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 86 degrees F.

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. For further reading, please read the Asthma article. 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.

Last Editorial Review: 12/31/1997

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