Drug name: Ofloxacin
Other names used:
- Floxal®
- Floxin®
- Floxstat®
- Novecin®
- Ocuflox®
Active Ingredients:
- ofloxacine
Therapeutic effects of Ofloxacin: This drug belongs to a class of antibiotics called fluoroquinolones. Its mode of action is fighting bacteria that are harmful to the body. It is used in the treatment of several infections like bronchitis, pneumonia, chlamydia, gonorrhea, skin infections, urinary tract infections, and infections of the prostate. Another mode of application is in the form of an ophthalmic solution used in the case of conjunctivitis and corneal ulcers.
Indications: Use this medication only when it is known to be a bacterial infection. The correct way of administration is to take it with a full glass (8 ounces) of water. It is advisable to consume lots of fluids to avoid crystal formation in the urine. This medication is always taken on an empty stomach, preferable couple of hours before and after meals. Complete the entire course of medication even if the symptoms are reduced. This drug is not capable of fighting viral infections like the common cold and flu.
Side effects of Ofloxacin tablets and capsules: If you experience any of the below mentioned allergic reactions then avail yourself with medical help at once:
- Swelling of the lips, tongue, face, or throat
- Breathing difficulty
- Hives
You can continue using this medicine but should inform your doctor if you experience any of the below mentioned conditions:
- Diarrhea, vomiting, and nausea
- Somnolence or cephalalgia
- Vaginal discharge or vaginal itching
- Insomnia
- Tinnitus
If you experience any of the below mentioned serious conditions then stop using this medicine and contact a medical care provider at once:
- Convulsions
- Hallucinations
- Peeling and reddening of skin
- Unusual weakness
- Decreased urination or no urination at all
- Shaking or tremors
- Bleeding and bruising
- Strange behavior or thoughts
- Poor appetite, pain in the abdomen, and nausea
- Dusky urine, dark stools, or yellowing of the skin or eyes
- Joint pain and swelling
- Tingly feeling, pain, burning, or numb feeling
- Severe diarrhea
Interactions: Users of this drug must be constantly monitored to be sure that no harm occurs due to use of this medicine. User's blood, kidney and liver function must be periodically checked to see whether this medicine has any unwanted effect on the body. Prior to using Ofloxacin, inform your doctor about the medicine you are taking. Ofloxacin may react with the following medicines:
- Aspirin or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil), diclofenac (Voltaren), indomethacin, naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn), piroxicam (Feldene), nabumetone (Relafen), etodolac (Lodine), and others
- Drugs used to treat diabetes such as insulin or glyburide (Micronase, Diabeta, Glynase), glipizide (Glucotrol)
- Cyclosporine such as Gengraf, Sandimmune, Neoral
- Cimetidine such as Tagamet HB, Tagamet
- Anticoagulants such as warfarin (Coumadin)
- Probenecid such as Benemid
- Theophylline such as Elixophyllin, Slo-Bid, Slo-Phyllin, Theolair, Theo-Dur
Additional Information: Medicines should not be used without prior approval of a qualified medical care provider and don't share these drugs with anybody else. Ofloxacin tablets are made for specific conditions and it's not advisable to use for other purposes. Keep medicinal drugs out of the reach of children.
