Generic Floxin, tablets

Chemical Name: OFLOXACIN

Common uses

This medicine is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections.

Before using

Additional monitoring of your dose or condition may be needed if you are taking anticoagulants. Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions, allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about taking this medicine.

Directions

Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. This medicine may be taken on an empty stomach or with food. Drink a full glass of water with each dose. Drink several additional glasses of water daily, unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

Take this medicine 2 hours before or 2 hours after taking any medicines containing magnesium, aluminum, or calcium. Some examples include quinapril, didanosine, vitamins/minerals, or antacids. Sucralfate, bismuth subsalicylate, iron, and zinc are also included. These medicines bind with ofloxacin preventing its full absorption. It is not known whether or not milk or dairy products prevent absorption of ofloxacin; therefore, as a precaution, do not eat/drink dairy products within 2 hours before of after taking ofloxacin.

Store this medicine at room temperature, away from heat and light. To clear up your infection completely, continue taking this medicine for the full course of treatment even if you begin to feel better in a few days. Do not miss any doses. If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Cautions

Do not take this medicine if you have had a severe allergic reaction to this medicine or another fluoroquinolone antibiotic (such as cipro, floxin). A severe reaction includes a severe rash, hives, breathing difficulties, or dizziness. If you have a question about whether you are allergic to this medicine or if a certain medicine is a fluoroquinolone, contact your doctor or pharmacist. If you experience difficulty breathing; tightness of chest; swelling of eyelids, face, or lips; or if you develop a rash or hives, tell your doctor immediately. Do not take any more doses of this medicine unless your doctor tells you to do so.

This medicine may cause dizziness or lightheadedness. Do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how you react to this medicine. This medicine may cause increased sensitivity to the sun. Avoid exposure to the sun, sunlamps, or tanning booths until you know how you react to this medicine. Use a sunscreen or protective clothing if you must be outside for a prolonged period. Before you begin taking any new medicine, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. If you plan on becoming pregnant, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy. This medicine is excreted in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine.

Possible side effects

Side effects, that may go away during treatment, include nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, dizziness, headache, nervousness, or trouble sleeping. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if you experience tendon pain, joint pain or swelling, rash, swelling of throat or tongue, difficulty breathing, severe or continuing diarrhea, itching, hives, or vaginal irritation or discharge. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.

If you take too much

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.

Additional information

If your symptoms do not improve within a few days or if they become worse, check with your doctor. Do not share this medicine with others for whom it was not prescribed. Do not use this medicine for other health conditions, or later for other infections. A different medicine may be needed in those cases. Keep this medicine out of the reach of children and pets.

Drug interactions

Drug interactions can result in unwanted side effects or prevent a medicine from doing its job. Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with this medicine. Inform your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking.