Important Note

The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug.

OFLOXACIN - ORAL

(oh-FLOX-uh-sin)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Floxin

Uses

This medication is an antibiotic used to treat a wide variety of bacterial infections.

How To Use

Take twice daily by mouth or as directed by your doctor. This medication works best on an empty stomach one hour before or two hours after meals. Take each dose with a full glass of water. Drink plenty of fluids while taking this medication. If stomach upset occurs, it may be taken with food. Take this medication 2 hours before or 2 hours after taking any medications containing magnesium, aluminum, or calcium. Some examples include quinapril, didanosine, vitamins/minerals, or antacids. Sucralfate, bismuth subsalicylate, iron, and zinc are also included. These medications bind with ofloxacin preventing its full absorption. It is not known whether or not milk or dairy products prevent absorption of ofloxacin. Therefore, as a precaution, do not eat/drink dairy products within 2 hours before or after taking ofloxacin. Antibiotics work best when the amount of medicine in your body is kept at a constant level. Do this by taking the medication at evenly spaced intervals throughout the day and night. Continue to take this medication until the full prescribed amount is finished even if symptoms disappear after a few days. Stopping the medication too early may allow bacteria to continue to grow resulting in a relapse of the infection.

Side Effects

This medication may cause stomach upset, loss of appetite, diarrhea, nausea, headache, dizziness, or drowsiness during the first few days as your body adjusts to the medication. If these symptoms persist or become severe, inform your doctor. Unlikely but report: sleep problems, vaginal discomfort, vision problems, ringing in the ears. Very unlikely but report immediately: muscle/tendon pain or tenderness, unusual weakness, mental or mood changes, unsteadiness, seizures, fainting, yellowing of the skin or eyes, unusual bleeding or bruising. In the unlikely event of an allergic reaction, notify your doctor immediately. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, fever, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Precautions

Before taking this medication, tell your doctor your medical history especially: epilepsy, kidney disease, tendon problems, nervous system disorders, liver disease, blood vessel problems, any drug allergies. Use caution driving or performing tasks requiring alertness if this medication makes you dizzy, lightheaded or drowsy. Limit alcohol intake. Because this medication may make you more sensitive to the sun, avoid prolonged sun exposure. Wear protective clothing and use a sunscreen when outdoors. Caution is advised when used in children under 18 years of age. This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. This drug is excreted into breast milk. You may have to stop nursing or stop using this drug. Consult you doctor before breast-feeding.

Drug Interactions

Before taking this drug, tell your doctor of all nonprescription or prescription drugs you may take especially: theophylline, other antibiotics, anticoagulants (blood thinners), NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen, aspirin), diabetes medication, live vaccines, quinapril, didanosine, vitamins/minerals (e.g., magnesium, aluminum, calcium, iron, zinc), sucralfate, bismuth subsalicylate. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

Overdose

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.

Notes

This medication has been prescribed for your current condition only. Do not use it later for another infection or share it with someone else. A different medication may be needed in those cases.

Missed Dose

If you should miss a dose, take it as soon as remembered unless it is almost time for the next dose. If it is nearly time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose.

Storage

Store at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (between 15 and 30 degrees C) away from moisture and sunlight. Do not store in the bathroom.