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Ofloxacin

Name of the Generic: Ofloxacin (oral) (oral) Oh-FLOX-asin“OH-FLOX-asin”
The Brand Names are Floxin and Floxin I.V.
Dosage Format: Oral tablet (200 mg, 300 mg, 400 mg)
Class of Drugs: Quinolones and fluoroquinolones

What is Ofloxacin?

Ofloxacin Ofloxacin is a fluoroquinolone (flor-o-KWIN-o-lone) antibiotic that fights bacteria within the body.Ofloxacin helps treat infections caused by bacterial strains that affect the lungs, skin, prostate, or urinary tract (bladder and kidneys). Ofloxacin can also be utilized to treat pelvic inflammatory diseases as well as Chlamydia and/or gonorrhea.

Fluoroquinolone antibiotics may cause severe or debilitating adverse effects that might not be reversible. Ofloxacin is not recommended for infections that can't be treated with a less harmful antibiotic.Ofloxacin can also be used for reasons not mentioned in this guideline.

Side effects of Ofloxacin

Contact emergency medical assistance when you are experiencing symptoms warning signs of an allergic response (hives, breathing problems, and swelling in your throat or face) or a severe reaction to your skin (fever and burning sensations within your eye, pain in the skin, and a red or purple skin eruption that causes peeling and blisters).

Ofloxacin could cause severe side effects, which include tendon disorders and reactions to your nerves (which could be permanent and cause nerve injury). severe change in your mood or behavior (after only one dose) and the presence of low levels of blood sugar (which can cause an involuntary coma).

Do not take ofloxacin, and call your doctor immediately if you are suffering from:

  • Low blood sugar, headache, and hunger sweating and dizziness, irritability, nausea, rapid heart rate, or feeling anxious or shaky
  • Nerve symptoms in your arms, hands, legs, or feet, for example: numbness and weakness, tingling or burning pain
  • Signs of a ruptured tendon include sudden swelling, pain, bleeding tenderness, stiffness, movement problems, or a squealing or popping sound from any joint (rest your joint till you are treated by a doctor or follow other instructions).

In rare instances, the drug may cause damage to the aorta, which is the principal blood vessel in the body. This could result in dangerous bleeding or even death. Seek medical attention immediately in the event of persistent and severe discomfort in your chest, stomach, or back.

Also, stop taking ofloxacin and consult your physician immediately if you suffer from:

  • Extreme stomach pains; diarrhea that is bloody or watery
  • Heartbeats that are fast or rapid, racing inside the chest area, breathing problems, and sudden dizziness (like you're going to faint);
  • The very first indication of an itchy rash, no matter how slight;
  • Muscle weakness, breathing issues;
  • Very little or no urine;
  • A seizure (convulsions);
  • Increased pressure in the skull: severe headaches, ringing in the ears, problems with vision, headaches behind your eyes,
  • Liver problems: stomach pains and loss of appetite black stools, dark urine, and jaundice (yellowing of the eyes or skin).

Common adverse effects of ofloxacin could include:

  • Nausea, constipation, diarrhea;
  • Dizziness;
  • Headache.

This is not a comprehensive list of possible side effects, and others could happen. Contact your doctor for advice regarding medical adverse effects. You can report symptoms to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Warnings

Ofloxacin could result in serious side effects, which include tendon-related problems, nerve damage, serious behavioral or mood changes, or low blood sugar.

Stop taking this medicine and consult your physician immediately if you experience symptoms like headache or irritability, hunger, confusion, burning pain, disturbance, paranoia, difficulties with concentration or memory, thoughts of suicide, or sudden pain or movement issues in your joints.

In rare instances, ofloxacin could result in damage to the aorta, which could result in dangerous bleeding or even death. Get emergency medical assistance if you experience persistent and severe pain in your chest, stomach, or back.

Before you Take this Drug

It is not recommended to use ofloxacin if you have an allergy to ofloxacin or any other fluoroquinolones (ciprofloxacin, gemifloxacin, moxifloxacin, levofloxacin, and many others).

