GENERIC NAME: ofloxacin
BRAND NAME: Floxin
DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Many common infections in
humans are
caused by single cell living organisms called bacteria.
Bacteria invade
the body, and then grow, multiply, and spread. Medicines that
control and
eradicate these bacteria are called antibiotics. Ofloxacin is an
antibiotic that stops bacteria multiplication by inhibiting the
reproduction and repair of their genetic material (DNA).
PRESCRIPTION: yes
GENERIC AVAILABLE: no
PREPARATIONS: Tablets: 200mg, 300mg, 400mg.
STORAGE: Ofloxacin should be stored in a tight
container and
below 86F.
PRESCRIBED FOR: Ofloxacin is used to treat pneumonia and
bronchitis caused by
Haemophilus influenzae and Streptococcus
pneumoniae.
It is also used in treating skin infections caused by
staphylococcus
aureus, and streptococcus pyogenes bacteria. Ofloxacin is used
to treat
sexually transmitted diseases, such as
gonorrhea and
chlamydia,
but is not
effective against syphilis. Ofloxacin is often used to treat
urinary
infections and prostate infections caused by
E. Coli. Some
strains of
streptococcus, enterococcus, and anaerobic bacteria are
resistant to
ofloxacin.
DOSING: Ofloxacin should not be taken with food.
Ofloxacin is
partially metabolized by the liver and excreted by the kidney.
Dosages
require adjustment in patients with severely abnormal liver or
kidney
function. Antacids, minerals, and vitamins with iron block the
absorption
of ofloxacin and they should not be taken together.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Ofloxacin administered together with
theophylline can lead to elevated blood levels of theophylline.
Theophylline is used to open airways in the treatment of
asthma. If concurrent use of ofloxacin and theophylline cannot
be avoided,
frequent blood tests to monitor theophylline blood levels
should be
performed. Ofloxacin should be used with caution in patients
with central
nervous system diseases such as
seizures, because rare seizures
have been
reported in patients receiving this medication. Ofloxacin
should be
avoided in children and adolescents under 18 years old, as
safe use in
these patients have not been established.
Many antibiotics, including ofloxacin, can alter the normal
bacteria in
the colon and encourage overgrowth of a bacteria responsible
for the
development of inflammation of the colon (pseudomembranous
colitis).
Pseudomembranous colitis can cause fever, abdominal pain,
diarrhea, and
sometimes even shock. Patients taking ofloxacin can develop
sensitivity of
the skin to direct sunlight. Ofloxacin can enhance the action
of the
anticoagulant warfarin (Coumadin), and increase the risk of
bleeding. Both
high and low blood sugars have been reported in patients with
diabetes
taking ofloxacin together with insulin or other medications
used to lower
the blood sugar. Careful monitoring of blood sugars is,
therefore,
recommended when these drugs are concurrently used.
PREGNANCY: Ofloxacin should be avoided during
pregnancy, as safe
use 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
vaginitis
in women. Rare allergic reactions have been described, such as
hives and
anaphylaxis (shock). Symptoms of nervous system stimulation,
such as
anxiety, euphoria, and hallucinations have rarely been
reported.
Ofloxacin as well as other antibiotics in the fluoroquinolone class of
antibiotics, has been associated with
tendinitis and even rupture of tendons,
particularly the Achilles tendon. Some physicians recommend that their
patients discontinue vigorous exercise while they are taking fluoroquinolone
antibiotics.
Last Editorial Review: 7/12/2008
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.
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