Manufacturer:
AA Pharma

Generic Name:
ofloxacin

Route:
oral

Why is it prescribed?

Ofloxacin® tablets contains ofloxacin.

Ofloxacin is used to treat infections caused by various bacteria. This material will be limited to the treatment of respiratory tract infections (e.g. pneumonia, bronchitis).

Side Effects

Ofloxacin® tablets contains ofloxacin.

Along with its needed effects, ofloxacin may cause some unwanted or undesirable effects. Generally, ofloxacin is well tolerated and many people will not experience unwanted effects. The frequency and severity of these effects is dependant on many factors including dose, duration of therapy and individual susceptibility. Possible unwanted effects include:

• diarrhea
• nausea
• vomiting
• headache
• dizziness
• troubles sleeping
• external genital itchiness in women

• loss of appetite
• fatigue
• constipation
• dry mouth
• nervousness

• weight loss
• ringing in the ears
• anxiety
• confusion
• tremor
• depression

Precautions and Warnings for Ofloxacin® tablets

Ofloxacin® tablets contains ofloxacin

Use as directed. Many antacids and multivitamins may interfere with the absorption of ofloxacin. You should take ofloxacin either two hours before or two hours after taking these products. Allergic reactions can occur with ofloxacin use. The reaction can be immediate and severe. Allergic symptoms include wheezing, hives, itching, swelling, joint and muscle pain, difficulty breathing, fever and skin rashes. Nausea and vomiting are not symptoms of an allergic reaction.
Diabetics should monitor their blood sugar regularly while taking ofloxacin. Discontinue the medication and notify your doctor if a hypoglycemic (low blood sugar) reaction occurs.
Ofloxacin may cause photosensitivity (sensitivity to light) in patients who are exposed to direct sunlight or tanning beds.
Taking the antibiotic repeatedly or for prolonged periods may result in bacterial or fungal overgrowth which can lead to a second infection. When this occurs, the ofloxacin may need to be stopped and another antibiotic prescribed to treat the new infection.
Diarrhea often develops while taking ofloxacin. This is sometimes caused by an overgrowth of bacteria in the gut that are not killed by the antibiotic. In severe cases, this may be life threatening and would require treatment with other antibiotics. In mild cases, symptoms disappear shortly after the drug is discontinued.
Drug Interactions: It is important to tell your doctor and pharmacist of any prescription or over-the-counter medications you are taking. In some cases, the dose of one or both drugs may need to be altered or another drug may be prescribed. The following drugs and drug classes have been known to interact with ofloxacin:

• antacids that contain aluminum or magnesium
• probenecid (e.g. Benemid®)
• antacids (e.g. cimetidine)
• iron or mineral supplements
• zinc-containing products
• warfarin (e.g. Coumadin®)
• hypoglycemic drugs (e.g. glyburide, insulin)
• cyclosporine (e.g. Neoral®)
• sucralfate (e.g. Sulcrate®)
• theophylline (e.g. Theo-Dur®)

• allergy to ofloxacin or any quinolone (e.g. norfloxacin, ciprofloxacin)

• kidney disease
• diabetics on blood sugar lowering agents (e.g. glyburide, insulin)
• nervous system disorders (e.g. epilepsy)
• liver disease

Patient Information

Use exactly as prescribed.
Ofloxacin® tablets can be taken before or after food.
Antacids containing aluminum, magnesium or calcium; sucralfate; mineral supplements containing iron or zinc should not be taken within the 2 hour period before or after taking Ofloxacin® tablets.
Excessive sunlight and the use of tanning beds should be avoided. Use sunscreens and wear protective clothing as a precautionary measure when exposed to direct sunlight.
Take Ofloxacin® tablets at even intervals around the clock as prescribed (e.g. every 12 hours translates to twice a day) until finished. Failure to take the complete course can result in incomplete elimination of the bacteria which can lead to a relapse of the infection. The prescribed course generally lasts a few days longer than symptoms of the infection (e.g. fever). Treatment usually lasts 7 to 10 days. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, do not take 2 doses at once (unless you have been instructed to do so). Contact your pharmacist if you are not sure what to do.
Ofloxacin® tablets may produce an allergic reaction which can range in severity from a mild rash or itching to a life-threatening reaction. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you experience rash, itching, fever, difficulty breathing, chest tightness or anything else that alarms you.
If diarrhea occurs (severe or persistent), contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Directions for Use

Dosage depends largely on the type and severity of the infection being treated. The usual adult dose for respiratory tract infections is 400 mg twice a day every 12 hours) for 10 days.

Lung Diseases Treated with this Drug

• bronchitis
• pneumonia
• respiratory tract infections
• tonsilitis
• upper respiratory tract infections

Need More Information?

For more information contact your physician, pharmacist, other health care professional or for general questions call your local lung association.