ofloxacin

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

You should not use this medication if you have a history of myasthenia gravis, or if you are allergic to ofloxacin or similar antibiotics such as ciprofloxacin (Cipro), gemifloxacin (Factive), levofloxacin (Levaquin), moxifloxacin (Avelox), norfloxacin (Noroxin), and others.

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

Avoid taking antacids, vitamin or mineral supplements, sucralfate (Carafate), or didanosine (Videx) powder or chewable tablets within 2 hours before or after you take ofloxacin. These other medicines can make ofloxacin much less effective when taken at the same time.

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. These effects may be more likely to occur if you are over 60, if you take steroid medication, or if you have had a kidney, heart, or lung transplant. Stop taking ofloxacin and call your doctor at once if you have sudden pain, swelling, tenderness, stiffness, or movement problems in any of your joints. Rest the joint until you receive medical care or instructions.

Do not share this medication with another person (especially a child), even if they have the same symptoms you have.

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 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 have a history of myasthenia gravis, or if you are allergic to ofloxacin or similar antibiotics such as ciprofloxacin (Cipro), gemifloxacin (Factive), levofloxacin (Levaquin), moxifloxacin (Avelox), norfloxacin (Noroxin), and others.

To make sure you can safely take ofloxacin, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:

• heart rhythm disorder, especially if you take quinidine (Quin-G), disopyramide (Norpace), bretylium (Bretylol), procainamide (Pronestyl, Procan SR), amiodarone (Cordarone, Pacerone), or sotalol (Betapace);
• a history of allergic reaction to an antibiotic;
• muscle weakness or trouble breathing;
• joint problems;
• kidney or liver disease;
• epilepsy or a history of seizures;
• diabetes;
• low levels of potassium in your blood (hypokalemia); or
• a personal or family history of Long QT syndrome.

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether ofloxacin will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medication.

Ofloxacin can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while you are using ofloxacin.

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. These effects may be more likely to occur if you are over 60, if you take steroid medication, or if you have had a kidney, heart, or lung transplant. Stop taking ofloxacin and call your doctor at once if you have sudden pain, swelling, tenderness, stiffness, or movement problems in any of your joints. Rest the joint until you receive medical care or instructions.

Do not share this medication with another person (especially a child), even if they have the same symptoms you have.

How should I take ofloxacin?

Take exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

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.

You may take ofloxacin with or without food, but take it at the same time each day.

If you are being treated for gonorrhea, your doctor may also have you tested for syphilis, another sexually transmitted disease.

Take this medication for the full prescribed length of time. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely cleared. Skipping doses may also increase your risk of further infection that is resistant to antibiotics. Ofloxacin will not treat a viral infection such as the common cold or flu.

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

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. Overdose symptoms may include drowsiness, nausea, hot or cold feeling, confusion, and slurred speech.

What should I avoid while taking ofloxacin?

You may be taking certain other medicines that should not be taken at the same time as ofloxacin. Avoid taking the following medicines within 2 hours before or after you take ofloxacin. These other medicines can make ofloxacin much less effective when taken at the same time:

• antacids that contain calcium, magnesium or aluminum (such as Tums, Mylanta, or Rolaids);
• the ulcer medicine sucralfate (Carafate);
• didanosine (Videx) powder or chewable tablets; or
• vitamin or mineral supplements that contain calcium, iron, or zinc.

Avoid exposure to sunlight or tanning beds. Ofloxacin can make you sunburn more easily. Wear protective clothing and use sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) when you are outdoors. Call your doctor if you have severe burning, redness, itching, rash, or swelling after being in the sun.

Antibiotic medicines can cause diarrhea, which may be a sign of a new infection. If you have diarrhea that is watery or bloody, stop taking ofloxacin and call your doctor. Do not use anti-diarrhea medicine unless your doctor tells you to.

Ofloxacin may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert.

What are the possible side effects of ofloxacin?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using ofloxacin and call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

• diarrhea that is watery or bloody;
• seizure (convulsions);
• confusion, hallucinations, anxiety, feeling resltess, tremors, insomnia, nightmares, unusual thoughts or behavior, feeling light-headed;
• severe dizziness, fainting, fast or pounding heartbeat;
• sudden pain, snapping or popping sound, bruising, swelling, tenderness, stiffness, or loss of movement in any of your joints;
• easy bruising or bleeding;
• fever, swollen glands, general ill feeling;
• urinating less than usual or not at all;
• numbness, burning pain, or tingly feeling in your hands or feet;
• pale skin, dark colored urine, fever, weakness, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);;
• the first sign of any skin rash, no matter how mild; or
• severe skin reaction -- fever, sore throat, swelling in your face or tongue, burning in your eyes, skin pain, followed by a red or purple skin rash that spreads (especially in the face or upper body) and causes blistering and peeling.

Less serious side effects may include:

• nausea, vomiting, mild diarrhea;
• headache, dizziness;
• changes in your sense of taste;
• vaginal itching or discharge; or
• mild skin itching.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect ofloxacin?

Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use, especially:

• a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven);
• cimetidine (Tagamet);
• cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune, Gengraf);
• insulin or oral diabetes medication such as glyburide (Micronase, Diabeta, Glynase);
• probenecid (Benemid);
• theophylline (Elixophyllin, Theo-24, Theochron, Uniphyl);
• an NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug) such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn, Naprelan, Treximet), celecoxib (Celebrex), diclofenac (Arthrotec, Cambia, Cataflam, Voltaren, Flector Patch, Pennsaid, Solareze), indomethacin (Indocin), meloxicam (Mobic), and others; or
• steroid medication (prednisone and others).

This list is not complete and other drugs may interact with ofloxacin. Tell your doctor about all medications you use. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist can provide more information about ofloxacin.