Ofloxacin

Ofloxacin

Ofloxacin is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic used to stop the spread of infectious bacteria. It is used to treat several bacterial infections like bronchitis, pneumonia, infectious diarrhea, prostatitis, etc.

Let us understand the various aspects of this medicine in detail.

What are the uses of Ofloxacin?

Ofloxacin is used to stop bacterial infections and their growth. It is used to treat infections found in:

• Skin

• Lungs

• Kidneys

• Bladder

• Prostate

• Reproductive Organs

It is also found to be effective against Legionnaires' disease, a severe lung infection. 

How and when to take Ofloxacin?

Ofloxacin can be taken after having food or on a semi-empty stomach and should be swallowed with water. It is necessary to take the medicine at the same time every day, or as prescribed. Drinking plenty of fluids is suggested by the doctors when someone is given Ofloxacin. Hydration is necessary to prevent side effects.

Ofloxacin tablets are prescribed for a period ranging from three days to six weeks depending upon the severity of the case. It is better to keep a 12-hour gap between two doses. You will feel better after taking the first dose. But if the symptoms do not show any improvements or show side effects, you should immediately contact your doctor. Take the medicine and finish the course even if you feel better after taking some of it. The bacteria become resistant, and infections become recurrent if the medicine course is not completed. 

What are the side effects of Ofloxacin?

The side effects of ofloxacin are:

• Fever

• Fatigue

• Nausea

• Constipation

• Vomiting

• Pale skin

• Mouth dryness

• Watery stools and maybe blood

• Stomach cramps for months, even after the treatment is complete

• Itching and rashes

• Swelling or yellowing of the eyes and face

• Breathing or swallowing trouble

• Fluttering heartbeat

• Frequent urination and sweating

• Constantly feeling hungry or thirsty

If you find any of these symptoms, you should immediately consult your doctor.

What precautions are to be taken when you take Ofloxacin?

You should be cautious in the following conditions if you are prescribed Ofloxacin:

• Allergic to the medicine or other quinolone/fluoroquinolone antibiotics like Ciprofloxacin, Gemifloxacin, Levofloxacin, etc.

• Taking any other medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, or herbal products.

• Taking blood thinners like warfarin, antidepressants, antipsychotics, insulin, and other medicines to treat diabetes like glimepiride, chlorpropamide, tolazamide, etc., and anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen

• Taking antacids, supplements, and multivitamins with iron and zinc, then take ofloxacin 2 hours before or 2 hours after taking these medicines.

• Medical history of heart diseases or prolonged QT intervals

• Pregnancy, breastfeeding, or planning to get pregnant 

• History of diabetes, hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar) or liver disease

Ofloxacin may make the skin sensitive to sunlight or ultraviolet rays, so, apply sunscreen, wear full-body coverings, wear a hat and protect your skin when going outdoors. 

What if I missed a dose of Ofloxacin?

You should take the missed dose as soon as you remember it, but if it is almost time to take the next dose, then continue with the regular schedule and do not take double doses. It is not recommended to take more than two doses a day of ofloxacin.

What if I overdose on Ofloxacin?

An overdose of Ofloxacin can result in dizziness, nauseousness, hot and cold flushes, confusion, slurred speech, and numbness and swelling of the face. If there is a seizure or trouble breathing, the patient must be rushed to the nearest hospital. It is always advised to contact your doctor immediately if you overdose on Ofloxacin.

What are the storage conditions of Ofloxacin?

Ofloxacin must be kept in a cool and dry place away from the reach of children. It should be stored in a way to avoid heat, air, light, and moisture.

Can I take Ofloxacin with other medication?

Following are the medicines that must not be taken along with Ofloxacin to avoid interactions:

• Bepridil

• Cisapride

• Dronedarone

• Mesoridazine

• Pimozide

• Piperaquine

• Saquinavir

• Sparfloxacin

• Terfenadine

• Thioridazine

• Ziprasidone

If it is necessary to take the above-mentioned or any other medication with Ofloxacin, inform your doctor about the same. They will provide safer alternatives to avoid any complications.

How quickly will Ofloxacin show results?

Ofloxacin starts showing results immediately after taking it. And after two days, the patient feels better in the case of most infections. However, you should complete the course of treatment as prescribed by the doctor. For those with prostate infections, it can take up to 6 weeks to clear up the infection completely.

Comparison of Ofloxacin with Ciprofloxacin

Both belong to the fluoroquinolone family, but Ofloxacin has a longer half-life and higher serum levels when compared to Ciprofloxacin.

Ofloxacin is used to treat skin infections, pneumonia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, prostate infections, UTIs, pelvic infections in women, gonorrhea, chlamydia, etc.

Ciprofloxacin is used to treat bone and joint infections; lung infections; UTI and other kidney infections; sinus, plague, typhoid fever, anthrax, and chronic prostate infections, and diarrhoeal infections.

Conclusion

Ofloxacin is an antibiotic drug and should be used with caution. You need to discuss your prevailing medications and other health conditions beforehand with your doctor. Always follow the doctor’s advice while taking medicines.

FAQs

1. What is Ofloxacin?

Ofloxacin is a broad-spectrum antibiotic belonging to the fluoroquinolone class. It is used to treat various bacterial infections.

2. What conditions does Ofloxacin treat?

Ofloxacin is commonly prescribed for infections such as urinary tract infections, respiratory tract infections, skin and soft tissue infections, and certain sexually transmitted infections.

3. How does Ofloxacin work?

Ofloxacin works by inhibiting the activity of bacterial DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV enzymes, preventing DNA replication and repair, ultimately leading to bacterial cell death.

4. Is Ofloxacin effective against viral infections?

No, Ofloxacin is specifically designed to treat bacterial infections and is not effective against viral infections like the flu or common cold.

5. What are the common side effects of Ofloxacin?

Common side effects may include nausea, diarrhea, dizziness, headache, and insomnia. If you experience severe or persistent side effects, it's important to contact your healthcare provider.

References:

http://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a691005.html

https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/ofloxacin-oral-route/side-effects/drg-20072196 p=1#:~:text=Ofloxacin%20belongs%20to%20the%20class,only%20with%20your%20doctor's%20prescription. https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-7792/ofloxacin-oral/details

Disclaimer: The information provided here is not meant to substitute an advice from a healthcare professional. The information is not intended to cover all the possible uses, side-effects, precautions, and drug interactions. This information is not intended to suggest that using a specific drug is suitable, safe, or efficient for you or anyone else. The absence of any information or warning regarding the drug should not be interpreted as an implicit guarantee from the organisation. We strongly advise you to consult a doctor if you have any concerns about the drug and never use the medication without a doctor’s prescription.