Ofloxacin
ANTIBIOTICUses of Ofloxacin
- Ofloxacin is used to treat bacterial infections, such as eye, ear, urinary, respiratory, skin, and soft tissue infections, and sexually transmitted infections.
- It is a broad-spectrum antibiotic belonging to the fluoroquinolone class.
Ofloxacin can be used to treat skin infections such as cellulitis and abscesses. - Ofloxacin is also available in eardrop form for treating outer ear infections (otitis externa) and middle ear infections (otitis media).
- Ofloxacin eye drops are used for treating bacterial conjunctivitis and keratitis.
Side effects of Ofloxacin
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Headache
- Stomach pain
How Ofloxacin works
- Ofloxacin is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic that kills bacteria.
- It does this by blocking two important enzymes in bacterial cells, topoisomerase II and topoisomerase IV, that help the bacteria copy their DNA and divide. When ofloxacin stops these enzymes from working, the bacteria can't replicate or repair their DNA, ultimately preventing them from multiplying and causing them to die.
Certified content
Written By
B. Pharm
Reviewed By
B. Pharm, MSc.
Expert Advice
Dosage Forms Available
- Ofloxacin can be taken orally (tablet, syrup) and used as drops (eye drops and ear drops).
Age And Dose Restrictions
- It can be used by adults above 18 years of age.
Contraindications
- It is contraindicated in patients with a history of hypersensitivity to Ofloxacin, patients having convulsions, tendonitis, seizures, brain damage, kidney issues, glucose-6 phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency, history of heart diseases, and diabetes.
Other Medications To Avoid With This Medicine
- Avoid taking antacids (aluminium hydroxide), anti-ulcer medications (sucralfate), multivitamins (vitamin D3 or thiamine), corticosteroids (prednisone), anticoagulants (warfarin), bronchodilators (theophylline), non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (aspirin), uricosurics (probenecid), antihistamines (cimetidine), immunosuppressants (ciclosporin), and antiarrhythmics (amiodarone). It may worsen when taken along with this syrup. These medications may alter the safety and effectiveness of Ofloxacin.
Overdose And Missed Dose
- If you take an overdose of this medication by accident and experience worsening of any of the symptoms, please consult your doctor. It is advised to adhere to the prescribed dose.
- If you miss a dose of this medication, take it as soon as you remember. But, if the next dose is near, skip the missed dose and resume the regular dosing regime.
Management Of Side Effects
- The side effects are resolved on discontinuation of the medicine. If side effects worsen or persist, consult your doctor for a possible treatment plan adjustment.
Use In Driving And Operating Machinery
- Refrain from driving or operating heavy machinery after taking this medication.
Use In Pregnancy And Lactation
- Caution is advised in pregnant and breastfeeding women.
Special Dietary And Lifestyle Recommendation
- Make sure you drink plenty of water or other fluids every day.
- Exercise regularly for the best physical and mental health.
- Take a balanced diet to nourish the body and the brain.
- Maintain proper hygiene to avoid bacterial infections.
- Eat fibre-rich food like whole grains, beans, lentils, berries, broccoli, peas and bananas.
- Avoid foods rich in calcium, such as grapefruit and grapefruit juice, as they might hinder the absorption of antibiotics.
- Avoid consumption of alcohol and usage of tobacco.
- Antibiotics can alter the useful bacteria in the stomach, which can cause indigestion. Therefore, you are advised to take foods rich in probiotics such as yoghurt/curd, kefir, sauerkraut, tempeh, kimchi, miso, kombucha, buttermilk, natto and cheese.
Frequently asked questions
1. Is it necessary to take plenty of fluids while taking Ofloxacin?
Yes, drinking water and other fluids while taking this medication is essential to maintain hydration.
2. For how long should Ofloxacin be used?
It should be taken as long as the doctor prescribes it for you. The duration of treatment depends upon the severity of the disease or infection.Â
3. Does taking Ofloxacin affect your diabetes?
Yes, it is essential to check the sugar levels more often while taking this medication as it can affect the sugar levels, especially in patients having diabetes.Â
4. Is Ofloxacin a steroid?
No, it is not a steroid. It belongs to the quinolone group of antibiotics.
5. Is Ofloxacin addictive in nature?
No, this medicine is not addictive in nature and can be taken as long as prescribed without habit formation.
6. Can the use of Ofloxacin cause diarrhoea?
Ofloxacin may cause diarrhea, and in some cases, it can be severe. If you experience persistent diarrhea, consult your doctor.
7. Can the use of Ofloxacin increase the risk of muscle damage?
Yes, the use of ofloxacin is known to increase the risk of muscle damage, particularly affecting tendons (such as the Achilles tendon). Be cautious and report any muscle pain while using this medicine.
8. Is ofloxacin used for UTI?
Ofloxacin is effective for treating UTIs, which include infections of the kidneys, bladder, or urethra. It prevents bacterial growth and replication.
9. Can we use ofloxacin for fever?
While ofloxacin is not specifically indicated for fever treatment, it is commonly used for various bacterial infections, including pneumonia. However, consult your doctor for fever management.
Ofloxacin in other salts
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