1. Take the MRSA Quiz!
2. Strep or Sore Throat Slideshow Pictures
3. Infectious Mononucleosis Slideshow Pictures

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking 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.

To make sure you can safely take ofloxacin, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:

• heart rhythm disorder, especially if you take quinidine (Quin-G), disopyramide (Norpace), bretylium (Bretylol), procainamide (Pronestyl, Procan SR), amiodarone (Cordarone, Pacerone), or sotalol (Betapace);
• a history of allergic reaction to an antibiotic;
• muscle weakness or trouble breathing;
• joint problems;
• kidney or liver disease;
• epilepsy or a history of seizures;
• diabetes;
• low levels of potassium in your blood (hypokalemia); or
• a personal or family history of Long QT syndrome.

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether ofloxacin will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medication.

Ofloxacin can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while you are using ofloxacin.

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.

How should I take ofloxacin (Floxin)?

Take exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Take ofloxacin with a full glass of water (8 ounces). Drink several extra glasses of fluid each day to prevent crystals from forming in the urine.

You may take ofloxacin with or without food, but take it at the same time each day.

If you are being treated for gonorrhea, your doctor may also have you tested for syphilis, another sexually transmitted disease.

Take this medication for the full prescribed length of time. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely cleared. Skipping doses may also increase your risk of further infection that is resistant to antibiotics. Ofloxacin will not treat a viral infection such as the common cold or flu.

This medication can cause unusual results with certain medical tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using ofloxacin.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.

Need help identifying pills and medications?
Use the pill finder tool on RxList.