Floxin

Brand Names: Floxin

Common Name: ofloxacin

What is this drug used for?

Ofloxacin is an antibiotic that belongs to the class of medications called quinolones. It is used for the treatment of certain infections caused by bacteria. It is most commonly used to treat infections of the lung and skin. It can also be used to treat certain prostate infections and sexually transmitted diseases.

Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than the ones listed in these drug information articles. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.

Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it.

Is there any reason not to take this drug?

Ofloxacin should not be taken by anyone who:

• is allergic to ofloxacin or any ingredient of the medication
• is allergic to other quinolone anitbiotics
• is pregnant or nursing
• has not yet reached puberty (i.e., is a child)

What about possible side effects?

Many medications can cause side effects. A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses. Side effects can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent. The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes this medication. If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of this medication with your doctor.

The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people taking this medication.

Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects and they are severe or bothersome. Your pharmacist may be able to advise you on managing side effects.

• nausea or vomiting
• difficulty sleeping
• dizziness
• rash
• itchiness
• diarrhea
• headache
• taste alternation
• vaginal yeast infection

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

• abnormal vision
• signs of liver damage such as yellowing of the skin and eyes
• joint pain
• muscle pain
• swelling of the hands, feet, or ankles (if you are not having difficulty breathing)

Stop taking the medication and seek immediate medical attention if any of the following occur:

• severe abdominal or stomach cramps or pain
• blisters on mucous membranes, with fever
• chest pain
• confusion or changes in thought patterns
• diarrhea (watery and severe or bloody)
• irregular or rapid heart rate
• pain, swelling, or rupture of a tendon
• sensation of skin burning
• signs of an allergic reaction (hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of the face, tongue, or throat)
• signs of bleeding (such as easy bruising, bleeding gums, nosebleeds, vomiting blood, blood in the urine, dark tarry stools)
• skin rash, especially if skin is blistering, loosening, or peeling

Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking this medication.

What if I am taking other drugs?

The following medications may affect how ofloxacin works or increase the risk of side effects:

• amiodarone
• antacids containing aluminum hydroxide, calcium, and magnesium hydroxide (do not take within two hours of levofloxacin)
• buffered antiretroviral medications (e.g., didanosine)
• calcium supplements and multivitamins containing calcium (do not take within two hours of levofloxacin)
• cimetidine
• disopyramide
• erythromycin
• iron supplements and multivitamins containing iron (do not take within two hours of levofloxacin)
• nonsteriodal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs)
• phenothiazines
• quinidine
• sotalol
• sucralfate (do not take within two hours of levofloxacin)
• tricyclic antidepressants
• zinc supplements and multivitamins containing zinc (do not take within two hours of levofloxacin)

Ofloxacin may affect how the following medications work:

• aminophylline
• anti-diabetes medications
• cyclosporine
• medications taken to control heart rhythm
• theophylline
• warfarin

If you are taking any of these medications, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:

• stop taking one of the medications,
• change one of the medications to another,
• change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
• leave everything as is.

An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. In many cases, interactions are intended or are managed by close monitoring. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.

Medications other than those listed above may interact with this medication. Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications that you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them.

Other information:

Be sure to inform your doctor of all your medical conditions before you begin taking a medication. Some conditions can affect how you should take this medication.

Allergy: Serious allergic reactions have been reported by people who take this medication. These reactions often occur following the first dose.

Diabetes: Disturbances of blood glucose control, including the onset of high or low blood glucose, have been reported with ofloxacin. This usually occurs for people with diabetes who use insulin or take an anti-diabetes medication by mouth (e.g., glyburide). People with diabetes who take ofloxacin are advised to carefully monitor their blood glucose.

Drowsiness/reduced alertness: Ofloxacin may cause drowsiness or dizziness. Before driving or operating potentially dangerous machinery, determine how this medication affects you.

Fluids: Drink plenty of fluids while taking this medication. This will help to avoid the possible development of crystals in your urine.

Kidney or liver problems: Anyone with reduced kidney or liver function should take ofloxacin with caution.

Medical conditions: Ofloxacin should be used with caution by people with a history of convulsions or known conditions that make seizures more likely.

Sun sensitivity: People who take ofloxacin are more likely to suffer from sunburn. While taking ofloxacin, be careful if you must spend time in the sun. Avoid sun and use a sunscreen. Stop taking the medication if sun sensitivity occurs.

Stomach problems (especially colitis): Ofloxacin may cause a condition called pseudomembranous colitis (serious antibiotic-induced diarrhea). If diarrhea occurs after starting the medication, contact your doctor.

Tendinitis: Ofloxacin may increase the chance of tendon injury. Injury occurs more commonly for seniors who are also taking corticosteroid medications. If there is any new pain in the tendons, stop taking ofloxacin, avoid physical exercise, and talk to your doctor.

Pregnancy: Ofloxacin should not be used during pregnancy unless the potential benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking this medication, stop taking it immediately and call your doctor.

Breast-feeding: Ofloxacin may pass into breast milk. Ofloxacin may cause serious side effects to by nursing infants so you and your doctor should fully consider the importance of ofloxacin to your health and decide whether to stop breast-feeding or stop taking the medication.

Children and adolescents: Ofloxacin is not recommended for children and adolescents under 18 years of age.

Special Instructions:

The usual recommended adult dose is 300 mg to 400 mg twice daily, depending on the type of infection being treated.

The medication can be taken with or without food but should not be taken with dairy products (e.g., milk, yogurt) or calcium alone. (See "What other medications could interact with this medication?" below.)

You should make sure to drink enough liquids (e.g., water, juices) while taking this medication.

It is important to complete the entire course of medication prescribed by your doctor even if you begin to feel better.

Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.

It is important that this medication be taken exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible and continue on with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue on with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it.

Store this medication at room temperature, protect it from light and moisture, and keep it out of the reach of children.

Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.

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