Ofloxacin is an antibiotic. It is used to treat certain bacterial infections of the lungs, skin, bones, joints, genitals, and bladder.
This medicine may be used to treat other bacterial infections as decided by your doctor.
Take Ofloxacin exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
You may take this medicine with or without food. Try to take it at the same time each day.
Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water.
Take Ofloxacin at regular intervals. Do not skip any doses. You must complete the entire course of this medicine. If you don't, the infection will not be properly controlled.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
DO NOT take Ofloxacin if you have ever had an allergic reaction (e.g. rashes, breathlessness, swollen eyes) to this medicine or any similar antibiotics such as ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, lomefloxacin, moxifloxacin, nalidixic acid, and norfloxacin.
Alert your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- history of tendon problems related to antibiotic use
- epilepsy (fits or seizures)
as Ofloxacin may not be suitable for you.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- heart disease
- liver disease
- kidney disease
- myasthenia gravis (muscle weakness disorder)
- rheumatoid arthritis (inflammation in joints of fingers, wrist, feet, ankles)
- syphilis (a type of sexually transmitted disease)
- G6PD deficiency (an inherited blood disorder that affects the red blood cell)
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving Ofloxacin to a child or the elderly. Children and the elderly may be more sensitive to the side effects.
If you are going for a drug test, inform the person that will screen you that you are taking this medicine.
For as long as you are taking this medicine, you may need to have regular blood tests to check your body’s response to the medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have blood tests.
Ofloxacin may cause drowsiness, dizziness or blurred vision. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert or need to see clearly.
Other side effects include any of the following: dry mouth, constipation, vomiting, decreased appetite, skin or genital rash, and difficulty sleeping.
Ofloxacin may also make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Apply sunscreen when going outdoors and avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight and UV lamps.
You may experience diarrhoea, nausea, stomach discomfort and headache while being treated with Ofloxacin. These side effects are usually mild and will get better with rest. If you have diarrhoea, drink lots of water to replace the fluids lost. However, if you have severe diarrhoea or diarrhoea with severe stomach cramps or bloody stools, alert your doctor immediately.
If you develop rashes, breathlessness, swollen mouth or eyes, stop the medicine and inform your doctor quickly. These could be signs of an allergic reaction.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- fever with persistent sore throat or mouth ulcers, unusual bleeding or bruising
- ruptured tendon usually characterized by a snap or pop you hear or feel, severe pain, bruising, and marked weakness on the affected area e.g. kneecap, shoulders, heel
- numbness or tingling sensation in the hands and feet
- irregular heartbeat
- chest pain
- unusual changes in mood or behaviour (being too depressed, having thoughts of self-harm, seeing, hearing or feeling things that are not existent)
- stomach pain, yellowing of skin and whites of the eyes
- seizures
- symptoms of hypoglycaemia or low blood sugar e.g. dizziness, tremor, shaky hands, feeling hungry, weak or confused, problems speaking
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- other antibiotics e.g. clarithromycin, erythromycin tobramycin, amikacin
- warfarin (a blood-thinning medicine)
- medicines for diabetes e.g. glibenclamide, insulin
- theophylline (asthma medicine)
- medicines for irregular heartbeat e.g. amiodarone, sotalol, procainamide, quinidine
- medicines for depression e.g. amitriptyline
- medicines for mood disorders e.g. olanzapine
- medicines for pain and/or inflammation e.g. ibuprofen, celecoxib, prednisone
- medicines for stomach problems e.g. sucralfate, cimetidine
- probenecid (a medicine for gout)
- didanosine (medicine for HIV infection)
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Ofloxacin.
This medicine should not be taken at the same time as antacids or supplements that contain aluminium, calcium, iron, magnesium, or zinc. These may reduce the effectiveness of Ofloxacin. If you must take antacids or multivitamins containing aluminium, calcium, iron, magnesium or zinc, take at least 2 hours before or after you take Ofloxacin.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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