Treating mild to moderate infections caused by certain bacteria.

Ofloxacin is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic. It kills sensitive bacteria by stopping the production of essential proteins needed by the bacteria to survive.

Do NOT use Ofloxacin if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Ofloxacin
• you are allergic to any other fluoroquinolone antibiotic (eg, ciprofloxacin)
• you are taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (eg, ibuprofen) or typhoid oral vaccine

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Before using Ofloxacin :

Some medical conditions may interact with Ofloxacin. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

• if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
• if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
• if you have diabetes
• if you have heart problems, including irregular heartbeat; liver or kidney disease; or low potassium levels
• if you have Alzheimer disease, hardening in the arteries in the brain, seizures, increased pressure on the brain, or another central nervous system disorder
• if you have tendonitis
• if your skin is sensitive to sunlight

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Ofloxacin. Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:

• Foscarnet, NSAIDs (eg, ibuprofen), or tramadol because the risk of seizures may be increased
• Anticoagulants (eg, warfarin), procainamide, or theophylline because the side effects of these medicines may be increased
• Live typhoid vaccine because the effectiveness of the vaccine may be decreased
• Aluminum salts (eg, aluminum hydroxide), iron salts (oral) (eg, ferrous sulfate), or magnesium salts (eg, magnesium hydroxide) because the effectiveness of Ofloxacin is decreased. Take ofloxacin 2 hours before or 2 hours after these medicines to offset this effect.

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Ofloxacin may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

How to use Ofloxacin :

Use Ofloxacin as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

• Ofloxacin may be taken with food or on an empty stomach.
• Drink a full glass of water with each dose. Drink several glasses of water daily, unless otherwise instructed by your doctor.
• Do not drink milk or eat dairy products, or take antacids, sucralfate, or vitamins within 2 hours before or after taking Ofloxacin.
• Ofloxacin works best if it is taken at the same time each day.
• If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Ofloxacin.

Important safety information:

• Ofloxacin may cause dizziness, drowsiness, or lightheadedness. Use caution when driving or performing other tasks requiring alertness, coordination, or physical dexterity.
• Ofloxacin may cause increased sensitivity to sunlight. Avoid prolonged exposure to the sun or other ultraviolet (UV) light (eg, tanning beds). Use sunscreens and wear protective clothing if you must be outside for a prolonged period of time.
• Diabetic patients should monitor their blood sugar regularly while taking Ofloxacin with an antidiabetic medicine. Talk with your doctor at once if a reaction caused by low blood sugar occurs.
• Notify your dentist or doctor that you are taking Ofloxacin before you have any dental work or surgery.
• Long-term or repeated use of Ofloxacin may cause a second infection. You may need to start another medication to treat the second infection. Contact your doctor if signs of a second infection occur.
• If you experience pain or inflammation, or rupture a tendon during or shortly after taking ofloxacin, contact your health care provider immediately.
• If severe diarrhea, stomach cramps/pain, or bloody stools occur, contact your doctor at once. This could be a sign of a serious side effect that needs immediate medical attention. Do not treat diarrhea without consulting your doctor.
• It is important to use Ofloxacin for the full course of treatment. Failure to do so may decrease the effectiveness of this treatment and may increase the risk that the bacteria will no longer be sensitive to Ofloxacin and it will not be able to be treated by this or certain other antibacterial medicines in the future.
• LAB TESTS, such as kidney function tests, may be needed to monitor your condition. Be sure to keep all lab appointments.
• Ofloxacin is not recommended for use in CHILDREN younger than 18 years of age; safety and effectiveness in this age group have not been confirmed.
• PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: If you plan on becoming pregnant, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using Ofloxacin during pregnancy. Ofloxacin is excreted in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking Ofloxacin.

Possible side effects of Ofloxacin :

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

Diarrhea; dizziness; headache; loss of appetite; nausea; nervousness; sensitivity to sunlight; trouble sleeping; vomiting.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); agitation; anxiety; bizarre behavior; bloody stools; confusion; convulsions; dark urine; depression; diarrhea (severe or continuing); difficulty swallowing; excessive urination, thirst, or hunger; fatigue; fever; hallucinations; hoarseness; increased pressure within the head; joint or muscle pain or swelling; lightheadedness; loss of consciousness; nervousness; nightmares; pale stools; paranoia; rapid heartbeat; rash, skin burning, redness, swelling, blisters, itching, or skin inflammation; restlessness; seizures; shock (pale skin); sleeplessness; stomach pain/cramps; suicidal thoughts; tendon pain, inflammation, or swelling; tightness of the throat; tingling; tremors; urination problems; vaginal irritation or discharge; yellowing of skin or eyes.