Ofloxacin Medical Information

• Ofloxacin uses
• Ofloxacin dosage
• Ofloxacin side effects
• Warnings & precautions
• Drug interactions
• Missed dose
• Overdose

Common Brand Names: Floxin, Ocuflox

Generic Name: Ofloxacin

The following product information is not intended to replace the physician's or manufacturer's instructions.

Common Medical Uses:
Ofloxacin is an anti-infective drug used for the treatment of lower respiratory infections, skin infection, urinary tract infections, sexually transmitted diseases (except syphilis). Ofloxacin has broad activity against bacterial infections and is used in combination with other drugs to treat tuberculosis.

How to Use Ofloxacin:
Take ofloxacin exactly as directed by your doctor. Take ofloxacin with a full glass of water (8 ounces). Drink several extra glasses of fluid each day to prevent ofloxacin crystals from forming in the urine. Take ofloxacin on an empty stomach 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals. Take the medication at evenly spaced intervals. Do not take antacids that contain magnesium or aluminum (e.g., Tums or Rolaids), the ulcer medicine sucralfate (Carafate), or vitamin or mineral supplements that contain iron or zinc for a minimum of 2 hours before or 2 hours after a dose of ofloxacin. Taking antacids, sucralfate, or vitamin or mineral supplements too close to a dose of ofloxacin can greatly decrease the effects of the antibiotic. Take all of the ofloxacin that has been prescribed for you even if you begin to feel better. Your symptoms may start to improve before the infection is completely treated.

Ofloxacin Possible Side Effects:

Ofloxacin may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• upset stomach
• difficulty sleeping
• dizziness, drowsiness
• diarrhea
• vomiting
• stomach pain
• headache
• increased sensitivity of the skin to sunlight

Some side effects can be serious. The following symptoms are uncommon, but if you experience any of them, stop taking ofloxacin and call your doctor immediately:

• seizures (convulsions)
• allergic reaction (skin rash, itching, hives, difficulty breathing or swallowing)
• liver damage (yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, pale or dark stools)
• severe or watery diarrhea
• irregular heartbeat, palpitations or chest pain
• pain, inflammation, or rupture of a tendon

Ofloxacin Warnings & Precautions:

• Don't take if: You are allergic to fluoroquinolones or quinolone derivatives.
• Before taking Ofloxacin , tell your doctor or/and pharmacist:
• if you have any disorder of the central nervous system such as epilepsy, seizures, or stroke
• if you have liver, kidney or heart disease
• if you have stomach problems (especially colitis)
• if you have diabetes
• Skin & sunlight: Ofloxacin may make your skin sensitive to sunlight, and a severe sunburn may result. Avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight. Do not use sun lamps or sun tanning beds or booths.
• Driving, piloting or hazardous work: Ofloxacin may cause dizziness, lightheadedness, and tiredness. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how this medication affects you. Danger increases if you drink alcohol or take medicine affecting alertness and reflexes.
• Discontinuing: Don't discontinue without consulting doctor or completing prescribed dosage.
• Pregnancy: Risk category C. Decide with your doctor if drug benefits justify risk to unborn child.
• Breast feeding: Drug passesinto milk. Avoid drug or discontinue nursing until you finish medication. Consult doctor for advice on maintaining milk supply.
• Drink plenty of fluids while taking this drug.

Drug Interactions:
The following drugs and foods may interact with Ofloxacin:

• Aminophylline (increased aminophylline effect)
• Antacids (decreased Ofloxacin effect)
• Antidiabetic agents (adverse diabetic reactions)
• Nonsteroidal Ant-inflammatory drugs (NSAID's) (increased risk of central nervous system problems)
• Caffeine (increased risk of central nervous system problems)
• Calcium supplements (decreased Ofloxacine effect)
• Cyclosporine (increased cyclosporine effect)
• Didanosine (decreased Ofloxacin effect)
• Digoxin (increased digoxin effect)
• Iron supplements (decreased Ofloxacin effect)
• Oxtriphylline (increased risk of oxtriphylline toxicity)
• Phenytoin (decreased phenytoin effect)
• Probenecid (increased Ofloxacin effect)
• QT interval prolongation causing drugs (heart rhythm problems)
• Sucralfate (decreased Ofloxacin effect)
• Theophylline (increased risk of theophylline toxicity)
• Warfarin (increased warfarin effect)
• Zinc (decreased Ofloxacin effect)

Tell your health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products.

Possible interactions with other substances:

• Alcohol - increased possibility of central nervous system side effects
• Dairy foods - decreased effect of Ofloxacin
• Tobacco - increased possibility of central nervous system side effects

Missed Dose:
Take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Never take 2 doses at the same time.

Overdose:
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms: seizures, dizziness, drowsiness, hot and cold flashes, nausea, slurring of speech, swelling and numbness in the face.

See also:

• Ofloxacin (Floxin)
• Buy Ofloxacin without a prescription