Medications and Drugs

Take the MRSA Quiz! Strep or Sore Throat Slideshow Pictures Infectious Mononucleosis Slideshow Pictures

Brand Names: Floxin

Generic Name: ofloxacin (Pronunciation: oh FLOX a sin)

• What is ofloxacin (Floxin)?
• What are the possible side effects of ofloxacin (Floxin)?
• What is the most important information I should know about ofloxacin (Floxin)?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking ofloxacin (Floxin)?
• How should I take ofloxacin (Floxin)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Floxin)?
• What happens if I overdose (Floxin)?
• What should I avoid while taking ofloxacin (Floxin)?
• What other drugs will affect ofloxacin (Floxin)?
• Where can I get more information?

What is ofloxacin (Floxin)?

Ofloxacin is in a group of antibiotics called fluoroquinolones (flor-o-KWIN-o-lones). Ofloxacin fights bacteria in the body.

Ofloxacin is used to treat bacterial infections that cause bronchitis, pneumonia, chlamydia, gonorrhea, skin infections, urinary tract infections, and infections of the prostate.

Ofloxacin may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Floxin 200 mg

elliptical, yellow, imprinted with FLOXIN 200

Floxin 300 mg

elliptical, white, imprinted with FLOXIN 300

Floxin 400 mg

elliptical, yellow, imprinted with FLOXIN 400

Ofloxacin 200 mg-TEV

oval, yellow, imprinted with 7180, 93

Ofloxacin 300 mg-TEV

oval, white, imprinted with 7181, 93

Ofloxacin 400 mg-TEV

oval, gold, imprinted with 7182, 93

What are the possible side effects of ofloxacin (Floxin)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using ofloxacin and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• diarrhea that is watery or bloody;
• seizure (convulsions);
• confusion, hallucinations, unusual thoughts or behavior;
• dizziness, fainting, fast or pounding heartbeat;
• sudden pain or swelling near your joints (especially in your arm or ankle);
• easy bruising or bleeding;
• urinating less than usual or not at all;
• numbness, burning, pain, or tingly feeling in your hands or feet;
• pale or yellowed skin, dark colored urine, fever, weakness;
• fever, sore throat, and headache with a severe blistering, peeling, and red skin rash; or
• the first sign of any skin rash, no matter how mild.

Less serious side effects may include:

• nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, constipation;
• feeling restless or anxious;
• headache, dizziness;
• muscle pain;
• sleep problems (insomnia), or nightmares;
• vaginal itching or discharge; or
• mild skin itching.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about ofloxacin (Floxin)?

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to ofloxacin or similar antibiotics such as ciprofloxacin (Cipro), levofloxacin (Levaquin), norfloxacin (Noroxin), lomefloxacin (Maxaquin), and others.

Before taking ofloxacin, tell your doctor if you have kidney or liver disease, joint problems, myasthenia gravis, seizures or epilepsy, diabetes, low levels of potassium in your blood (hypokalemia), or a personal or family history of "Long QT syndrome."

Avoid taking antacids, vitamin or mineral supplements, sucralfate (Carafate), or didanosine (Videx) powder or chewable tablets within 2 hours before or after you take ofloxacin. These other medicines can make ofloxacin much less effective when taken at the same time.

Ofloxacin may cause swelling or tearing of a tendon (the fiber that connects bones to muscles in the body), especially in the Achilles' tendon of the heel. These effects may be more likely to occur if you are over 60, if you take an oral steroid medication, or if you have had a kidney, heart, or lung transplant. Stop taking ofloxacin and call your doctor at once if you have sudden pain, swelling, tenderness, stiffness, or movement problems in any of your joints. Rest the joint until you receive medical care or instructions.

Do not share this medication with another person (especially a child), even if they have the same symptoms you have.