What special precautions should I follow?
Before taking Ofloxacin:
Tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, seizures or epilepsy, a history of head injury or a brain tumor. If you have any of these conditions, you may not be able to use ofloxacin, or you may need a dosage adjustment or special tests during treatment.
Moreover, inform your doctor if you are taking any of the following drugs: theophylline (Theo-Dur®, Theolair®, Slo-Phyllin®, Slo-Bid®, Elixophyllin®); probenecid (Benemid®); a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin®); cimetidine (Tagamet®, Tagamet HB®); cyclosporine (Neoral®, Sandimmune®, Gengraf®); insulin or an oral diabetes medication such as glipizide (Glucotrol®), glyburide (Micronase®, Diabeta®, Glynase®), and others; or aspirin or other NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) such as ibuprofen (Motrin®, Advil®), diclofenac (Voltaren®), indomethacin, naproxen (Aleve®, Naprosyn®), piroxicam (Feldene®), nabumetone (Relafen®), etodolac (Lodine®), and others. If you are using any of these drugs, you may not be able to use ofloxacin, or you may need dosage adjustments or special tests during treatment.
There may be other drugs not listed that can affect ofloxacin. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.
Additionally, there are certain medicines you should not take within the 2 hours before or after you take ofloxacin. This includes antacids that contain magnesium or aluminum (Tums® or Rolaids®), the ulcer medicine sucralfate (Carafate®), didanosine (Videx®), and vitamin or mineral supplements that contain iron or zinc. Taking these other medicines too close to your dose of ofloxacin can make the antibiotic much less effective.
Do not give this medicine to a child younger than 18 years old. Ofloxacin may interfere with bone development in a child.
This medication is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.
Furthermore, ofloxacin can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding.
Antibiotic medicines can cause diarrhea, which may be a sign of a new infection. If you have diarrhea that is watery or has blood in it, call your doctor. Do not use any medicine to stop the diarrhea unless your doctor has told you to.
Ofloxacin can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert.
Avoid exposure to sunlight or artificial UV rays (sunlamps or tanning beds). Ofloxacin can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight and sunburn may result. Use a sunscreen (minimum SPF 15) and wear protective clothing if you must be out in the sun.
Why is this medication prescribed?
Dosage and using this medicine
What should I do if I forget a dose?
What side effects can this medication cause?