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Ofloxacin

 

Ofloxacin (generic Floxin) Review

brand name: Floxin
generic name: Ofloxacin

How does it work?

Ofloxacin belongs to a group of broad spectrum antibiotics called the quinolones. It works by entering the bacterial cell and inhibiting a chemical called DNA-gyrase which is involved in the production of genetic material (DNA). This therefore prevents the bacteria from reproducing and their growth is stopped.

Ofloxacin is effective against several types of bacteria that tend to be resistant to other commonly used antibiotics. It is used to treat a wide range of infections, including infections of the chest, urinary tract. It is also used as a single dose treatment for gonorrhoea.

Ofloxacin (Floxin) is used for:

Treating mild to moderate infections caused by certain bacteria.

Ofloxacin (Floxin) is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic. It kills sensitive bacteria by stopping the production of essential proteins needed by the bacteria to survive.

How should I take this medicine?

Take Ofloxacin (Floxin) tablets by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow tablets whole with a full glass of water. Ofloxacin tablets can be taken with or without meals. Do not take Ofloxacin at the same time as magnesium/aluminum antacids, Videx® (didanosine) chewable/buffered tablets or pediatric powder, sucralfate, or with other products containing calcium, iron or zinc. Ofloxacin (Floxin) tablets may be taken 2 hours before or 2 hours after taking these products. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Finish the full course prescribed by your prescriber or health care professional even if you think your condition is better. Do not stop taking except on your prescriber's advice.

Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

Possible food and drug interactions when taking Floxin

If Floxin is taken with certain other drugs, decreased, the effects of either could be increased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Floxin with the following:

Antacids containing calcium, Neoral)
Didanosine (Videx)
Insulin
Iron supplements such as Feosol
Multivitamins containing zinc
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as Motrin and Naprosyn
Oral diabetes drugs such as Diabinese and Micronase
Probenecid (Benemid)
Sucralfate (Carafate)
Theophylline-containing drugs, or aluminum
Blood thinners such as Coumadin
Calcium supplements such as Caltrate
Cimetidine (Tagamet)
Cyclosporine (Sandimmune, magnesium, such as Theo-Du

What is it used for?

• Skin or soft tissue infections
  
  
• Infections of the sex organs and organs associated with urination (genito-urinary infections)
  
  
• Infection of the lungs and airways (chest or lower respiratory tract infection)
  
  
• Infection of the blood (septicaemia or blood poisoning)
  
  
• Infection of the bladder or tubes that pass urine (urinary tract infection)
  
  
• Gonorrhoea
  
  

Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding

The effects of Floxin during pregnancy have not been adequately studied. If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, inform your doctor immediately. This medication should not be used during pregnancy unless your doctor has determined that the benefit to you outweighs the risk to the unborn baby. Floxin appears in breast milk and could affect a nursing infant. If Ofloxacin (Floxin) is essential to your health, your doctor may advise you to stop breastfeeding until your treatment with Floxin is finished.