Medications and Drugs

GENERIC NAME: OFLOXACIN - INJECTION (oh-FLOX-uh-sin)

BRAND NAME(S): Floxin

Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage

USES: This medication is a quinolone antibiotic and is used to treat a variety of bacterial infections.

HOW TO USE: This medication is given by vein (IV) over at least 6 minutes, generally twice daily or as directed by your doctor. The dose and duration of therapy depend on your condition and response to therapy. Drink plenty of fluids while using this medication, if so directed. If you are unable to take fluids by mouth, you will be given fluids through a vein, as directed by your doctor. Antibiotics work best when the amount of medicine in your body is kept at a constant level. This is done by giving you the medication at evenly spaced intervals. You should continue to use antibiotic medication until the full-prescribed amount is finished, even if symptoms disappear after a few days. Stopping the medication too early may allow bacteria to continue to grow, resulting in a relapse of the infection. Follow all instructions for proper dilution, if necessary, with the correct IV fluids. Ask your pharmacist for details. This medication should be checked visually for particles or discoloration before use. If present, do not use the liquid.

SIDE EFFECTS: Nausea or pain/redness at the injection site may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor promptly. Tell your doctor immediately if you have any of these unlikely but serious side effects: persistent fever, diarrhea, drowsiness, weakness, headache, trouble sleeping, dizziness, chest pain, stomach pain, unusual vaginal discharge/itching. Tell your doctor immediately if you have any of these very unlikely but serious side effects: unusual bleeding or bruising, sunburn (sun sensitivity), mental/mood changes, restlessness, joint pain or redness, vision changes, irregular pulse, seizures, change in amount of urine, yellowing eyes/skin. This medication may infrequently cause swelling or rupture of a tendon. Notify your doctor immediately if you experience tendon/muscle pain, especially in your shoulder, hand or heel. An allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. Use of this medication for prolonged or repeated periods may result in a secondary infection (e.g., oral or vaginal fungal infection). Contact your doctor if you notice white patches in your mouth, a change in vaginal discharge, or other new symptoms. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.