This first section of our medication database entry focuses on basic drug characteristics, uses and benefits, while part two covers side effects, interactions and additional information.
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Floxin Consumer Information
FLOXIN
Generic Name: ofloxacin (oh FLOX a sin)
Brand Names: Floxin
What is the most important information I should know about ofloxacin?
- Take all of the ofloxacin that has been prescribed for you even if you begin to feel better. Your symptoms may start to improve before the infection is completely treated.
- Take ofloxacin with a full glass of water (8 ounces). Drink several extra glasses of fluid each day to prevent ofloxacin crystals from forming in the urine.
- Take ofloxacin on an empty stomach 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals.
- Do not take antacids that contain magnesium or aluminum (e.g., Tums or Rolaids), the ulcer medicine sucralfate (Carafate), or vitamin or mineral supplements that contain iron or zinc for a minimum of 2 hours before or 2 hours after a dose of ofloxacin. Taking antacids, sucralfate, or vitamin or mineral supplements too close to a dose of ofloxacin can greatly decrease the effects of the antibiotic.
What is ofloxacin?
- Ofloxacin is an antibiotic in a class of drugs called fluoroquinolones. Ofloxacin fights bacteria in the body.
- Ofloxacin is used to treat various bacterial infections such as bronchitis, pneumonia, chlamydia, gonorrhea, skin infections, urinary tract infections, and infections of the prostate.
- Ofloxacin may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking ofloxacin?
- Before taking ofloxacin, tell your doctor if you have
- kidney disease; or
- seizures or epilepsy.
- You may not be able to take ofloxacin, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment.
- Ofloxacin is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether ofloxacin will be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.
- It is not known whether ofloxacin passes into breast milk. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
- Ofloxacin is not approved for use by children younger than 12 years of age. Ofloxacin may interfere with bone development.
How should I take ofloxacin?
- Take ofloxacin exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these instructions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
- Take ofloxacin with a full glass of water (8 ounces). Drink several extra glasses of fluid each day to prevent ofloxacin crystals from forming in the urine.
- Take ofloxacin on an empty stomach 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals.
- Take ofloxacin at evenly spaced intervals. Follow your doctor's instructions.
- Do not take antacids that contain magnesium or aluminum (e.g., Tums or Rolaids), the ulcer medicine sucralfate (Carafate), or vitamin or mineral supplements that contain iron or zinc for a minimum of 2 hours before or 2 hours after a dose of ofloxacin. Taking antacids, sucralfate, or vitamin or mineral supplements too close to a dose of ofloxacin can greatly decrease the effects of the antibiotic.
- Take all of the ofloxacin that has been prescribed for you even if you begin to feel better. Your symptoms may start to improve before the infection is completely treated.
- Store this medication at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose?
- Take the missed dose up to 2 hours late. If more than 2 hours have passed since the missed dose, skip it and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication unless otherwise directed by your doctor.
What happens if I overdose?
- Seek emergency medical attention.
- The most common symptom of an ofloxacin overdose is seizures.
What should I avoid while taking ofloxacin?
- Avoid excessive exposure to sunlight. Ofloxacin increases the sensitivity of the skin to sunlight, and severe sunburning may result. If exposure to the sun is unavoidable, wear protective clothing and sunscreen. Call your doctor if you experience severe burning, blistering, swelling, redness, or a rash after exposure to sunlight.
- Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Ofloxacin may cause dizziness. If you experience dizziness, avoid these activities.
Please see the end of this document for relevant limitations, full details of our medication information supplier, and revision date or version number.