Ofloxacin

Welcome to Dwaey, specifically on Ofloxacin page.
This medicine contains important and useful components, as it consists of
Ofloxacin is available in the market in concentration.

Generic Name of Ofloxacin - Learn More

Ofloxacin

Ofloxacin Precaution - What You Need to Know

Before using Ofloxacin, it is crucial to consult a healthcare provider, especially for patients with specific health conditions. Key precautions include:
- Hypersensitivity: Ofloxacin is contraindicated in individuals who have a known allergy to quinolone antibiotics (e.g., ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin), as cross-reactivity may occur. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching, swelling, and difficulty breathing.
- Tendon Damage: Ofloxacin can increase the risk of tendonitis or tendon rupture, particularly in elderly patients, those on corticosteroids, or those with renal impairment. Patients should be advised to stop the medication immediately if they experience symptoms like pain, swelling, or inflammation of the tendons.
- CNS Effects: Ofloxacin can cause central nervous system (CNS) side effects, such as dizziness, confusion, or seizures. Patients should be cautious when operating machinery or driving if they experience these symptoms.
- QT Prolongation: Ofloxacin can prolong the QT interval on an electrocardiogram, which may lead to arrhythmias. It should be used with caution in patients with a history of arrhythmias, or those on medications that affect the QT interval.
- Renal Impairment: Dose adjustments may be needed in patients with renal impairment. Patients should be closely monitored for adverse effects.
- Pregnancy and Lactation: Ofloxacin is generally classified as Category C during pregnancy, meaning it should only be used if the potential benefit outweighs the potential risk. It is also excreted in breast milk, so its use should be avoided or carefully monitored in breastfeeding mothers.

Ofloxacin Indication - Uses and Benefits

Ofloxacin is an antibiotic used to treat various bacterial infections. It is effective against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria and is commonly prescribed for:
- Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs): Ofloxacin is frequently used to treat uncomplicated or complicated UTIs, including cystitis and pyelonephritis.
- Respiratory Tract Infections: It is effective for treating conditions like pneumonia, bronchitis, and sinusitis, especially when caused by susceptible organisms.
- Skin and Soft Tissue Infections: Ofloxacin is indicated for treating skin infections, including cellulitis and wounds, as well as soft tissue infections.
- Gastrointestinal Infections: It may be prescribed for bacterial infections like traveler’s diarrhea or gastroenteritis caused by susceptible pathogens.
- Eye Infections: Ofloxacin ophthalmic solution is used to treat bacterial conjunctivitis and other external eye infections.
- Prostatitis: It is also used in the treatment of prostatitis caused by susceptible bacteria.

Ofloxacin Contraindications - Important Warnings

Ofloxacin is contraindicated in certain situations to ensure patient safety. These include:
- Hypersensitivity: Ofloxacin should not be used in patients who are allergic to quinolone antibiotics, as cross-allergy can occur with other drugs in this class.
- Tendon Disorders: It is contraindicated in patients who have experienced tendon rupture or tendonitis associated with the use of quinolones in the past.
- Severe Renal Impairment: In patients with severe renal dysfunction, especially those requiring hemodialysis, Ofloxacin should be avoided unless absolutely necessary, as the drug may accumulate and lead to toxicity.
- Severe CNS Disorders: Ofloxacin should not be used in patients with a history of severe CNS disorders such as seizures or epilepsy, as it can exacerbate these conditions.
- Pregnancy and Lactation: Ofloxacin is contraindicated during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks, as it can affect cartilage development in the fetus. It should also be avoided during breastfeeding unless deemed absolutely necessary.

