The characteristics of host-guest complexation between p-sulfonated calix[4]arene (SC4A) and lomefloxacin (LMFX) were investigated by fluorescence spectrometry. A 1:1 stoichiometry for the complexation was established and an association constant of 6.48x10(4) l mol-1 at 25 degrees C was calculated by applying a deduced equation. The interaction mechanism of the inclusion complex was discussed and the various factors affecting the inclusion process were examined in detail. It was found that an appropriate amount of cationic surfactant cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) can remarkably enhance the fluorescence intensity of the supramolecular complex system. Based on the obtained results, a novel sensitive spectrofluorimetric method for the determination of lomefloxacin based on supramolecular complex was developed with a linear range of 0.01-3.0 microg ml-1 and a detection limit of 0.008 microg ml-1, for the first time. The method was applied for the determination of lomefloxacin in pharmaceutical preparations successfully.