Ofloxacin is an antibiotic drug used to treat various diseases caused by bacterial infections, such as lung infections, sexually transmitted infections, ear infections, eye infections, skin infections, and soft tissue infections. This medicine can only be used with a doctor's prescription.
This quinolone class of antibiotics will inhibit the formation of bacterial DNA by interfering with the enzyme DNA gryrase and topoisomerization IV. As a result, the bacteria stop growing and eventually die.
Ofloxacin brand: Akilen, Flotavid, Grafloxin, Rilox, Tarivid Otic, Ximex Koniflox
What is Ofloxacin
| group | Quinolone antibiotics |
| Category | Prescription drugs |
| Benefit | Treating bacterial infections |
| Used by | Adults and children |
| Orfloxacin for pregnant and lactating women | Category C: Animal studies have shown adverse effects on the fetus, but there are no controlled studies in pregnant women. Ofloxacin should only be used if the expected benefit outweighs the risk to the fetus. Ofloxacin can be absorbed into breast milk. If you are breastfeeding, do not use this medicine without consulting your doctor first. |
| Drug form | Tablets, caplets, eye drops, ear drops, injections |
Precautions Before Using Ofloxacin
Orfloxacin should not be used carelessly. There are several things to consider before using orfloxacin, including:
- Do not use this medication if you are allergic to ofloxacin or to other quinolone antibiotics, such as ciprofloxacin, gemifloxacin, levofloxacin, and norfloxacin.
- Do not give ofloxacin tablets and injections to children under 18 years of age, because the benefits and safety have not been proven.
- Do not drive a vehicle or operate machinery that requires vigilance while taking ofloxacin treatment, as this medicine can cause dizziness.
- Tell your doctor if you have and have ever had depression, joint or tendon disorders, hypertension, myasthenia gravis, kidney disease, liver disease, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, Marfan syndrome, vascular disorders, heart disease, seizures, or peripheral neuropathy.
- Tell your doctor if you are planning a pregnancy, are pregnant, or are breastfeeding.
- Tell your doctor if you are taking certain medications, including supplements and herbal remedies.
- Tell your doctor if you want to be immunized or vaccinated with a live vaccine, such as the typhoid vaccine.
- If an allergic drug reaction or overdose occurs after using ofloxacin, see a doctor immediately.
Dosage and Instructions for Use Ofloxacin
The dose and duration of use of orfloxacin will be determined by the doctor according to the type of infectious disease, the severity of the infection, as well as the age and health condition of the patient. Here is the explanation:
Condition: Pelvic inflammation
Drug form: oral medicine
- Mature: 400 mg every 12 hours, for 10–14 days.
Condition: Acute attacks in patients with chronic bronchitis or pneumonia
Drug form: oral medicine
- Mature: 400 mg every 12 hours, for 10 days.
Condition: Uncomplicated skin infection
Drug form: oral medicine
- Mature: 400 mg every 12 hours, for 10 days.
Condition:Non-gonococcal cervicitis caused by Chlamydia trachomatis
Drug form: oral medicine
- Mature: 400 mg per day in single or divided doses. Alternative dose 300 mg every 12 hours. The maximum duration of treatment is 7 days.
Condition: Prostatitis
Drug form: oral medicine
- Mature: 200 mg every 12 hours, for 10 days. Alternate dose 200 mg or 400 mg twice daily, for 7–21 days.
Condition: Uncomplicated cystitis or uncomplicated urinary tract infection
Drug form: oral medicine
- Mature: 200 mg every 12 hours, for 3–7 days.
Condition: Gonorrhea without complications
Drug form: oral medicine
- Mature: 400 mg single dose.
Condition: Red eye (conjunctivitis) due to bacterial infection
Medicine form: eye drops
- Adults and childrenage1 year: 1–2 drops, instilled into the affected eye every 2–4 hours, for 3–7 days. The maximum duration of drug use is 10 days.
Condition: Corneal ulcer due to bacterial infection
Medicine form: eye drops
- Adults and children age1 year: 1-2 drops, instilled into the affected eye every 30 minutes while awake, and 4-6 hours while sleeping, for 1-2 days.
Condition: Acute otitis media
Medicine form: ear drops
- Children aged 1–12 years with a tympanostomy tube: 5 drops, instilled into the affected ear canal 2 times a day, for 10 days.
Condition: Otitis externa
Medicine form: ear drops
- Adults and children age >13 years: 10 drops, instilled into the affected ear canal once a day, for 7 days.
- Children aged 6 months–13 years: 5 drops, instilled into the affected ear canal once a day, for 7 days.
Specifically, the dose of injectable ofloxacin will be determined by the doctor according to the patient's condition. Ofloxacin injection should only be given by a doctor or medical officer under the supervision of a doctor.
How to Use Ofloxacin Correctly
Be sure to read the instructions on the medicine package and follow the doctor's recommendations for using ofloxacin.
Ofloxacin in the form of oral drugs can be taken before or after meals. Increase the consumption of water while taking this drug.
Ofloxacin can cause sunburn. Therefore, use sunscreen and closed clothing when doing activities in the sun during the day, and avoid using UV lamps or doing outdoor activities tanning skin.
Avoid blinking and rubbing your eyes. Repeat this process if the recommended dose is more than 1 drop. If you have an infection in both eyes, perform the above treatment steps in both eyes.
To use ear drops, tilt your head so your ear is facing up. Drop ear drops according to the recommended dose. Pull the auricle back and press the cartilage in front of the ear (tragus) several times. Hold the position with the ear up for 5 minutes.
Store ofloxacin at room temperature, away from direct sunlight, heat, and humid conditions. Keep medicine out of reach of children.
Ofloxacin Interactions with Other Drugs
Ofloxacin can cause drug interactions when used together with other medicines. Here are some possible interactions:
- Decreased absorption of ofloxacin when used with antacids, zinc supplements, iron supplements, sulfates, or didanosine
- Increased levels of glibenclamide in the blood
- Increased risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant drugs, such as warfarin
- Increased risk of muscle inflammation and muscle tearing when used with corticosteroids
- Increased risk of QT prolongation when used concomitantly with class 1A and III antiarrhythmic drugs, macrolide drugs, or antipsychotic drugs
- Increased risk of seizures when used with theophylline and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
Ofloxacin Side Effects and Dangers
There are several side effects that can occur after using ofloxacin, including:
- Nauseous
- Stomach pain, bloating, or cramping
- Decreased appetite
- Diarrhea
- Headache or dizziness.
- Insomnia
If the above symptoms get worse or do not go away, contact your doctor. See your doctor right away if you have an allergic drug reaction or serious side effects, such as:
- Easy bruising or bleeding
- Fever
- Sore throat
- Changes in the frequency of urination
- Fatigue
- Throws up
- Symptoms of jaundice appear