Ofloxacin tablets

What is this medicine?

OFLOXACIN (oh FLOKS a sin) is a quinolone antibiotic. It is used to treat certain kinds of bacterial infections. It will not work for colds, flu, or other viral infections.

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth with a full glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. You can take it with or without food. If it upsets your stomach, take it with food. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Take all of your medicine as directed even if you think you are better. Do not skip doses or stop your medicine early.

Avoid taking didanosine, sucralfate, antacids, or iron or zinc products within 2 hours of taking this medicine.

A special MedGuide will be given to you by the pharmacist with each prescription and refill. Be sure to read this information carefully each time.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

• anxious

• back pain

• bloody or water diarrhea

• breathing problems

• chest pain

• confusion

• depressed mood

• fast, irregular heartbeat

• hallucination, loss of contact with reality

• joint, muscle, or tendon pain or swelling

• loss of memory

• pain, tingling, numbness in the hands or feet

• seizures

• signs and symptoms of high blood sugar such as dizziness; dry mouth; dry skin; fruity breath; nausea; stomach pain; increased hunger or thirst; increased urination

• signs and symptoms of low blood sugar such as feeling anxious; confusion; dizziness; increased hunger; unusually weak or tired; sweating; shakiness; cold; irritable; headache; blurred vision; fast heartbeat; loss of consciousness; pale skin

• stomach pain

• suicidal thoughts or other mood changes

• sunburn

• unusually weak or tired

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• dry mouth

• headache

• nausea

• trouble sleeping

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

• cisapride

• dofetilide

• dronedarone

• pimozide

• thioridazine

• ziprasidone

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

• antacids

• birth control pills

• certain medicines for diabetes, like glipizide, glyburide, or insulin

• certain medicines that treat or prevent blood clots like warfarin

• didanosine buffered tablets or powder

• multivitamins

• NSAIDS, medicines for pain and inflammation, like ibuprofen or naproxen

• other medicines that prolong the QT interval (cause an abnormal heart rhythm)

• sucralfate

• theophylline

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.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at a temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 85 degrees F). Keep container closed tightly. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• bone problems

• diabetes

• heart disease

• high blood pressure

• history of irregular heartbeat

• history of low levels of potassium in the blood

• joint problems

• kidney disease

• liver disease

• myasthenia gravis

• seizures

• tendon problems

• tingling of the fingers or toes, or other nerve disorder

• an unusual or allergic reaction to ofloxacin, fluoroquinolone antibiotics, foods, dyes, or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Tell your doctor or healthcare professional if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse.

Do not treat diarrhea with over the counter products. Contact your doctor if you have diarrhea that lasts more than 2 days or if it is severe and watery.

Check with your doctor or health care professional if you get an attack of severe diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, or if you sweat a lot. The loss of too much body fluid can make it dangerous for you to take this medicine.

This medicine may affect blood sugar levels. If you have diabetes, check with your doctor or health care professional before you change your diet or the dose of your diabetic medicine.

You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. Do not sit or stand up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells.

This medicine can make you more sensitive to the sun. Keep out of the sun. If you cannot avoid being in the sun, wear protective clothing and use a sunscreen. Do not use sun lamps or tanning beds/booths.