Ofloxacin

Ofloxacin is an antibiotic drug that fights against bacterial infections. It is used in the treatment of infections that are caused by bacteria, such as chronic bronchitis, pneumonia, tuberculosis, gonorrhea, Chlamydia, anthrax and plague.

This medication works by inhibiting the production of certain enzymes in the DNA of a bacteria, which are necessary for the survival and growth of this bacterial infection. Therefore, this antibiotic drug fights against bacterial infections by killing the bacteria and inhibiting the process of bacterial cell division.

Ofloxacin is an antibiotic medicine that kills bacteria and hinders their growth. This antibiotic is a part of a class of drugs called fluoroquinolones, which work to treat infections that have been caused by bacteria. It is highly effective in treating conditions such as infectious diarrhea, cellulitis, prostatitis, plague, pneumonia and tuberculosis.

This medication fights against both Gram-negative as well as Gram-positive bacteria. It damages double stranded bacterial DNA and hinders DNA relaxation, thus inhibiting the synthesis of bacterial DNA. In this way, Ofloxacin inhibits the process of cell division for bacterial DNA, which helps you to get rid of a bacterial infection.

Ofloxacin is available in the form of tablets or capsules that are taken orally, in the form of eye or ear drops, and can also be injected intravenously. It is advisable to take this medication only under the strict guidelines of your doctor.

Follow this prescription until the course is complete, even if the symptoms disappear. You should not skip a dose and avoid taking an extra tablet to make up for it.

It is possible for some people to experience a few common side effects from taking Ofloxacin like headaches, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, trouble sleeping and dry mouth. These side effects are minor and may not require medical attention, unless they persist for over a week.

However, there are certain severe side effects such as hallucinations, tendonitis, mood swings, anxiety, irregular heartbeat, fatigue and a numbing sensation of the feet or hands. Not everyone experiences these side effects, it occurs only in a few cases. If you do experience any of these side effects, seek medical help immediately.

If you are allergic to Ofloxacin, you might experience symptoms such as itchiness, swollen tongue, face, throat, hands or feet, trouble breathing and rashes. You should stop taking this medicine as soon as you manifest any of these symptoms and contact your doctor immediately.

Some people are more likely to face harmful side effects, if they also suffer from other conditions like brain disorders, seizures, heart conditions, kidney problems, myasthenia gravis, liver disease, epilepsy, tendonitis, an antibiotic allergy, bone disorders and problems of the joints.

It is advisable to inform your doctor of these conditions beforehand if he/she recommends taking Ofloxacin. It is advisable for pregnant women, women who are breastfeeding, and children below 16 years, to avoid taking this antibiotic since it can lead to harmful consequences.

Symptoms of Ofloxacin overdose include acute renal failure, seizures, nausea, vomiting. Treatment includes GI decontamination, if possible, and supportive care.

Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Internal Medicine Specialist before using this medicine.

• Pneumonia

  Ofloxacin is used in the treatment of Community-Acquired Pneumonia which is a most common type of lung infection caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae.

• Bronchitis

  Ofloxacin is used in the treatment of bronchitis which is an inflammation in lungs caused by Streptococcus pneumonia, Haemophilus influenza, and some Mycoplasma Pneumonia.

• Pyelonephritis

  Ofloxacin is used in the treatment of Pyelonephritis which is a type of kidney infection caused by E.coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Enterococci and Klebsiella pneumonia.

• Cystitis

  Ofloxacin is used in the treatment of cystitis which is a bladder infection caused by E.coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Enterococci and Klebsiella pneumonia.

• Prostatitis

  Ofloxacin is used in the treatment of Prostatitis (inflammation of the prostate gland that produces semen) caused by Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas and Enterococcus species.

• Gonococcal Infection

  Ofloxacin is used in the treatment of Gonococcal infection which is a sexually transmitted bacterial infection caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae.

• Joint Infection

  Ofloxacin is used in the treatment of bone and joint infections caused by Enterobacter cloacae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

• Pneumonia With Cystic Fibrosis

  Ofloxacin is used in the treatment of Pneumonia with Cystic Fibrosis (an inherited disease that causes thick mucus to build up in the lungs and promotes the growth of bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus and Hemophilus influenza).

Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Internal Medicine Specialist before using this medicine.

• Allergy

  Avoid taking Ofloxacin if you have a known allergy to this medicine or any other medicines belonging to the class fluoroquinolones.

