Medications and Drugs
GENERIC NAME: OFLOXACIN - ORAL (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 an antibiotic used to treat a wide variety of bacterial infections.
HOW TO USE: Take twice daily by mouth or as directed by your doctor. This medication works best on an empty stomach one hour before or two hours after meals. Take each dose with a full glass of water. Drink plenty of fluids while taking this medication. If stomach upset occurs, it may be taken with food. Take this medication 2 hours before or 2 hours after taking any medications containing magnesium, aluminum, or calcium. Some examples include quinapril, certain forms of didanosine (chewable/dispersible buffered tablets or pediatric oral solution), vitamins/minerals, or antacids. Sucralfate, bismuth subsalicylate, iron, and zinc are also included. These medications bind with ofloxacin preventing its full absorption. It is not known whether or not milk or dairy products prevent absorption of ofloxacin. Therefore, as a precaution, do not eat/drink dairy products within 2 hours before or after taking ofloxacin. Antibiotics work best when the amount of medicine in your body is kept at a constant level. Do this by taking the medication at evenly spaced intervals throughout the day and night. Continue to take this 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.
SIDE EFFECTS: This medication may cause stomach upset, loss of appetite, diarrhea, nausea, headache, dizziness, or drowsiness during the first few days as your body adjusts to the medication. If these symptoms persist or become severe, inform your doctor. Unlikely but report: sleep problems, vaginal discomfort, vision problems, ringing in the ears. Very unlikely but report immediately: muscle/tendon pain or tenderness, unusual weakness, mental or mood changes, unsteadiness, seizures, fainting, yellowing of the skin or eyes, unusual bleeding or bruising. In the unlikely event of an allergic reaction, notify your doctor immediately. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, fever, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
- Drug Interactions - Learn about potential drug interactions you may be exposed to. Drug interactions can occur with prescription drugs, OTC medication, vitamins, herbs, and supplements.
- Urinary Tract Infection (UTI In Adults) - Learn about urinary tract infection causes, symptoms, signs, diagnosis and treatment of UTIs in men and women. Antibiotics may be used to treat recurrent bladder infections.
- levofloxacin, Levaquin - Explains the medication levofloxacin (Levaquin), a drug used to treat infections of the sinuses, skin, lungs, ears, airways, bones, and joints caused by susceptible bacteria.
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