Ofloxacin can cause swelling or tears of tendon (the fiber that connects bones and muscles throughout your body), especially in the Achilles tendon in the heel. It can happen in the course of treatment or for several months after quitting taking ofloxacin. Tendon issues are more common in certain individuals (children, elderly adults, or those who are taking steroids or have undergone one organ transplant).

Inform your doctor if you have ever suffered from:

  • Tendon problems, bone issues, arthritis, or other joint issues
  • Problems with blood circulation such as aneurysms, narrowing,  or hardening of the arteries;
  • Heart issues, high blood pressure;
  • A genetic disorder like Marfan syndrome or Ehlers-Danlos syndrome
  • Diabetes;
  • A nerve or muscle condition, such as myasthenia gravis;
  • Kidney or liver disease;
  • A seizure;
  • Long QT syndrome (in either you (or a relative)
  • Insufficient levels of potassium are present in blood (hypokalemia).

Ofloxacin is not permitted for use by anyone who is younger than

It isn't known if this medicine can cause harm to a baby who is not yet born. Consult your physician if you are expecting.

Do not breastfeed when taking this medicine.

How to Take Ofloxacin?

Follow the directions on your prescription label and review all medication guides and instruction sheets. Make sure you use the medicine precisely as directed.Drink ofloxacin along with water and drink plenty of fluids to ensure your kidneys are functioning properly.Ofloxacin can be taken either with or without food at the same time throughout the day.

Make sure to take this medicine for the prescribed duration, even if symptoms do not improve immediately. Not taking your dose can increase the chance of developing an infection that is intolerant to treatment. Ofloxacin is not able to treat viruses like the flu or the commonly occurring cold.

Don't share ofloxacin with another person.

This medication may alter urine tests for screening drugs and cause inaccurate results. Inform the lab staff that you are taking ofloxacin.Keep at room temperature and free of heat and moisture. Be sure that the bottle is securely sealed after not being in use.

What Happens If I Miss a Dose?

You should take the medication as quickly as you can. However, do not take any missed doses if you are nearing the time to take the next dose. Don't take two doses at a time.

What Happens If I Overdose?

Get medical attention in an emergency or contact the poison help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What Should be Avoided?

Avoid driving and other hazardous activities until you are aware of the effects of the drug. The way you react could be affected.Diarrhea can be caused by antibiotics and could be an indication of a new infection. If you are experiencing diarrhea that is bloody or watery and you are unsure of the cause, consult your physician before applying anti-diarrhea medications.

Ofloxacin may cause you to burn more quickly. Avoid tanning beds or sunlight. Protect yourself with protective clothes and sunblock (SPF 30 or more) while you're outdoors. Inform your physician if you notice burning redness, itching, swelling, or a rash after exposure to the sun.

Interaction with Other Drugs

Certain medications can make ofloxacin less effective if taken together. If you are taking any of the following drugs, be sure to take your dose of the drug 2 hours prior to or 2 hours following the time you have taken the other medication.

  • Antacids that contain calcium, magnesium, and aluminum (such as Amphojel, Di-Gel Maalox, Milk of Magnesia, Mylanta, Pepcid Complete, Rolaids, Rulox, Tums, and many others) or the medication for ulcers sucralfate (Carafate);
  • Didanosine (Videx) powder or chewable tablets;
  • Vitamin or mineral supplements that include calcium, magnesium, iron, and zinc

Inform your doctor about any other medications you take, including:

  • Theophylline;
  • A bleeding thinner (Warfarin, Coumadin, Jantoven);
  • Diuretic, or "water pill";
  • Insulin or oral diabetes medication (check your sugar level frequently);
  • Heart rhythm medication
  • Medicines are used to cure the symptoms of depression as well as mental disorders.
  • Steroid medicine (such as prednisone);
  • The NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) are aspirin, Ibuprofen, aspirin (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), celecoxib, diclofenac (also known as indomethacin), diclofe, and a few others.

This list isn't exhaustive. Other medications can affect ofloxacin, such as medications that are prescribed and available over the counter, vitamins, and herbal products. Some interactions with drugs are not listed here. are listed here.

DRUG STATUS

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Prescription only

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