ofloxacin

trade names: Floxin, Floxin IV; drug class: fluoroquinolone antiinfective; action: broad-spectrum bactericidal agent that inhibits the enzyme DNA-gyrase needed for replication of DNA; uses: treatment of lower respiratory tract infections, genitourinary infections, skin and skin structure infections.

Brand names: Floxin®Ocuflox®

Chemical formula:

Drug Forms:
• Ofloxacin Oral tablet (below)
• Ofloxacin Ophthalmic drops, solution
• Ofloxacin Otic drops, solution

Español:
• Ofloxacino, Tableta oral
• Ofloxacino, Solución para gotas oftalmicas
• Ofloxacino, Solución para gotas óticas

Ofloxacin Oral tablet

What is this medicine?

OFLOXACIN (oh FLOKS a sin) is a quinolone antibiotic. It is used to treat certain kinds of bacterial infections. It will not work for colds, flu, or other viral infections.
 
This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
•arteriosclerosis
•kidney disease
•liver disease
•seizures
•other chronic conditions
•an unusual or allergic reaction to ofloxacin, fluoroquinolone antibiotics, foods, dyes, or preservatives
•pregnant or trying to get pregnant
•breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take with or without food. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Take all of your medicine as directed even if you think your are better. Do not skip doses or stop your medicine early.
 
A special MedGuide will be given to you by the pharmacist with each prescription and refill. Be sure to read this information carefully each time.
 
Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
 
 
Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:
•cisapride
•droperidol
•some medicines for irregular heart rhythm

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:
•antacids
•cimetidine
•cyclosporin
•didanosine
•medicines for diabetes
•medicines for pain and swelling like ibuprofen, naproxen
•multivitamins with minerals
•probenecid
•sucralfate
•theophylline
•warfarin

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Tell your doctor or health care professional if your symptoms do not improve or get worse. Make sure you stay well hydrated while taking this medicine. Drink several glasses of fluids a day.

If you are a diabetic monitor your blood sugar carefully. If your blood sugar reading is unusual, stop taking this medicine and call your doctor for advice.

You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells.

This medicine can make you more sensitive to the sun. Keep out of the sun. If you cannot avoid being in the sun, wear protective clothing and use sunscreen. Do not use sun lamps or tanning beds/booths.

Do not treat diarrhea with over-the-counter products. Contact your doctor if you have diarrhea that lasts more than 2 days or if it is severe and watery.

Avoid taking didanosine, sucralfate, antacids, or iron or zinc products within 2 hours of taking this medicine.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:
•allergic reactions like skin rash or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
•breathing problems
•chest pain
•confusion, nightmares or hallucinations
•fever, chills
•irregular heartbeat or feeling faint
•joint, muscle or tendon pain or swelling
•redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth
•seizures
•tremor
•unusual pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness
•yellowing of eyes or skin

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
•diarrhea
•difficulty sleeping
•headache
•nausea, vomiting
•stomach upset, gas
•unusual taste
•vaginal irritation

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at a temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 85 degrees F). Keep container closed tightly. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

Last updated: 7/1/2002

Important Disclaimer: The drug information provided here is for educational purposes only. It is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the diagnosis, treatment and advice of a medical professional. This drug information does not cover all possible uses, precautions, side effects and interactions. It should not be construed to indicate that this or any drug is safe for you. Consult your medical professional for guidance before using any prescription or over the counter drugs.