What it's for (Indications)
- Ofloxacin is indicated for the treatment of various bacterial infections, including urinary tract infections, lower respiratory tract infections (e.
- g.
- , acute bacterial exacerbation of chronic bronchitis, community-acquired pneumonia), skin and soft tissue infections, urethral and cervical gonorrhea (uncomplicated), non-gonococcal urethritis and cervicitis (due to C.
- trachomatis), and mixed infections of the urethra and cervix (due to C.
- trachomatis and N.
- gonorrhoeae).
- It is also indicated for acute pelvic inflammatory disease.
Dosage Information
| Type | Guideline |
|---|---|
| Standard | The usual adult oral dose of ofloxacin tablets is 200 mg to 400 mg every 12 hours, depending on the infection. Specific dosing regimens include: Acute Bacterial Exacerbation of Chronic Bronchitis (400 mg q12h for 10 days), Community-Acquired Pneumonia (400 mg q12h for 10 days), Uncomplicated Skin and Skin Structure Infections (400 mg q12h for 10 days), Acute, Uncomplicated Urethral and Cervical Gonorrhea (400 mg single dose), Nongonococcal Cervicitis/Urethritis due to C. trachomatis (300 mg q12h for 7 days), Mixed Infection of the Urethra and Cervix due to C. trachomatis and N. gonorrhoeae (300 mg q12h for 7 days), and Acute Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (400 mg q12h for 10-14 days). These recommendations apply to patients with normal renal function (creatinine clearance > 50 mL/min). For patients with impaired renal function (creatinine clearance ≤ 50 mL/min), dosage adjustments are necessary as per clinical guidelines. Patients should always use the medication as recommended by their doctor and complete the entire prescribed course. |
Safety & Warnings
Common Side Effects
- Commonly reported adverse reactions include gastrointestinal disturbances (e.
- g.
- , nausea, diarrhea, vomiting), headache, insomnia, dizziness, rash, pruritus, external genital pruritus in women, vaginitis, and dysgeusia (taste distortion).
- Visual disturbances such as temporary watering of the eye and blurred vision have also been reported.
- Other serious side effects include hypersensitivity reactions and various central nervous system disturbances.
Serious Warnings
- Black Box Warning: WARNING: SERIOUS ADVERSE REACTIONS INCLUDING TENDINITIS, TENDON RUPTURE, PERIPHERAL NEUROPATHY, CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM EFFECTS AND EXACERBATION OF MYASTHENIA GRAVIS. Fluoroquinolones, including ofloxacin, have been associated with disabling and potentially irreversible serious adverse reactions that have occurred together. These include tendinitis and tendon rupture, peripheral neuropathy, and central nervous system effects. Ofloxacin should be discontinued immediately and further use of fluoroquinolones avoided if a patient experiences any of these serious adverse reactions. This medication can also exacerbate muscle weakness in patients with myasthenia gravis.
- Patients should complete the entire course of medication to prevent recurrence of infection.
- Ofloxacin is associated with disabling and potentially irreversible serious adverse reactions that necessitate immediate discontinuation, including tendinitis, tendon rupture, peripheral neuropathy (e.
- g.
- , pain, burning, tingling, numbness, weakness), and central nervous system effects (e.
- g.
- , seizures, hallucinations, depression, suicidal thoughts and behavior).
- It can also exacerbate myasthenia gravis; patients with this condition should avoid its use.
- Elderly patients and those with psychiatric disorders, renal or hepatic impairment, diabetes, or G6PD deficiency may be more sensitive to the drug.
- There is a risk of QT prolongation (a heart rhythm disorder); caution is advised in patients at risk.
- Pseudomembranous colitis, an inflammation of the large intestine, may occur; consider this diagnosis if persistent diarrhea develops.
- Patients should report signs of liver disease (e.
- g.
- , fatigue, nausea, dark urine, jaundice).
- Avoid strong ultraviolet light exposure.
- If visual disturbances persist or worsen, an eye specialist should be consulted immediately.
- Store at room temperature, away from direct heat and sunlight, and keep out of the reach of children and pets.
How it Works (Mechanism of Action)
Ofloxacin, a fluoroquinolone antibiotic, exerts its bactericidal action by inhibiting bacterial DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV, essential enzymes involved in bacterial DNA replication, transcription, repair, and recombination. This leads to the disruption of bacterial DNA integrity and subsequent cell death.