Ofloxacin
= Prescription Required 
= Generic Equvalent
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Ofloxacin 300mg Tablets
Manufactured by Apotex Incorporated
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Ofloxacin 400mg Tablets
Manufactured by Apotex Incorporated
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Ofloxacin Prescription Drug Information
Ofloxacin (By mouth)
Ofloxacin (oh-FLOX-a-sin)
Treats infections that are caused by bacteria. Ofloxacin is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic.
Brand Name(s):Floxin
There may be other brand names for Ofloxacin.
When Ofloxacin Should Not Be Used:
You should not use Ofloxacin if you have ever had an allergic reaction to ofloxacin or to any other fluoroquinolone antibiotic (such as ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, moxifloxacin, norfloxacin, Avelox®, Cipro®, Levaquin®, Noroxin®). Ofloxacin should not be given to children.
How to Use Ofloxacin:
Tablet
- Your doctor will tell you how much of Ofloxacin to use and how often. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
- Keep using Ofloxacin 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 Ofloxacin with or without food.
- Drink extra fluids so you will pass more urine while you are using Ofloxacin. This will keep your kidneys working well and help prevent kidney problems.
- Ofloxacin should come with a Medication Guide. Read and follow these instructions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions. Ask your pharmacist for the Medication Guide if you do not have one. Your doctor might ask you to sign some forms to show that you understand this information.
If a dose of Ofloxacin 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 Ofloxacin:
- 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 While Taking Ofloxacin:
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 using a steroid medicine (such as dexamethasone, prednisolone, prednisone, Medrol®). Using a steroid together with Ofloxacin may increase your chance of having tendon problems.
- Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using a blood thinner (such as warfarin, Coumadin®), theophylline (Theo-Dur®), diabetes medicine taken by mouth (such as glyburide, Amaryl®, Actos™, Avandia®, Glucotrol®, Glucophage®), or pain or arthritis medicine (such as aspirin, diclofenac, etodolac, ibuprofen, indomethacin, Advil®, Aleve®, Daypro®, Dolobid®, Feldene®, Motrin®, Oruvail®, Relafen®, Voltaren®).
- Tell your doctor if you are using cyclosporine (Gengraf®, Neoral®, Sandimmune®), probenecid (Benemid®), cimetidine (Tagamet®), or medicine for heart rhythm problems (such as amiodarone, procainamide, quinidine, sotalol, Betapace®, Cardioquin®, Cordarone®, 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 ofloxacin.
Warnings While Using Ofloxacin:
- 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, epilepsy, or history of seizures.
- Ofloxacin may cause a serious type of allergic reaction called anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention. Stop taking Ofloxacin 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 Ofloxacin.
- Some patients who have used Ofloxacin developed serious nerve problems. If you start having pain, burning, tingling, numbness, or weakness anywhere in your body, stop using Ofloxacin and check with your doctor right away.
- Ofloxacin may make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Use a sunscreen when you are outdoors. Avoid sunlamps and tanning beds.
- Your tendons may be more easily injured while you are using Ofloxacin. Stop using Ofloxacin and call your doctor if you have pain or swelling in your knee, ankle, shoulder, elbow, hand, or wrist. You may also need to avoid exercise or certain physical activities. Children and elderly patients (over 60 years of age) are more likely to have tendon problems. This risk of tendon problems may also increase if you have rheumatoid arthritis, if you are taking steroid medicines (corticosteroids), or if you have received an organ (such as heart, kidney, or lung) transplant.
- 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 Ofloxacin only to treat the infection your doctor has prescribed it for. Do not use Ofloxacin for any infection that has not been checked by a doctor.
- Ofloxacin 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 Ofloxacin:
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, or 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.
- Pain or swelling in your knee, ankle, shoulder, elbow, hand, or wrist.
- Red or black stools.
- Red or dark brown urine.
- Seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not there.
- 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 while taking Ofloxacin, 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.
If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by Ofloxacin, tell your doctor.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088
