Ofloxacin: What Is The Most Important Information I Should Know About Ofloxacin


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


Pronunciation: oh FLOX a sin
Brand: Floxin

Floxin 200 mg

Image of Floxin 200 mg

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elliptical, yellow, imprinted with FLOXIN 200

donot 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."

water 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.
emt Call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as watery diarrhea, seizure, unusual thoughts or behavior, fast or pounding heartbeats, fainting, sudden pain or swelling near your joints, urinating less than usual, dark colored urine, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes), or a severe blistering, peeling, and red skin rash.
donot 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.
emt 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.
donot Do not share this medication with another person (especially a child), even if they have the same symptoms you have.
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Last updated: September 15, 2008

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