What are ofloxacin tablets?
OFLOXACIN (Floxin®) is an antibiotic. Ofloxacin kills certain bacteria or stops their growth. It treats urinary tract, prostate, skin, urinary and respiratory tract infections, as well as certain sexually transmitted diseases. Generic ofloxacin tablets are available.
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
- dehydration
- heart disease
- kidney disease
- liver disease
- long exposure to sunlight (working outdoors)
- seizures (convulsions)
- stomach problems (especially colitis)
- stroke
- tendon or joint pain
- other chronic conditions
- an unusual or allergic reaction to fluoroquinolone antibiotics, foods, dyes, or preservatives
- pregnant or trying to get pregnant
- breast-feeding
How should I take this medicine?
Take ofloxacin tablets by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow tablets whole with a full glass of water. Ofloxacin tablets can be taken with or without meals. Do not take ofloxacin at the same time as magnesium/aluminum antacids, sucralfate, Videx® (didanosine) chewable/buffered tablets or pediatric powder, or with other products containing calcium, iron or zinc. Ofloxacin tablets may be taken 2 hours before or 2 hours after taking these products. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Finish the full course prescribed by your prescriber or health care professional even if you think your condition is better. Do not stop taking except on your prescriber's advice.
Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses. There should be an interval of at least 10 to 12 hours between doses.
What drug(s) may interact with ofloxacin?
- aluminum salts
- antacids
- arsenic trioxide
- astemizole
- bepridil
- calcium salts
- certain heart medications for irregular rhythm (e.g., amiodarone, disopyramide, dofetilide, flecainide, ibutilide, quinidine, procainamide, sotalol)
- certain medications for depression or other mental problems (e.g., tricyclic antidepressants, amoxapine, maprotiline, phenothiazines, haloperidol, pimozide, risperidone, sertindole, and ziprasidone)
- cisapride
- clarithromycin
- cyclobenzaprine
- cyclosporine
- didanosine (Videx® tablets or oral solution)
- doxercalciferol
- iron (ferrous sulfate) preparations
- dolasetron
- droperidol
- erythromycin
- levomethadyl
- magnesium salts
- manganese
- medicines for diabetes
- multivitamins containing iron, calcium, zinc, or manganese
- NSAIDs such as Advil®, Aleve®, ibuprofen, Motrin®, naproxen
- pentamidine
- probucol
- terfenadine
- sucralfate
- theophylline
- troleandomycin
- warfarin
- zinc salts
Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.
What side effects may I notice from taking ofloxacin?
Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
- difficulty breathing
- irregular heartbeat, palpitations or chest pain
- joint, muscle or tendon pain
- severe or watery diarrhea
- redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth
- skin rash, itching
- swelling of the face or neck
- vomiting
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
- diarrhea
- difficulty sleeping
- dizziness, drowsiness
- headache
- nausea
What should I watch for while taking ofloxacin?
Tell your prescriber or health care professional if your symptoms do not improve in 2 to 3 days.
If you are a diabetic monitor your blood glucose carefully. If you get an unusual reaction stop taking ofloxacin at once and call your prescriber or health care professional for advice.
You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how ofloxacin affects you. To reduce the risk of dizzy or fainting spells, do not sit or stand up quickly, especially if you are an older patient.
Drink several glasses of water a day. Cut down on drinks that contain caffeine.
Antacid can stop ofloxacin working. If you get an upset stomach and want to take an antacid, make sure there is an interval of at least 2 hours since you last took ofloxacin, or 6 hours before your next dose.
Iron and zinc preparations can also stop ofloxacin from working properly.
Keep out of the sun, or wear protective clothing outdoors and use a sunscreen. Do not use sun lamps or sun tanning beds or booths.
If you notice pain or soreness of a tendon or around a joint, stop taking ofloxacin. Call your healthcare provider immediately. You must rest and stop exercise until your healthcare provider says it is okay to start again.
If you are going to have surgery, tell your prescriber or health care professional that you are taking ofloxacin.
Where can I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.
Store at a temperature below 30 degrees C (85 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
