What is ofloxacin?
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.
What is the most important information I should know about ofloxacin?
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.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking ofloxacin?
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.
Ofloxacin can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while you are using ofloxacin.
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 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.