Medications and Drugs

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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 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; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using ofloxacin and call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

• diarrhea that is watery or bloody;
• seizure (convulsions);
• confusion, hallucinations, anxiety, feeling resltess, tremors, insomnia, nightmares, unusual thoughts or behavior, feeling light-headed;
• severe dizziness, fainting, fast or pounding heartbeat;
• sudden pain, snapping or popping sound, bruising, swelling, tenderness, stiffness, or loss of movement in any of your joints;
• easy bruising or bleeding;
• fever, swollen glands, general ill feeling;
• urinating less than usual or not at all;
• numbness, burning pain, or tingly feeling in your hands or feet;
• pale skin, dark colored urine, fever, weakness, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);;
• the first sign of any skin rash, no matter how mild; or
• severe skin reaction -- fever, sore throat, swelling in your face or tongue, burning in your eyes, skin pain, followed by a red or purple skin rash that spreads (especially in the face or upper body) and causes blistering and peeling.

Less serious side effects may include:

• nausea, vomiting, mild diarrhea;
• headache, dizziness;
• changes in your sense of taste;
• 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 have a history of myasthenia gravis, or if you are allergic to ofloxacin or similar antibiotics such as ciprofloxacin (Cipro), gemifloxacin (Factive), levofloxacin (Levaquin), moxifloxacin (Avelox), norfloxacin (Noroxin), 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 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.

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