Ofloxacin

Drug name: Ofloxacin

Other names used:

• Floxal®
• Floxin®
• Floxstat®
• Novecin®
• Ocuflox®

Active Ingredients:

• ofloxacine

Therapeutic actions: Ofloxacin is in a group of called fluoroquinolones, and works by fighting bacteria in the body. This is used to treat bacterial infections that cause bronchitis, pneumonia, chlamydia, gonorrhea, skin infections, urinary tract infections, and infections of the prostate. Additionally, the ophthalmic solution is used to treat bacterial infections of the eye, such as conjunctivitis and corneal ulcers.

Indications: Tablets should be used only to treat or prevent infections that are proven or strongly suspected to be caused by susceptible bacteria. Take ofloxacin with a full glass of water (8 ounces). Drink several extra glasses of fluid each day to prevent crystals from forming in the urine. Take this medicine on an empty stomach 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals. Your may get better before the infection is completely treated. This medicine will not treat a viral infection such as the common cold or flu.

Adverse effects: Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an reaction:

• hives
• difficult breathing
• swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat

Continue taking Ofloxacin and call your doctor if you have any of these less serious side effects:

• nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
• headache or drowsiness
• vaginal itching or discharge
• ringing in the ears
• sleep problems (insomnia)

Stop using ofloxacin and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• seizure (convulsions)
• confusion or hallucinations (seeing things that are not there)
• a red, blistering, peeling skin rash
• urinating less than usual or not at all
• tremors or shaking
• easy bruising or bleeding
• unusual weakness
• unusual thoughts or behavior
• nausea, stomach pain, or loss of appetite
• dark urine, clay-colored stools, or jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes)
• sudden pain or swelling near your joints (especially in your arm or ankle)
• numbness, burning, pain, or tingly feeling
• diarrhea that is watery or bloody

Interactions: To be sure this medication is not causing harmful effects, your blood will need to be tested on a regular basis. Your kidney or liver function may also need to be tested. It is important that you not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.

This medication can cause you to have unusual results with certain medical tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using ofloxacin.

Before taking ofloxacin, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following drugs:

• theophylline (Theo-Dur, Theolair, Slo-Phyllin, Slo-Bid, Elixophyllin);
• probenecid (Benemid);
• a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin);
• cimetidine (Tagamet, Tagamet HB);
• cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune, Gengraf);
• insulin or an oral medication such as glipizide (Glucotrol), glyburide (Micronase, Diabeta, Glynase), and others; or
• aspirin or other NSAIDs (non-steroidal drugs) such as ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil), diclofenac (Voltaren), indomethacin, naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn), piroxicam (Feldene), nabumetone (Relafen), etodolac (Lodine), and others.

Additional Information: DO NOT SHARE THIS MEDICINE with others. DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE for other health conditions. KEEP THIS PRODUCT, as well as syringes and needles, if needed during treatment, out of the reach of children. Do not reuse needles, syringes, or other materials.