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Floxin (Ofloxacin) is an antibiotic drug. Ofloxacin kills certain bacteria or stops their growth. It treats prostate,chest, urinary-tract and skin infections. Chemically, Ofloxacin is the racemic mixture i.e. have equal amount of substance from left or right-handed two symmetrical molecules (enantiomers). The biologically active enantiomer sold separately under the brandname of Levaquin and used as a treatment for gonorrhoea and chlamydia infection and is an alternative treatment to Cipro for anthrax.
What should I tell my doctor before I take Floxin?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
arteriosclerosis
dehydration
heart disease
kidney disease
liver disease
long exposure to sunlight (working outdoors)
seizures (convulsions)
stomach problems (especially colitis)
stroke
tendon or joint pain
other chronic conditions
allergy to fluoroquinolone antibiotics, foods, dyes, or preservatives
pregnant or trying to get pregnant
breastfeeding
How should I take Floxin?
Take Floxin pills orally. Follow the instructions on the prescription. Swallow tablets whole with a full glass of water. Floxin pills can be taken with or without meals. Do not take ofloxacin at the same time as magnesium/aluminum antacids, sucralfate, Videx® (didanosine) chewable/buffered tablets or pediatric powder, or with other products containing calcium, iron or zinc. Floxin pills may be taken 2 hours before or 2 hours after taking these products. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medications more often than directed. Close the full course ordered by your doctor even if you think your condition is better. Do not stop taking except on your doctor's advice.
Contact your pediatrician regarding the use of Floxin in children. Special care may be required.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses. There should be an interval of at least 10 to 12 hours between doses.
What drug(s) may interact with ofloxacin?
aluminum salts
antacids
arsenic trioxide
astemizole
bepridil
calcium salts
certain heart medications for irregular rhythm (e.g., amiodarone, disopyramide, dofetilide, flecainide, ibutilide, quinidine, procainamide, sotalol)
certain medications for depression or other mental problems (e.g., tricyclic antidepressants, amoxapine, maprotiline, phenothiazines, haloperidol, pimozide, risperidone, sertindole, and ziprasidone)
cisapride
clarithromycin
cyclobenzaprine
cyclosporine
didanosine (Videx® tablets or oral solution)
doxercalciferol
iron (ferrous sulfate) preparations
dolasetron
droperidol
erythromycin
levomethadyl
magnesium salts
manganese
medicines for diabetes
multivitamins containing iron, calcium, zinc, or manganese
NSAIDs such as Advil®, Aleve®, ibuprofen, Motrin®, naproxen
pentamidine
probucol
terfenadine
sucralfate
theophylline
troleandomycin
warfarin
zinc salts
Tell your doctor about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your doctor if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your doctor before finishing or starting any of your medications.
What side effects may I notice from taking Floxin pills?
Side effects that you should report to your doctor as soon as possible:
difficulty breathing
irregular heartbeat, palpitations or chest pain
joint, muscle or tendon pain
severe or watery diarrhea
redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth
skin rash, itching
swelling of the face or neck
vomiting
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor if they continue or are bothersome):
diarrhea
difficulty sleeping
dizziness, drowsiness
headache
nausea
What should I watch for while taking ofloxacin?
Tell your doctor if your symptoms do not improve in 2 to 3 days.
If you are a diabetic monitor your blood glucose carefully. If you get an unusual reaction stop taking ofloxacin at once and call your doctor for advice.
You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how ofloxacin affects you. To reduce the risk of dizzy or fainting spells, do not sit or stand up quickly, especially if you are an older patient.
Drink several glasses of water a day. Cut down on drinks that contain caffeine.
Antacid can stop ofloxacin working. If you get an upset stomach and want to take an antacid, make sure there is an interval of at least 2 hours since you last took ofloxacin, or 6 hours before your next dose.
Iron and zinc preparations can also stop ofloxacin from working properly.
Keep out of the sun, or wear protective clothing outdoors and use a sunscreen. Do not use sun lamps or sun tanning beds or booths.
If you notice pain or soreness of a tendon or around a joint, stop taking ofloxacin. Call your healthcare provider immediately. You must rest and stop exercise until your healthcare provider says it is okay to start again.
If you are going to have surgery, tell your doctor that you are taking Floxin.
Where can I keep Floxin pills?
Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open. Store at a temperature below 30 degrees C (85 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
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