Ofloxacin are indicated for the treatment of adults with mild to moderate infections caused by susceptible strains.
Lower Respiratory Tract: Acute bacterial exacerbation of chronic bronchitis lung abscess, pneumonia.
Gastrointestinal Tract: Enteric fever, shigellosis.
Multi-drug-resistant Tuberculosis.
Skin and skin structures: Uncomplicated skin and skin structure infections.
Sexually Transmitted Diseases: Acute, Uncomplicated urethral and cervical gonorrhoea. Nongonococcal urethritis and cervicitis. Mixed infections of the urethra and cervix.
Urinary tract: Uncomplicated Urinary Tract Infections, Complicated urinary tract infections.
May be taken with or without food. Avoid antacids or supplements containing Fe or Zn within 2 hr before or after ofloxacin. Ensure adequate hydration.
Antacids containing magnesium, aluminium or calcium may decrease absorption of ofloxacin. Iron or Zinc may decrease oral absorption of ofloxacin.
Ofloxacin should not be used in-patients with known hypersensitivity to 4-fluoroquinolone antibacterials. It is contraindicated in-patients with a history of epilepsy or with a lowered seizure threshold. Ofloxacin is usually contraindicated in children or growing adolescents and in pregnant or breast feeding women.
Ofloxacin is generally well tolerated and clinical side-effects of ofloxacin has been quite low. Among the adverse effects gastrointestinal and central nervous systems' reactions are common. Nausea, rash, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhoea and gastrointestinal distress are the gastrointestinal adverse effects. Common central nervous system reactions are headache, dizziness and insomnia.
The safety of ofloxacin during pregnancy has not been established. Ofloxacin may enter breast milk but data are not available.
Patients being treated with Ofloxacin should not expose themselves unnecessarily to strong sunlight and should avoid UV rays. Caution is recommended if the drug is to be used in psychotic patients or in-patients with a history of psychiatric disease.
Renal Impairment:
CrCl <20 and patients on haemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis: 100 mg 24 hrly following usual initial dose.
CrCl 20-50: Reduce dose by half 24 hrly following usual initial dose.
Hepatic Impairment:Severe: Reduce dose. Max: 400 mg daily
Symptoms: Confusion, dizziness, impairment of consciousness, convulsive seizures, GI reactions (e.g. nausea, mucosal erosions).
Management: Symptomatic and supportive treatment. Remove any unabsorbed drug by gastric lavage or admin of adsorbants and Na sulfate. Antacids are recommended for protection of gastric mucosa. Elimination may be increased by forced diuresis.
