Ofloxacin (oh-FLOX-a-sin)

Treats infections that are caused by bacteria. This medicine is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic.

Brand Name(s):

Floxin

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Tablet

• Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to use and how often. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
• Keep using this medicine for the full treatment time, even if you feel better after the first few doses. Your infection may not clear up if you stop using the medicine too soon.
• You may take this medicine with or without food.
• Drink extra fluids so you will pass more urine while you are using this medicine. This will keep your kidneys working well and help prevent kidney problems.

If a dose is missed:

• If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to use the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
• Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any leftover medicine after you have finished your treatment. You will also need to throw away old medicine after the expiration date has passed.
• Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using a blood thinner (such as warfarin or Coumadin®), theophylline (Theo-Dur®), diabetes medicine taken by mouth (such as glyburide, Amaryl®, Actos?, Avandia®, Glucotrol®, or Glucophage®), or pain or arthritis medicine (such as aspirin, diclofenac, etodolac, ibuprofen, indomethacin, Advil®, Aleve®, Daypro®, Dolobid®, Feldene®, Motrin®, Oruvail®, Relafen®, or Voltaren®).
• Tell your doctor if you are using cyclosporine (such as Gengraf®, Neoral®, or Sandimmune®), probenecid (Benemid®), cimetidine (Tagamet®), a steroid medicine (such as dexamethasone, prednisolone, prednisone, or Medrol®), or medicine for heart rhythm problems (such as amiodarone, procainamide, quinidine, sotalol, Betapace®, Cardioquin®, Cordarone®, or Procanbid®).
• If you are also using antacids containing aluminum or magnesium, multivitamins (with calcium, iron, or zinc), sucralfate (Carafate®), or didanosine (Videx®), take these medicines at least 2 hours before or 2 hours after you take the ofloxacin.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have a history of kidney problems, liver disease, heart disease, heart attack, heart rhythm problems (such as QT prolongation), bradycardia (slow heartbeat), hypokalemia (low blood potassium), stroke, or seizures.
• This medicine may cause a serious type of allergic reaction called anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention. Stop taking this medicine and call your doctor right away if you have itching, hives, trouble breathing, or any swelling of your hands, face, or mouth while you are using this medicine.
• Some patients who have used this medicine developed serious nerve problems. If you start having pain, burning, tingling, numbness, or weakness anywhere in your body, stop using this medicine and check with your doctor right away.
• This medicine may make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Use a sunscreen when you are outdoors. Avoid sunlamps and tanning beds.
• Call your doctor and rest (stop exercising) if you have pain, swelling, or tearing of a tendon, such as in the back of your knee or ankle, in your shoulder or elbow, or in your hand or wrist. You may need to stop using the medicine.
• If you are also using insulin or other medicine for diabetes, you may need to monitor your blood sugar more often while using ofloxacin.
• Use this medicine only to treat the infection your doctor has prescribed it for. Do not use this medicine for any infection that has not been checked by a doctor.
• This medicine may make you dizzy or lightheaded. Avoid driving, using machines, or doing anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert.
• If you have severe diarrhea, ask your doctor before taking any medicine to stop the diarrhea.
• If your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse, call your doctor.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing.
• Blistering, peeling, red skin rash.
• Change in how much or how often you urinate.
• Chest pain or shortness of breath.
• Fast, pounding, or uneven heartbeat.
• Lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting.
• Numbness, tingling, pain, burning, or loss of feeling anywhere in your body.
• Red or black stools.
• Red or dark brown urine.
• Seizures or tremors.
• Severe diarrhea, stomach pain or cramps, or fever.
• Sudden or severe headache, problems with vision, speech, or walking.
• Swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet.
• Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness.
• Yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes.

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Change or loss of taste.
• Headache or tiredness.
• Mild skin rash or itching.
• Muscle or joint pain.
• Nausea, vomiting, or constipation.
• Nervousness, anxiety, confusion, or agitation.
• Sores or white patches in your mouth or throat.
• Trouble sleeping.
• Vaginal itching or discharge.