Detailed Drug Information:

DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Many common infections in humans arecaused by single cell living organisms called bacteria. Bacteria invadethe body, and then grow, multiply, and spread. Medicines that control anderadicate these bacteria are called antibiotics. Ofloxacin is anantibiotic that stops bacteria multiplication by inhibiting thereproduction and repair of their genetic material (DNA).

PREPARATIONS: Tablets: 200mg, 300mg, 400mg.

STORAGE: Ofloxacin should be stored in a tight container andbelow 86 degrees F.

PRESCRIBED FOR: Ofloxacin is used to treat pneumonia andbronchitis caused by Haemophilus influenzae and Streptococcus pneumoniae.It is also used in treating skin infections caused by staphylococcusaureus, and streptococcus pyogenes bacteria. Ofloxacin is used to treatsexually transmitted diseases, such as gonorrhea and chlamydia, but is noteffective against syphilis. Ofloxacin is often used to treat urinaryinfections and prostate infections caused by E. Coli. Some strains of streptococcus, enterococcus, and anaerobic bacteria are resistant toofloxacin.

DOSING: Ofloxacin should not be taken with food. Ofloxacin ispartially metabolized by the liver and excreted by the kidney. Dosagesrequire adjustment in patients with severely abnormal liver or kidneyfunction. Antacids, minerals, and vitamins with iron block the absorptionof ofloxacin and they should not be taken together.

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Ofloxacin administered together withtheophylline can lead to elevated blood levels of theophylline.Theophylline is used to open airways in the treatment of asthma. Forfurther reading, please read the Asthmaarticle. If concurrent use of ofloxacin and theophylline cannot be avoided,frequent blood tests to monitor theophylline blood levels should beperformed. Ofloxacin should be used with caution in patients with centralnervous system diseases such as seizures, because rare seizures have beenreported in patients receiving this medication. Ofloxacin should beavoided in children and adolescents under 18 years old, as safe use inthese patients have not been established.

Many antibiotics, including ofloxacin, can alter the normal bacteria inthe colon and encourage overgrowth of a bacteria responsible for thedevelopment of inflammation of the colon (pseudomembranous colitis).Pseudomembranous colitis can cause fever, abdominal pain, diarrhea, andsometimes even shock. Patients taking ofloxacin can develop sensitivity ofthe skin to direct sunlight. Ofloxacin can enhance the action of theanticoagulant warfarin (Coumadin), and increase the risk of bleeding. Bothhigh and low blood sugars have been reported in patients with diabetestaking ofloxacin together with insulin or other medications used to lowerthe blood sugar. Careful monitoring of blood sugars is, therefore,recommended when these drugs are concurrently used.

PREGNANCY: Ofloxacin should be avoided during pregnancy, as safeuse in these patients have not been established.

NURSING MOTHERS: Ofloxacin should be avoided in nursing mothers,as safe use in these patients have not been established.

SIDE EFFECTS: The most frequent side effects include nausea,vomiting, diarrhea, insomnia, headache, dizziness, itching, and vaginitisin women. Rare allergic reactions have been described, such as hives andanaphylaxis (shock). Symptoms of nervous system stimulation, such asanxiety, euphoria, and hallucinations have rarely been reported.