• Tendinitis Or Tendon Rupture

  Avoid taking this medicine if you have a past history of tendinitis or tendon rupture after using Ofloxacin.

• Myasthenia Gravis

  Avoid taking this medicine if you have a past or family history of suffering from Myasthenia Gravis (weakness and rapid fatigue of muscles under voluntary control).

Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Internal Medicine Specialist before using this medicine.

• Abdominal Pain

• Joint Pain

• Black Or Tarry Stools

• Chest Pain

• Headache

• Insomnia

• Dizziness

• Fatigue

• Sleep Disorders

• Nervousness

• Fever

• Pain

• Diarrhoea

• Vomiting

• Flatulence

• Decreased Appetite

• Dry Eyes

• Edema (Swelling)

• Anxiety

• Depression

Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Internal Medicine Specialist before using this medicine.

• How long is the duration of effect?

  The effect of this medicine lasts for a duration of 12 to 20 hours.

• What is the onset of action?

  The peak effect of this medicine can be observed within 1 to 2 hours of administration of the dose.

• Are there any pregnancy warnings?

  Use of this medicine is not recommended in pregnant women. Use only if clearly needed under the supervision of the doctor.

• Is it habit forming?

  No habit forming tendency has been reported.

• Are there any breast-feeding warnings?

  Use of this medicine is not recommended in women who breastfeed due to the adverse effect on development of the infant's joints. Use only if clearly needed under the supervision of the doctor. Avoid breastfeeding for about 3 to 4 hours to decrease the infant's risk exposure. Monitoring of undesired effects like diarrhea, diaper rash is necessary.

• Is It safe with alcohol?

  It is found to be unsafe to consume Ofloxacin along with alcohol.

• Is it safe to drive while on this medicine?

  This medicine affects the alertness of the patient taking it. Do not drive if you feel dizzy.

• Does this affect kidney function?

  Caution must be taken in patients with kidney disease. Adjustment of dose might be needed. Kindly consult your doctor before taking this medication.

• Does this affect liver function?

  Caution must be taken in patients with liver disease. Adjustment of dose might be needed. Kindly consult your doctor before taking this medication.

Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Internal Medicine Specialist before using this medicine.

• Are there any missed dose instructions?

  The missed dose should be taken as soon possible. It is advisable to skip the missed dose if it's already time for your next scheduled dose.

• Are there any overdose instructions?

  Seek emergency medical treatment or contact the doctor in case of overdose.

Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Internal Medicine Specialist before using this medicine.

• India

• United States

• Japan

Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Internal Medicine Specialist before using this medicine.

Below is the list of medicines, which contains Ofloxacin as ingredient

• Ojen 200 MG Tablet

  Jenburkt Pharmaceuticals Ltd

• Sureof 100 MG Suspension

  Delcure Life Sciences

• Harpoon 200 MG Tablet

  Merck Consumer Health Care Ltd

• Oflokem Novo 200 MG Tablet

  Alkem Laboratories Ltd

• Floxid 200 MG Tablet

  Abbott Healthcare Pvt. Ltd

• Oflanest 100 MG Suspension

  Nest Pharma

• Exocin 0.3% Ointment

  Allergan India Ltd

• Oflotas 200 MG Tablet

  Intas Pharmaceuticals Ltd

• Festive 200 MG Tablet

  Laborate Pharmaceutical Ltd

• Oflup 100 MG Infusion

  Lupin Ltd

Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Internal Medicine Specialist before using this medicine.

This medicine belongs to the class fluoroquinolones. It works as a bactericidal by inhibiting the bacterial DNA gyrase enzyme, which is essential for DNA replication, transcription, repair, and recombination. This leads to expansion and destabilization of the bacterial DNA and causes cell death.

Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Internal Medicine Specialist before using this medicine.

Whenever you take more than one medicine, or mix it with certain foods or beverages, you"re at risk of a drug interaction.

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• Interaction with Alcohol

  Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.

• Interaction with Lab Test

  It cause prolongation of prothrombin time. Also elevation in serum triglycerides, cholesterol, potassium, liver function tests are reported.

• Interaction with Medicine

  • Decreased effect: Decreased absorption with antacids containing aluminium, magnesium, and/or calcium (by up to 98% if given at the same time), iron, vitamins with minerals, mineral supplements, sucralfate, or didanosine; fluoroquinolones may be decreased by antineoplastic agents.
  • Increased toxicity/serum levels: Quinolones cause increased caffeine, warfarin, cyclosporine, procainamide, and possibly theophylline levels. Cimetidine and probenecid increase quinolone levels.

