Ofloxacin Side Effects, Overdose and Pregnancy Information

Ofloxacin is given to treat infections of the lower respiratory system, urinary tract, sinuses, the skin, bones and joints, and prostate. Ofloxacin is also used for inhalational anthrax, STDs, severe bronchial infections, infectious diarrhea, typhoid fever, and pneumonia. Ofloxacin belongs to the family of Flouroquinolone, which are effective against many organisms that traditional antibiotics fail to resist. Ofloxacin kills a variety of bacteria, and prevent them from reproducing and is often used to treat infections all over the body. However, they are not considered good to treat viral infections like flu.

Ofloxacin Side Effects

Ofloxacin side effects are nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Less common Ofloxacin side effects are abdominal pain, headache, rash, and restlessness. Rare Ofloxacin side effects may include confusion, shortness of breath, blood in urine, coughing up blood, depression, dizziness, hives, irritability, liver and kidney failures.

Ofloxacin Side Effects Reporting

If you experience any Ofloxacin side effects not mentioned above you should report it to your primary health care provider or FDA 1-800-FDA-1088 in the United States, Health Canada 1-866-225-0709 in Canada, MHRA 020 3080 6000 in UK, or TGA 1800 020 653 in Australia.

OFLOXACIN OVERDOSE

Symptoms of Ofloxacin overdose include confusion, delusion, headache, upset stomach, and convulsions. In rare cases Ofloxacin overdose may cause kidney failure. In case of Ofloxacin overdose seek medical help right away.
If you miss a dose of Ofloxacin, take it as soon as you can. However, if it is just about time for your next dose, skip the one you forgot and go on with your regular schedule. Never take a double dose of Ofloxacin.

OFLOXACIN AND PREGNANCY

Animal studies have shown birth defects by Ofloxacin. Inform your doctor if you are or planning to become pregnant before using Ofloxacin. Nursing mothers should switch to bottle-feed while taking Ofloxacin.

OFLOXACIN CAUTION

Stop taking Ofloxacin and seek medical help right away at the first sign of a skin rash or any other allergic reaction. Though rare, serious and seldom fatal allergic reactions have been reported, even after the first dose.

These reactions include loss of consciousness, swelling of the face and throat, shortness of breath, hives, tingling, and rash.

You should not take Ofloxacin if you are sensitive to or have ever had an allergic reaction to Ofloxacin or other antibiotics of this type such as Ofloxacin, Noroxin and Trovan.

You should not drive a car, operate dangerous machinery, or participate in any hazardous activity that requires full mental alertness until you know how Ofloxacin affects you.

Continued or prolonged use of this drug may result in a growth of bacteria that do not respond to this medication and can cause a secondary infection.

If you have a known or suspected central nervous system disorder such as epilepsy or hardening of the arteries in the brain, inform your physician before taking Ofloxacin.

You should consult your doctor before taking Ofloxacin if you have liver or kidney disease.

OFLOXACIN INTERACTION

The following can interfere with the absorption of Ofloxacin:

Antacids
Carafate
Iron Supplements and other multivitamins containing calcium, or zinc (also avoid taking milk or yogurt)
Videx

Serious and fatal reactions have occurred when Ofloxacin was taken in combination with theophylline, Probeneacid and Cimetidine.

Ofloxacin may increase the effects of caffeine.

If Ofloxacin is taken with these drugs, the effects of either could be increased or decreased:

Cyclophosphamide
Cyclosporine
Glyburide
Metoprolol
Phenytoin
Warfarin

OFLOXACIN DOSES

ADULTS:

For most infections 200-400 mg twice daily.


Doses of Ofloxacin may be reduced if the patient has kidney problems.

EYEDROPS:
Bacterial Conjunctivitis: (days 1-2) 1-2 drops in the infected eye every 2-4 hours.
(days 3-7) every 4-6 hours.

Bacterial Corneal Ulcer: (days 1-2) 1-2 drops every 30mins.
(days 3-9 or through the end) 1-2 drops every hour.

EARDROPS: 5-10 drops in the affected ear twice daily.

CHILDREN:

Ofloxacin is not recommended.
Drug List
A- B- C- D- E- F- G- H- I- J- K- L- M- N- O- P- Q- R- S- T- U- V- W- X- Y- Z-
Home