Floxin

Generic name: Ofloxacin

What is Floxin?

Floxin tablets are used in adults to treat various infections. This includes chronic bronchitis, pneumonia, skin infections, vaginal and urinary tract infections, pelvic inflammatory disease that is caused by certain sexually transmitted diseases, and prostate infections

What is the most important information I should know about Floxin?

The use of Floxin may cause you to develop a serious allergic reaction. It is important to immediately notify your physician if you develop any type of rash, difficulty breathing, hives, swelling of the lips, tongue, or face, or throat tightening.

Floxin may increase your risk of developing tendonitis (inflammation of the tendons) or tendon rupture. This risk is increased in patients who are older (over 60 years old), patients who are taking corticosteroids, and in patients who have undergone kidney, heart, or lung transplants. It is therefore important to immediately notify your physician if you experience tendon pain, swelling or inflammation.

Floxin may also increase the risk of developing seizures. It is important to notify your physician if you have any type of seizure disorder.

In addition, Floxin may cause you to develop peripheral neuropathy (changes in sensation and possible nerve damage). It is important to notify your physician immediately if you develop any type of pain, burning, tingling, numbness, or weakness in your arms, hands, legs, or feet.

The use of Floxin may cause you to develop sensitivity to the sun (photosensitivity) and to sunlamps and tanning beds. It is important to limit your time in the sun as well as avoid sunlamps, and tanning beds while taking Floxin tablets. It is important to immediately notify your physician if you develop any type of sunburn, blisters, or swelling of your skin.

Floxin may cause you to develop serious heart rhythm changes. Notify your physician immediately if you have a change in heart beat or if you feel faint.

You may develop diarrhea. It is important to contact your physician if you develop watery or bloody stools while on therapy or after discontinuing therapy.

Who should not take Floxin?

Do not take Floxin if you have had any type of previous allergic reaction to it or have ever had an allergic reaction to similar drugs in its class (quinolones).

What should I tell my doctor before I take the first dose of Floxin?

Tell your doctor about all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medication you are taking before beginning treatment with Floxin. Also, talk to your doctor about your complete medical history, especially if you are elderly, have kidney or liver disease, diabetes, have a history of cardiac arrhythmias, or a seizure disorder.

What is the usual dosage?

The information below is based on the dosage guidelines your doctor uses. Depending on your condition and medical history, your doctor may prescribe a different regimen. Do not change the dosage or stop taking your medication without your doctor's approval.

Adults: The usual dosage is 200 milligrams (mg) to 400 milligrams (mg) given every 12 hours. Your dose will vary depending on the type of infection you have and how well your kidneys function.

How should I take Floxin?

Take Floxin exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Complete the full course of therapy for best results. Take Floxin with or without food. Be sure to drink plenty of fluids while taking Floxin tablets.

While taking Floxin tablets, it is important to avoid taking antacids containing calcium, magnesium, or aluminum; sucralfate; iron; multivitamins containing zinc; and didanosine within two hours before or after taking Floxin tablets.

What should I avoid while taking Floxin?

Avoid sunlamps and tanning beds. It is important to limit your exposure to sun. Floxin tablets can make your skin sensitive to sun, sunlamps, and tanning beds. Consequently, this may cause you to develop a severe sunburn, blisters or swelling of your skin. Notify your physician immediately if any of these symptoms occur and wear protective clothing and sunscreen when you are exposed to sunlight.

Floxin may cause dizziness or lightheadedness. It is important to avoid performing potentially hazardous tasks (eg, driving, operating machinery, engaging in activities that require mental alertness) until you are use to the effects of Floxin tablets.

What are possible food and drug interactions associated with Floxin?

If Floxin is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Floxin tablets with the following: antacids containing aluminum, calcium, or magnesium; antidiabetic agents (eg, insulin, glyburide), cimetidine, cyclosporine, didanosine, iron, multivitamins containing zinc, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, probenecid, sucralfate, theophylline, and warfarin.

What are the possible side effects of Floxin?

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, tell your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking this drug.

Side effects of Floxin tablets may include: diarrhea, difficulty sleeping, dizziness, headache, itching of genital area in women, nausea, vaginal inflammation, vomiting

Tendon rupture can occur during or after therapy with Floxin. Stop taking Floxin and contact your doctor if you feel pain, inflammation, or rupture of a tendon.

Can I receive Floxin if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?

The effects of Floxin during pregnancy are unknown. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.

The effects of Floxin tablets are found in breast milk. Do not breastfeed while using Floxin tablets.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Floxin?

If you miss a dose of Floxin, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose.

How should I store Floxin?

Store Floxin tablets at room temperature in a tightly closed container.