About Ofloxacin-
Brand Name-Floxin,
Generic Name- Ofloxacin
Ofloxacin is a fluoroquinolone (flor-o-KWIN-o-lone) antibiotic that fights bacteria in the body. Ofloxacin is used to treat bacterial infections of the skin, lungs, prostate, or urinary tract (bladder and kidneys). Ofloxacin is also used to treat pelvic inflammatory disease and Chlamydia and/or gonorrhea.
Uses-
This medication is used to treat a variety of many bacterial infections. Ofloxacin belongs to a class of drugs called quinolone antibiotics. It works by stopping the growth of bacteria.This antibiotic treats only bacterial infections. It will not work for viral infections (such as common cold, flu). Using any antibiotic when it is not needed can cause it to not work for future infections.
How to use Ofloxacin-
Read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist before you start taking ofloxacin and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions then ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Take this medication by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor or usually twice a day (every 12 hours). The dosage and length of treatment is based on your medical condition and response to treatment.
Drink plenty of fluids while taking this medication unless your doctor tells you otherwise.
Take this medication at least 2 hours before or 2 hours after taking other products that may bind to it and decreasing its effectiveness. Ask your pharmacist about the other products you take.
Some examples include-
- quinapril,
- sucralfate,
- vitamins/minerals (including iron and zinc supplements),
- and products containing magnesium,
- aluminum, or calcium (such as antacids,
- didanosine solution, calcium supplements).
For the best effect, take this antibiotic at evenly spaced times. To help you remember, take this medication at the same time(s) every day.
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 result in a return of the infection.
Tell your doctor if your condition persists or worsens.
Precautions-
You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to levofloxacin, moxifloxacin, norfloxacin ofloxacin or other fluoroquinolones (ciprofloxacin, gemifloxacin and others).
Ofloxacin may cause swelling or tearing of a tendon (the fiber that connects bones to muscles in the body), especially in the Achilles' tendon of the heel. This can happen during treatment or up to several months after you stop taking ofloxacin. Tendon problems may be more likely in certain people (children and older adults, or people who use steroid medicine or have had an organ transplant).
Tell your doctor if you have ever had-
- tendon problems, bone problems, arthritis, or other joint problems;
- blood circulation problems, aneurysm, narrowing or hardening of the arteries;
- heart problems, high blood pressure;
- a genetic disease such as Marfan syndrome or Ehler's-Danlos syndrome;
- diabetes;
- a muscle or nerve disorder, such as myasthenia gravis;
- liver or kidney disease;
- a seizure;
- long QT syndrome (in you or a family member); or
- low levels of potassium in your blood (hypokalemia).
Ofloxacin is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.
Side Effects-
Upset stomach, nausea, diarrhea, headache, dizziness, lightheadedness, or trouble sleeping may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.
This medication may rarely cause a severe intestinal condition (Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea) due to a type of resistant bacteria. This condition may occur during treatment or weeks to months after treatment has stopped. Tell your doctor right away if you develop: persistent diarrhea, abdominal or stomach pain/cramping, blood/mucus in your stool.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: easy bruising/bleeding, signs of a new infection (such as new/persistent fever, persistent sore throat), signs of kidney problems (such as change in the amount of urine), signs of liver problems (such as unusual tiredness, stomach/abdominal pain, persistent nausea/vomiting, yellowing eyes/skin, dark urine).
Get medical help right away if you have any very serious side effects, including: hearing changes, unsteadiness, severe dizziness, fainting, fast/irregular heartbeat, signs of a tear/break in the main blood vessel called the aorta (sudden/severe pain in the stomach/chest/back, cough, shortness of breath).
This medication may rarely cause a severe intestinal condition (Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea) due to a type of resistant bacteria. This condition may occur during treatment or weeks to months after treatment has stopped. Tell your doctor right away if you develop: persistent diarrhea, abdominal or stomach pain/cramping, blood/mucus in your stool.
Do not use anti-diarrhea or opioid medications if you have any of these symptoms because these products may make them worse.
This medication may rarely cause a severe intestinal condition (Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea) due to a type of resistant bacteria. This condition may occur during treatment or weeks to months after treatment has stopped. Tell your doctor right away if you develop: persistent diarrhea, abdominal or stomach pain/cramping, blood/mucus in your stool.
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
Interactions-
Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
Some products that may interact with this drug include: "blood thinners" (such as acenocoumarol, warfarin), strontium.
Ofloxacin is very similar to levofloxacin. Do not use medications containing levofloxacin while using ofloxacin.
Many drugs besides ofloxacin may affect the heart rhythm (QT prolongation), including dofetilide, procainamide, amiodarone, quinidine, sotalol, among others.
If miss a dose?
Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.
If overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
Storage-
Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company
0 Comments