Ofloxacin Side Effects - What to Expect

Common and severe side effects of Ofloxacin include:
- Common Side Effects:
- Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
- Dizziness, headache, or insomnia.
- Rash or itching at the site of topical application.
- Serious Side Effects:
- Tendonitis or tendon rupture, especially in older adults or those on corticosteroids.
- QT prolongation leading to arrhythmias such as torsades de pointes.
- Seizures, confusion, or other CNS effects.
- Severe allergic reactions such as anaphylaxis, which can include difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat, and hives.
- Liver toxicity, with symptoms such as jaundice, dark urine, or abdominal pain.
- Peripheral neuropathy, with symptoms such as tingling, numbness, or weakness in the hands or feet.
- Photosensitivity, leading to an increased risk of sunburn.

Patients should promptly report any severe side effects or allergic reactions to their healthcare provider.

Ofloxacin Pregnancy Category ID - Safety Information

3

Ofloxacin Mode of Action - How It Works

Ofloxacin is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic that works by inhibiting bacterial DNA synthesis. It does this by binding to and inhibiting the action of two essential enzymes:
- DNA gyrase: This enzyme is responsible for unwinding the DNA of bacteria, allowing for proper replication.
- Topoisomerase IV: This enzyme helps in separating the bacterial DNA strands after replication.
By inhibiting these enzymes, Ofloxacin prevents the bacteria from replicating their DNA, leading to bacterial cell death. This makes it effective against a wide range of gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria.

Ofloxacin Drug Interactions - What to Avoid

Ofloxacin can interact with a variety of other medications and substances, which may affect its effectiveness or increase the risk of side effects. Important interactions include:
- Antacids and Minerals: Ofloxacin absorption can be impaired when taken with antacids, iron, zinc, or calcium supplements. These substances can bind to the drug and reduce its absorption, decreasing its effectiveness. It is advised to take Ofloxacin at least 2 hours before or 2 hours after these products.
- NSAIDs: The use of NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) with Ofloxacin may increase the risk of CNS toxicity (e.g., seizures).
- Warfarin: Ofloxacin can enhance the anticoagulant effect of warfarin, leading to an increased risk of bleeding. Frequent monitoring of INR levels is recommended when these drugs are used together.
- Corticosteroids: Concomitant use of corticosteroids with Ofloxacin increases the risk of tendonitis and tendon rupture, particularly in elderly patients.
- QT-Prolonging Medications: Ofloxacin should be used cautiously in combination with other QT-prolonging drugs (e.g., amiodarone, macrolide antibiotics, antifungal agents) to avoid the risk of torsades de pointes and other arrhythmias.

Ofloxacin Adult Dose - Recommended Dosage

The typical adult dose of Ofloxacin varies depending on the type of infection being treated:
- Urinary Tract Infections: 200 mg to 400 mg orally, taken twice daily for 7-14 days, depending on the severity of the infection.
- Respiratory Tract Infections: The usual dose is 200 mg to 400 mg orally, taken twice daily for 7-10 days.
- Skin Infections: Typically, 400 mg orally, twice daily, for 7-14 days.
- Eye Infections (ophthalmic formulation): 1-2 drops in the affected eye every 2 hours during the day for the first 2 days, followed by every 4 hours for the next 5 days.

Ofloxacin Child Dose - Dosage for Children

The use of Ofloxacin in children is generally avoided, especially in those under 18 years of age, due to potential adverse effects on cartilage development. However, in certain serious infections where other treatments are not available, Ofloxacin may be used:
- For children, doses range from 5 mg/kg to 7.5 mg/kg body weight, given twice daily. The maximum dose should not exceed 400 mg/day.
- Pediatric use of Ofloxacin should only be considered after careful evaluation by a healthcare provider, and alternative treatments should be explored first.

Ofloxacin Renal Dose - Dosage for Kidney Conditions

For patients with renal impairment, the dosing of Ofloxacin should be adjusted:
- For mild to moderate renal impairment (creatinine clearance 30-50 mL/min), the usual dose can be maintained, but patients should be monitored for adverse effects.
- In cases of severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance <30 mL/min), the dose should be reduced by 50%, and dosing should not exceed once daily.
- Patients on hemodialysis may require further adjustments, with dosing typically once after dialysis.