Ofloxacin - Oral

Ofloxacin is an antibiotic. It is used to treat certain bacterial infections of the lungs, skin, genitals, kidneys and bladder.

This medicine may be used to treat other bacterial infections as decided by your doctor.

Take Ofloxacin exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.

You may take this medicine with or without food. Try to take it at the same time each day.

Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water.

The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the treatment timeframe depending on the type and severity of your infection and your response to the medication.

Take Ofloxacin at regular intervals. Do not skip any doses. You must complete the entire course of this medicine. If you don't, the infection will not be properly controlled.

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.

DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.

If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.

Do not take Ofloxacin if you ever had an allergic reaction (e.g. rashes, breathlessness, swollen eyes) to this medicine or similar antibiotics such as ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, and norfloxacin.

Alert your doctor if you have the following conditions:

• history of tendon problems related to previous use of this medicine or similar antibiotics
• current or history of epilepsy (fits or seizures)

as Ofloxacin may not be suitable for you.

Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:

• heart problems or disease e.g. slow heartbeat, congenital QT syndrome (an inherited disease causing abnormally fast and erratic heartbeats), recent heart attack, heart failure (weakness and inability of the heart to pump blood), heart valve regurgitation (leaking heart valves)
• low potassium or magnesium levels in the blood
• aortic aneurysm (weakness and bulging of the wall in the major blood vessel that carries blood away from the heart)
• aortic dissection (tear in the wall of the major blood vessel that carries blood away from the heart)
• rheumatoid arthritis (inflammation in the joints of fingers, wrist, feet, and ankles)
• mental illness
• history of or risk factors for depression
• myasthenia gravis (muscle weakness disorder)
• G6PD deficiency (an inherited blood disorder where the body lacks a certain enzyme necessary for the proper functioning of red blood cells)
• diabetes
• liver disease
• kidney disease

Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving Ofloxacin to the elderly. Elderly people may be more sensitive to the side effects.

If you are going to have a certain laboratory test (e.g. urinary drug test), inform your doctor that you are taking this medicine.

Why is it important to keep my appointments with the doctor?

Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.

• Routine tests (e.g. liver or kidney function, complete blood count) may be done while you are being treated with this medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.
• Regular monitoring of signs and symptoms of allergic reactions, tendon problems, severe or bloody diarrhoea, nerve problems, changes in mental status, and liver disease may also be needed.

Ofloxacin may cause drowsiness, dizziness, or blurred vision. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert or need to see clearly.

This medicine may also make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Apply sunscreen when going outdoors and avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight and UV lamps.

Other side effects include any of the following: headache, nausea, vomiting, decreased appetite, abdominal cramps, dry mouth, skin or genital itching, stuffy or runny nose, and difficulty sleeping.

Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:

• rashes, breathlessness, swelling of the face, eyes or mouth
• rashes with peeling of the skin or blistering of the lips, mouth or eyes accompanied by fever
• severe diarrhoea or diarrhoea with severe stomach cramps or bloody stools
• yellowing of the skin or eyes, abdominal pain, dark coloured urine, tiredness, swelling in the legs and ankles
• pain, numbness or tingling sensation in the hands and feet
• swelling or discomfort in the tendons, difficulty controlling or moving a joint
• fits or seizures
• unusual changes in mood or behaviour (being too depressed, agitated, or having compulsive and impulsive behaviour), confusion, hallucinations (seeing, hearing or feeling things that are not existent)
• shaky hands, unusual hunger or thirst, fruity smell breath, feeling weak or confused, passing urine more often, sweating, weakness
• fast or irregular heartbeat, chest pain or pressure

Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.

Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking or using any of these medicines:

• corticosteroids (anti-inflammatory medicines)
• other antibiotics e.g. clarithromycin, erythromycin
• certain medicines to treat depression e.g. amitriptyline
• medicines for irregular heartbeat e.g. amiodarone, sotalol, quinidine
• medicines for mood disorders e.g. olanzapine
• medicines for diabetes e.g. glibenclamide, insulin
• NSAIDs (medicines for pain and inflammation) e.g. ibuprofen, diclofenac
• blood-thinning medicines e.g. warfarin
• probenecid (medicine for gout [high uric acid level in the blood])
• theophylline (asthma medicine)
• cimetidine (medicine that reduces stomach acid production)

This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Ofloxacin.

This medicine should not be taken with aluminium-, calcium-, or magnesium-containing antacids (medicines that neutralise stomach acids), supplements with iron or zinc, didanosine (medicine for HIV infection), or sucralfate (medicine used to treat ulcer in the small intestine) as they could reduce the effectiveness of Ofloxacin. If you must take these medicines, take them at least 2 hours before or 2 hours after you have taken your Ofloxacin dose.

Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements, and medicines that you buy without a prescription.

Avoid alcohol.

Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.

Protect from light and moisture.

Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.