• Interaction with Disease

  Central Nervous System Depression

  If you suffer from CNS disorder and you take Ofloxacin, then you may experience tremors, restlessness, anxiety, confusion and hallucinations. Avoid consuming caffeine containing products like coffee, chocolates and energy drinks.

  Colitis

  Avoid taking Ofloxacin if you experience severe diarrhea, abdominal pain, and blood in stools after taking the medicine. Inform the doctor if you have any gastrointestinal diseases. Drink adequate amount of water to prevent dehydration.

  Qt Prolongation

  Avoid using Ofloxacin if you experience any chest discomfort. Regular cardiac function tests are to be performed if you have any heart disease (arrhythmia) or family history of heart disease.

• Interaction with Food

  Dairy products

  The desired effect of Ofloxacin is not observed if consumed with dairy products. There should be at least 2 hours gap between taking Ofloxacin and dairy products.

• Ques : What is Ofloxacin?

  Ans : This medicine belongs to the class of antibacterial. It is primarily prescribed to treat bacterial infections like Pneumonia, Bronchitis, Pyelonephritis, Cystitis, Prostatitis, Joint Infection, etc.

• Ques : How long do I need to use Ofloxacin before I see improvement in my condition?

  Ans : This medication is to be taken till the time you see an improvement in your health conditions.

• Ques : At what frequency do I need to use Ofloxacin?

  Ans : This medication should be taken in the dosage as prescribed by the doctor.

• Ques : Should I use Ofloxacin empty stomach, before food or after food?

  Ans : This medication should be taken after food in a prescribed dosage.

• Ques : What are the instructions for the storage and disposal of Ofloxacin?

  Ans : This medication should be kept in a cool dry place and in its original packaging. Make sure this medication remains unreachable to children and pets.

• Ques : Will Ofloxacin work for treating cold and flu?

  Ans : This antibiotic medicine only treats bacterial infections. It will not work for viral infections such as common cold, flu.

• Ques : Can I stop Ofloxacin if symptoms disappear?

  Ans : Consume this medication until the date it is prescribed, even if symptoms disappear after a few days. Stopping the medication too early may result in a return of the infection.

• Ques : Does Ofloxacin make the skin more sensitive?

  Ans : This medication may make you sensitive to the sun. Therefore, it is advised to avoid tanning booths and sunlamps. Use sunscreen & wear protective clothing while going out. Also, discuss with your doctor if you get sunburned or have skin blisters/redness.

• Ques : Can the use of Ofloxacin cause diarrhea?

  Ans : Yes, this medication can cause diarrhea. It is an antibiotic that kills harmful bacteria. However, it also affects the helpful bacteria in your stomach or intestine and causes diarrhea. If you are experiencing severe diarrhea, talk to your doctor about it.

• Ques : Can I stop taking Ofloxacin when I feel better?

  Ans : No, do not stop taking this medication and complete the full course of treatment even if you feel better.

• Ofloxacin- Drug Information Portal [Internet]. druginfo.nlm.nih.gov. 2021 [Cited 25 Nov 2021]. Available from:

  https://druginfo.nlm.nih.gov/drugportal/name/ofloxacin

• OFLOXACIN- ofloxacin solution/ drops- Daily Med [Internet]. dailymed.nlm.nih.gov. 2020 [Cited 25 Nov 2021]. Available from:

  https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=ef145ece-56d8-4dea-a136-ec462b335641

• Tarivid IV Infusion Solution- EMC [Internet]. www.medicines.org.uk. 2021 [Cited 25 Nov 2021]. Available from:

  https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/1668/smpc

• Ofloxacin- Drug Information Portal [Internet]. druginfo.nlm.nih.gov. 2021 [Cited 25 Nov 2021]. Available from:

  https://druginfo.nlm.nih.gov/drugportal/name/ofloxacin

• OFLOXACIN- ofloxacin solution/ drops- Daily Med [Internet]. dailymed.nlm.nih.gov. 2020 [Cited 25 Nov 2021]. Available from:

  https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=ef145ece-56d8-4dea-a136-ec462b335641

• Tarivid IV Infusion Solution- EMC [Internet]. www.medicines.org.uk. 2021 [Cited 25 Nov 2021]. Available from:

  https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/1668/smpc