Ofloxacin: What Should I Avoid While Taking Ofloxacin

Content provided by Cerner Multum, Inc.

What should I avoid while taking ofloxacin?

You may be taking certain other medicines that should not be taken at the same time as ofloxacin. Avoid taking the following medicines within 2 hours before or after you take ofloxacin. These other medicines can make ofloxacin much less effective when taken at the same time:

• antacids that contain calcium, magnesium or aluminum (such as Tums, Mylanta, or Rolaids);
• the ulcer medicine sucralfate (Carafate);
• didanosine (Videx) powder or chewable tablets; or
• vitamin or mineral supplements that contain calcium, iron, or zinc.

Avoid exposure to sunlight, sunlamps, or tanning beds. Ofloxacin can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight, and a sunburn may result. Wear protective clothing and use a sunscreen (SPF-15 or higher) if you must be out in the sun. Call your doctor if you have severe burning, redness, itching, rash, or swelling after being in the sun.

Antibiotic medicines can cause diarrhea, which may be a sign of a new infection. If you have diarrhea that is watery or has blood in it, call your doctor. Do not use any medicine to stop the diarrhea unless your doctor has told you to.

Ofloxacin can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert.

Last updated:	September 15, 2008