Generic
Ofloxacin
7 brands available in the market
At a glance
Ofloxacin is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic used for lower respiratory tract infections, urinary tract infections, sexually transmitted diseases, gastrointestinal infections, skin and soft tissue infections, and eye and ear infections.
Description
Ofloxacin is a synthetic 4-fluoroquinolone antibacterial agent with bactericidal activity against a wide range of gram-negative and gram-positive organisms. It inhibits bacterial DNA gyrase enzyme to prevent DNA replication, transcription and repair.
Indications
- Lower respiratory tract infections (acute bacterial exacerbation of chronic bronchitis, pneumonia)
- Urinary tract infections (complicated and uncomplicated)
- Sexually transmitted diseases (gonorrhoea, nongonococcal urethritis/cervicitis)
- Gastrointestinal infections (enteric fever, shigellosis)
- Skin and soft tissue infections
- Multi-drug-resistant tuberculosis
Therapeutic class
4-Quinolone Preparations, Aural Anti-bacterial Preparations
Pharmacological class
Fluoroquinolone Antibiotic
Pharmacology
Ofloxacin inhibits bacterial DNA gyrase enzyme to prevent DNA replication, transcription and repair, resulting in bacterial cell death.
Mechanism of action
Treats infections by inhibiting bacterial DNA replication.
Dosage
Adult Dose (Oral):
- Respiratory/Skin infections: 400 mg twice daily for 10 days
- Uncomplicated cystitis: 200 mg twice daily for 3-7 days
- Complicated UTI: 200 mg twice daily for 10 days
- Gonorrhoea: 400 mg single dose
- Nongonococcal cervicitis/urethritis: 400 mg daily (single or divided) for 7 days
- PID: 400 mg twice daily for 10-14 days
- Prostatitis: 200 mg twice daily for 28 days
- Enteric fever: 200 mg every 12 hours for 5 days
- Shigellosis: 400 mg single dose
- MDR-TB: 400 mg twice daily
Eye Drops: 1 drop every 2-4 hours (first 2 days), then 4 times daily; max 10 days
Ear Drops: 1-2 drops in affected ear twice daily
Administration
- Swallow tablet whole; do not chew, crush or break
- Take at the same time each day
- May be taken with or without food
- Do not take within 2 hours of Mg/Al antacids or iron preparations
Missed dose
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember; skip if it's almost time for next dose; do not double the dose.
Side effects
Common Side Effects:
- Nausea
- Rash
- Vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Diarrhea
- Gastrointestinal distress
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Insomnia
Eye/Ear: Transient ocular irritation, burning, stinging, redness, itching, photophobia; mild ear irritation or discomfort
Precautions & warnings
- Avoid strong sunlight and UV rays
- Caution in psychotic patients or history of psychiatric disease
- Discontinue if tendinitis or tendon pain occurs
- Caution during pregnancy and lactation
- Caution while driving
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity
- History of epilepsy or lowered seizure threshold
- Pregnancy and lactation
- Children and growing adolescents
Drug interactions
- Reduced absorption with Mg/Al/Ca-containing antacids, iron, zinc
- Risk of QT prolongation with Class IA/III antiarrhythmics
- Increased risk of tendon disorders with corticosteroids
- Increased risk of CNS stimulation (seizures) with NSAIDs
- Increased theophylline levels
Food interactions
Alcohol may cause reactions; avoid.
Use in pregnancy
Use in Pregnancy: Ofloxacin may be unsafe during pregnancy (Category C); animal studies show evidence of fetal harm.
Pregnancy Category: C — always consult a doctor before taking during pregnancy.
Use in lactation
Use in Lactation: Ofloxacin is probably unsafe during breastfeeding; may pass into breast milk and harm the baby.
Pediatric use
Not indicated for children or growing adolescents.
Geriatric use
No dose adjustment required in elderly.
Renal / hepatic impairment
Renal Impairment: CrCl 20-50: Reduce dose by half; CrCl <20 and dialysis: 100 mg daily.
Hepatic Impairment: Severe hepatic dysfunction: Reduce dose; max 400 mg daily.
Overdose effects
Overdose: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness; symptomatic treatment.
Storage conditions
Store between 15-30°C; protect from light.
Chemical structure
Ofloxacin