSA infections.
Baxdela (delafloxacin) is effective for treating certain serious infections when compared against standard treatments. For skin infections (ABSSSI), studies show it works just as well as vancomycin plus aztreonam. And for CABP, it's as effective as moxifloxacin. Talk to your prescriber if you have questions about how well this medication might work for you.
Yes, Baxdela (delafloxacin) is available in the United States with a prescription from a healthcare professional. If you're getting the injectable form, you'll receive your doses in a healthcare setting, such as a clinical or hospital.
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Risks and warnings for Baxdela (delafloxacin)
Baxdela (delafloxacin) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
Tendon problems
- Risk factors: Over the age of 60 | Taking corticosteroid medications | People with kidney, heart, or lung transplants | Strenuous physical activity | Kidney failure | Previous tendon conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis
Baxdela (delafloxacin) can raise your risk of tendon problems, including pain, swelling, or even a torn tendon. This can happen at any age, but the risk is higher if you're over 60, take steroid medications, or have had a kidney, heart, or lung transplant. The Achilles tendon (in the back of your ankle) is affected most often, but problems can also happen in the shoulder, hand, biceps, or thumb. Tendon problems can start just hours after your first dose, or even months after finishing the medication. If you notice any swelling or pain in your muscles or joints, stop taking Baxdela (delafloxacin) and tell your prescriber right away. Avoid exercise or putting pressure on the sore area.
Nerve problems
- Risk factors: History of nerve problems
Baxdela (delafloxacin) can raise the risk of nerve problems, also called peripheral neuropathy. These can include pain, burning, tingling, numbness, or weakness. Some people notice symptoms soon after starting the medication, and in some cases, the damage might not go away. Stop taking Baxdela (delafloxacin) right away if you notice any of these signs. Call your prescriber as soon as possible to lower the chance of lasting nerve damage. If you’ve had nerve problems before, this medication might not be right for you.
Nervous system effects
- Risk factors: History of seizures| History of nervous system conditions
Baxdela (delafloxacin) can cause mental health side effects. These can include seeing or hearing things that aren’t real, feeling confused or depressed, having thoughts of self-harm, trouble sleeping, and feeling anxious. These problems can start after just one dose. If you notice any of these symptoms, stop taking Baxdela (delafloxacin) and call your prescriber right away.
Baxdela (delafloxacin) can also affect your brain and nerves. Some people have had seizures, shaking, dizziness, or high pressures in the brain. Your risk is higher if you've had seizures or other nervous system conditions. Stop taking this medication and contact your care team right away if any of these symptoms occur.
Worsening of myasthenia gravis
Fluoroquinolone antibiotics like Baxdela (delafloxacin) can worsen muscle weakness in people with myasthenia gravis. Serious problems, including trouble breathing and even death, have happened in people with this condition after taking these medications. If you have myasthenia gravis, talk with your prescriber to find a safer treatment.
Serious allergic reaction
Serious allergic reactions, including some that were life-threatening or fatal, have happened in people taking fluoroquinolone antibiotics like Baxdela (delafloxacin). These reactions can happen even after the first dose and can include fainting, swelling of the face or throat, trouble breathing, itching, or a skin rash. These reactions can sometimes happen right away or even after later doses. Stop taking Baxdela (delafloxacin) and contact your prescriber if you notice a rash or any signs of an allergic reaction.
Infectious diarrhea
As with many antibiotics, Baxdela (delafloxacin) can cause diarrhea by changing the normal balance of bacteria in your gut. Sometimes this allows a bacteria called Clostridioides difficile (C. diff) to overgrow and cause harm. This infection can be mild or very serious. It can also happen during treatment or even more than 2 months after stopping the antibiotic. Tell your prescriber right away if you notice severe diarrhea, stomach pain, or fever that doesn’t go away, especially if you've taken Baxdela (delafloxacin) in the last few months.
Blood vessel problems
- Risk factors: Older adults
Fluoroquinolone antibiotics like Baxdela (delafloxacin) can raise the risk of serious blood vessel problems, such as a bulge or tear in the main artery (called an aortic aneurysm or dissection), especially in older adults. This is a life-threatening condition and can happen within 2 months of taking Baxdela (delafloxacin). If you suddenly feel severe pain in your back, chest, or stomach after recently taking this medication, call 911 or go to the emergency room right away. If you already have an aortic aneurysm, tell your care team so they can carefully weigh the risks and benefits of taking this medication.
Changes in blood sugar
- Risk factors: Taking oral blood sugar medications | Use of insulin
Baxdela (delafloxacin) can cause changes in blood sugar levels, including low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) or high blood sugar (hyperglycemia). This is more likely to happen in people with diabetes who are also taking insulin or oral diabetes medications. If you have diabetes, your care team might recommend that you check your blood sugar more often while taking Baxdela (delafloxacin). If you notice signs of low blood sugar — like shakiness, sweating, confusion, or dizziness — stop taking the medication and get help right away.
More on Baxdela (delafloxacin) warnings
Baxdela (delafloxacin) dosage
Typical dosage for Baxdela (delafloxacin)
-
Tablet:
- ABSSSI: The typical dose is 450 mg by mouth every 12 hours for 5 to 14 days
- CABP: The typical dose is 450 mg by mouth every 12 hours for 5 to 10 days.
-
Injection: A healthcare professional will give you the medication through a vein.
- ABSSSI: The typical dose is 300 mg IV every 12 hours for 5 to 14 days
- CABP: The typical dose is 300 mg IV every 12 hours for 5 to 10 days.
How much does Baxdela (delafloxacin) cost?
$149.24
What are alternatives to Baxdela (delafloxacin)?
Baxdela (delafloxacin) images
