Related to this topic: Patient+ | Medicines | Equipment | Books | Your Experience | Other resources | Glossaries
Print options: Printer friendly version of this leaflet (html)     Other options:  AddThis Social Bookmark Button (what's this?)

Ofloxacin

  • You must complete the course of ofloxacin, even if you begin to feel better. Stopping early may allow the infection to come back.
  • Do not take indigestion remedies or any medicines containing iron or zinc at the same time of day as this medicine. Take any such remedies at least two hours before or two hours after a dose of ofloxacin.
  • Important: If you develop a skin rash or itching, have difficulty breathing, a high temperature, swelling of the face, tongue or throat, an increased pulse rate or unexplained muscle pain, stop taking ofloxacin and speak to your doctor immediately.
  • Important: If you suffer from diarrhoea which contains blood, yellowing of the skin, a sensitive feeling of the body or uncontrollable movements, speak to your doctor immediately.

About ofloxacin

Type of medicine Quinolone antibiotic
Used for Infections including chest, urinary-tract and skin infections
Also called Tarivid
Available as Tablets
Intravenous Infusion

Ofloxacin works by preventing the growth of the bacteria causing the infection. This results in bacterial cell death.

Before taking ofloxacin

Before taking ofloxacin make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

  • If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
  • If you suffer from liver or kidney problems.
  • If you have diabetes.
  • If you have a history of tendon problems such as tendinitis.
  • If you have ever experienced tendon problems after taking any other quinolone antibiotics (ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, moxifloxacin, nalidixic acid or norfloxacin).
  • If you suffer with epilepsy or any other condition that causes convulsions (fits).
  • If you suffer from myasthenia gravis (muscle weakening disease).
  • If you have ever suffered from mental health problems.
  • If you have glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency or if you have a family history of this condition.
  • If you are under 18 years of age.
  • If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine.
  • If you are taking other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines.

How to take ofloxacin

  • Before beginning treatment, read the manufacturer’s printed information leaflet.
  • Take your medication exactly as directed by your doctor.
  • Take ofloxacin at regularly spaced intervals.
  • You must complete the course of ofloxacin, even if you begin to feel better. Stopping early may allow the infection to come back.
  • Ofloxacin tablets must be swallowed whole, not chewed, with a full glass of water.
  • Try to take ofloxacin at the same time each day to avoid missing any doses.
  • If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is nearly time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at the same time to make up. If in doubt, speak to your pharmacist or doctor.

Getting the most from your treatment

  • Ofloxacin can cause dizziness and drowsiness. Make sure your reactions are normal before driving, operating machinery or doing other jobs which could be dangerous if you were not fully alert. Alcohol will increase any feelings of drowsiness.
  • Do not take indigestion remedies, or any medicines containing iron or zinc, at the same time as this medicine. Take any such remedies at least two hours before or two hours after a dose of ofloxacin tablets.
  • If you have diabetes check your blood sugar levels regularly.
  • Ofloxacin may cause your skin to become more sensitive to sunlight than it is usually. Avoid the sun and sun beds and use a sun protection cream higher than factor 15 until you know how your skin reacts.
  • If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment, tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
  • If you buy any medicines, check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines.

Can ofloxacin cause problems

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.

Common side-effects - these affect less than 1 in 10 people who take this medicine What can I do if I experience this
Nausea Eat little and often. Stick to simple foods such as dry toast.
Vomiting Drink plenty of liquid. Stick to simple foods such as dry toast.
Diarrhoea Drink plenty of water to replace lost fluids.
Headache Ask your pharmacist to recommend a suitable pain-killer. If headache continues speak with your doctor.
Dizziness Make sure your reactions are normal before driving, operating machinery or doing any other jobs which could be dangerous if you were not fully alert. Avoid alcohol - it will increase any feelings of dizziness.
Sleep disorders, restlessness, abdominal pain If these continue or become troublesome speak to your doctor or pharmacist.

Important: If you develop a skin rash or itching, have difficulty breathing, a high temperature, swelling of the face, tongue or throat, an increased pulse rate or unexplained muscle pain, stop taking ofloxacin and speak to your doctor immediately.

Important: If you suffer from diarrhoea which contains blood, yellowing of the skin, a sensitive feeling of the body or uncontrollable movements, speak to your doctor immediately.

If you experience any other worrying symptoms which you think may be due to this medicine, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store ofloxacin

  • Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
  • Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines


  • Keep all medicines out of the sight and reach of children.
  • Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of this medicine go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if it is empty.
  • This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
  • Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.
  • If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.

References

Comprehensive patient resources are available at www.patient.co.uk
© EMIS 2008 DocID:
1431		 DocRef:
dils3898		 Last Updated:
10 Apr 2008		 Date of Next Review:
10 Apr 2010		 Version:
22




















Disclaimer: Patient UK has no control of the content of the above links. Inclusion does not imply endorsement by Patient UK.

Advertise on this site









Disclaimer: Patient UK has no control of the content of the above links. Inclusion does not imply endorsement by Patient UK.

Advertise on this site

PS - Health and Poverty

Perhaps the biggest cause of ill health in the world is poverty. Help to Make Poverty History. For example, why not lend some of your money to disadvantaged communities to enable them to trade their way out of poverty through schemes such as Shared Interest.

See also MAKEPOVERTYHISTORY North East for details and links to campaigns against poverty.

^ Top of Page