ofloxacin Health Article

Generic name(s):

ofloxacin

Brand name(s):

Floxin

What is the most important information I should know about ofloxacin?

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to ofloxacin or similar antibiotics such as ciprofloxacin (Cipro), levofloxacin (Levaquin), norfloxacin (Noroxin), lomefloxacin (Maxaquin), and others.

Before taking ofloxacin, tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, liver disease (especially cirrhosis), seizures or epilepsy, diabetes, low levels of potassium in your blood (hypokalemia), or a personal or family history of "Long QT syndrome."

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. Call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as watery diarrhea, seizure, unusual thoughts or behavior, fast or pounding heartbeats, fainting, sudden pain or swelling near your joints, urinating less than usual, dark colored urine, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes), or a severe blistering, peeling, and red skin rash. Take this medication for the full prescribed length of time. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely cleared. Ofloxacin will not treat a viral infection such as the common cold or flu. Avoid taking antacids, sucralfate (Carafate), didanosine (Videx), or vitamin or mineral supplements within 2 hours before or after you take ofloxacin. These other medicines can make ofloxacin much less effective when taken at the same time.

There are many other drugs that can interact with ofloxacin. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.

Do not give this medicine to a child younger than 18 years old. Ofloxacin may interfere with bone development in a child.

What is ofloxacin?

Ofloxacin is in a group of antibiotics called fluoroquinolones (flor-o-KWIN-o-lones). Ofloxacin fights bacteria in the body.

Ofloxacin is used to treat bacterial infections that cause bronchitis, pneumonia, chlamydia, gonorrhea, skin infections, urinary tract infections, and infections of the prostate.

Ofloxacin may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking ofloxacin?

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to ofloxacin or other fluoroquinolones such as ciprofloxacin (Cipro), levofloxacin (Levaquin), norfloxacin (Noroxin), lomefloxacin (Maxaquin), and others.

Before taking ofloxacin, tell your doctor if you have:

• kidney disease;
• liver disease (especially cirrhosis);

• seizures or epilepsy;

• diabetes;

• low levels of potassium in your blood (hypokalemia); or

• a personal or family history of "Long QT syndrome."

If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take this medication.

FDA pregnancy category C. This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. Ofloxacin can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. Do not give this medicine to a child younger than 18 years old. Ofloxacin may interfere with bone development in a child.