Antibiotics

Drug Uses

Floxin is an antibiotic used to treat a wide range of bacterial infections including sexually transmitted diseases (except syphilis), pelvic inflammatory disease, and infections of the urinary tract, prostate gland, and skin.

Usage

You may take Floxin with or without food. However, it is recommended that you drink plenty of water while taking Floxin. Use of mineral supplements should be avoided.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of Floxin, then you may take the next dose immediately. But ensure that you space out your doses at least 5 to 6 hours apart.

Storage

Floxin must be stored at room temperature away from direct exposure to light.

Overdose

Some of the symptoms of a Floxin overdose are Disorientation, dizziness, drowsiness, hot and cold flashes and nausea

More Information

If you are pregnant, then you must consult your doctor before taking Floxin. It is known to cause light headedness and drowsing. So maintain caution before driving or undertaking any task that requires mental alertness.

Warnings/Precautions

Do not use Floxin if:

you are allergic to any ingredient in Floxin;
you are allergic to any other fluoroquinolone antibiotic (e.g., ciprofloxacin);
you have abnormal blood electrolyte levels (e.g., low potassium or magnesium) or a history of a certain type of irregular heartbeat (e.g., QTc interval prolongation);
you are taking medicines for heart rhythm disturbances (e.g., quinidine, procainamide, amiodarone, sotalol);
you are taking a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAIDs) (e.g., ibuprofen) or typhoid oral vaccine.
Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Important :
Floxin may cause dizziness, drowsiness, or lightheadedness. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Floxin with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.
Floxin may cause you to become sunburned more easily. Avoid the sun, sunlamps, or tanning booths until you know how you react to Floxin. Use a sunscreen or wear protective clothing if you must be outside for more than a short time.
Diabetes patients - Floxin may affect your blood sugar when taken along with insulin or other medicines for diabetes. Check blood sugar levels closely. Ask your doctor before you change the dose of your diabetes medicine.
Tell your doctor or dentist that you take Floxin before you receive any medical or dental care, emergency care, or surgery.
Floxin only works against bacteria; it does not treat viral infections (e.g., the common cold).
Long-term or repeated use of Floxin may cause a second infection. Tell your doctor if signs of a second infection occur. Your medicine may need to be changed to treat this.
If you experience pain or inflammation, or rupture a tendon during or shortly after taking ofloxacin, contact your health care provider immediately.
Mild diarrhea is common with antibiotic use. However, a more serious form of diarrhea (pseudomembranous colitis) may rarely occur. This may develop while you use the antibiotic or within several months after you stop using it. Contact your doctor right away if stomach pain or cramps, severe diarrhea, or bloody stools occur. Do not treat diarrhea without first checking with your doctor.
Be sure to use Floxin for the full course of treatment. If you do not, the medicine may not clear up your infection completely. The bacteria could also become less sensitive to this or other medicines. This could make the infection harder to treat in the future.
Lab tests, including kidney function tests, may be performed while you use Floxin. These tests may be used to monitor your condition or check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Floxin while you are pregnant. Floxin is found in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking Floxin.

Possible Side Effects

Check with your doctor if any of these most common side effects persist or become bothersome:

diarrhea; dizziness; headache; loss of appetite; nausea; sensitivity to sunlight; trouble sleeping; vomiting.
Seek medical attention right away if any of these severe side effects occur:

severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); agitation; anxiety; bizarre behavior; bloody stools; confusion; convulsions; dark urine; decreased urination; depression; diarrhea (severe or continuing); difficulty swallowing; excessive urination, thirst, or hunger; fainting; fast or irregular heartbeat; fatigue; fever, chills, or unusual cough; hallucinations; hoarseness; joint or muscle pain or swelling; lightheadedness; loss of consciousness; mental or mood changes; nervousness; nightmares; pale stools; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin; restlessness; seizures; shortness of breath; shock (pale skin); sleeplessness; severe or persistent stomach pain/cramps; suicidal thoughts; tendon pain, inflammation, or swelling; tightness of the throat; tingling; tremors; unusual bruising or bleeding; unusual tiredness or weakness; urination problems; vaginal irritation or discharge; yellowing of skin or eyes.

More Information

If you have any questions about Floxin, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
Floxin is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.