Floxin

(Ofloxacin)

The active ingredient in Floxin is ofloxacin, which is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic. It treats bacterial infections by stopping bacteria from making and repairing their DNA. It does this by inhibiting key enzymes bacteria need to grow and multiply, which leads to the bacteria dying. This helps clear infections in areas such as the urinary tract, skin, respiratory tract, or ears, depending on how it is used.

Follow all directions given to you by your doctor and read all documents provided, including the full Prescribing Information, FDA-Approved Product Labeling, Instructions for Use, and Medication Guide before using Floxin. However, the following is a synopsis of the general guidelines for the use of Floxin:

• Floxin is taken by mouth as a tablet.
• Take Floxin with or without food, but take it the same way each time.
• Drink plenty of fluids while taking this medication.
• Do not take Floxin with antacids or supplements containing calcium or magnesium at the same time.
• Take Floxin at least 2 hours before or 2 hours after antacids, sucralfate, or supplements.
• Complete the full course of treatment, even if symptoms improve.
• Do not skip doses or stop early unless instructed by your healthcare provider.
• Avoid tanning beds and excessive sun exposure due to increased risk of sunburn.

Some mild or common side effects of Floxin include:

• Nausea.
• Diarrhea.
• Stomach pain.
• Headache.
• Dizziness.
• Trouble sleeping.
• Lightheadedness.
• Vaginal inflammation (vaginitis).

Some individuals may experience serious side effects while using Floxin. These side effects may require immediate medical attention. If you experience any of the following, contact your healthcare provider or seek emergency medical help:

• Tendon pain, swelling, or rupture, including the Achilles tendon.
• Muscle weakness, especially in people with myasthenia gravis.
• Peripheral neuropathy, including burning, tingling, or numbness.
• Severe allergic reactions such as hives, skin rash, blistering, or anaphylaxis.
• Heart rhythm problems, including QT prolongation or torsade de pointes.
• Severe low blood sugar or hypoglycemia. Symptoms include headache, hunger, sweating, irritability, dizziness, nausea, and a fast heart rate.
• Seizures or nervous system effects.
• Severe diarrhea may be a sign of antibiotic-associated colitis.

These are not all of the possible side effects of Floxin. You should always seek medical advice from your healthcare provider for any questions or concerns about your medical condition or treatment. Read all patient information, medication guides, or drug information sheets that come with this medication. You can also report adverse effects to the Food and Drug Administration at www.fda.gov/medwatch or 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before starting Floxin, it is crucial to discuss any existing health conditions with your healthcare provider. You should be sure that your healthcare provider is aware of all your medical conditions, including:

• Myasthenia gravis.
• A history of tendon problems or tendon rupture.
• Heart rhythm disorders or QT interval prolongation.
• Low potassium levels or hypokalemia.
• Liver problems.
• Nervous system disorders.
• Diabetes or a history of low blood sugar.
• A history of allergic reactions to fluoroquinolone antibiotics.
• Floxin may increase the risk of serious side effects involving the tendons, muscles, joints, nerves, and central nervous system. This risk is increased if you are over 60 years of age, taking corticosteroids, or have had a kidney, heart, or lung transplant.

Boxed Warning

Fluoroquinolone antibiotics may cause serious side effects that can be long-lasting or permanent. These may affect the tendons, nerves, and brain, and can happen at the same time. Reported effects include tendon inflammation or rupture, nerve damage that causes pain or numbness, and central nervous system problems such as confusion or mood changes.

If any of these serious reactions occur, the medication should be stopped right away and a healthcare provider should be contacted.

Fluoroquinolones can worsen muscle weakness in people with myasthenia gravis and should not be used in patients with a known history of this condition.

Because of these risks, fluoroquinolones should only be used when no other treatment options are available for conditions such as acute bacterial sinusitis or acute flare-ups of chronic bronchitis.

Floxin should not be used in individuals who:

• Have a known hypersensitivity to ofloxacin or other quinolone antibiotics like levofloxacin or ciprofloxacin.
• Have myasthenia gravis due to the risk of worsening muscle weakness.

Floxin begins working shortly after the first dose. Many people notice improvement in symptoms within 1 to 3 days, although full treatment must be completed to fully clear the bacterial infection.

When Floxin is taken with other prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements, it may change how they work or increase the frequency or severity of side effects. Make sure that you tell your healthcare professional about anything that you are taking to avoid any negative drug interactions, including:

• Antacids containing calcium or magnesium, which reduce absorption.
• Sucralfate, which interferes with absorption.
• Corticosteroids such as prednisone, which increase the risk of tendon rupture.
• Warfarin, which may increase bleeding risk.
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which may increase the incidence or severity of nervous system side effects.
• Didanosine, which can reduce absorption.

Floxin is available as oral tablets in multiple strengths. The specific dose depends on the type and severity of infection being treated.

It should be stored at room temperature, away from the reach of children or pets.

Floxin was manufactured by Daiichi Sankyo.

Yes, Floxin is available as a generic medication under the name ofloxacin.

Do not stop taking Floxin early unless directed by your healthcare provider. Stopping treatment too soon may cause the infection to return and increase antibiotic resistance.

There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Floxin should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the unborn baby.

Floxin can pass into breast milk, and breastfeeding is not recommended while taking this medication. Discuss alternative feeding options or alternative antibiotics with your healthcare provider.