Floxin (ofloxacin) is a broad-spectrum fluoroquinolone antibiotic designed to treat a wide range of bacterial infections with high efficacy and a well-established safety profile. As a second-generation quinolone, it demonstrates potent activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative pathogens, including many multidrug-resistant strains. Its excellent tissue penetration and bioavailability make it a first-line choice for respiratory, urinary, skin, and sexually transmitted infections where targeted bacterial eradication is critical.

Features

• Active ingredient: Ofloxacin 200mg/400mg tablets
• Mechanism: Inhibits bacterial DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV
• Spectrum: Broad coverage against Gram-positive, Gram-negative, and atypical bacteria
• Formulation: Oral tablets with high bioavailability (~98%)
• Half-life: 4–8 hours, allowing for convenient twice-daily dosing

Benefits

• Rapid bactericidal action reduces symptom duration and prevents complications
• Excellent penetration into lung tissue, prostate, and urine for targeted infection control
• Effective against many antibiotic-resistant strains, including some MRSA and Pseudomonas species
• Convenient dosing regimen improves patient adherence compared to shorter-half-life alternatives
• Well-tolerated profile with extensive clinical documentation spanning decades of use

Common use

Floxin is indicated for the treatment of acute bacterial exacerbations of chronic bronchitis, community-acquired pneumonia, uncomplicated skin and skin structure infections, urethral and cervical gonorrhea, nongonococcal urethritis and cervicitis, mixed infections of the urethra and cervix, acute uncomplicated cystitis, complicated urinary tract infections, and prostatitis caused by susceptible strains of designated microorganisms. It is particularly valuable in cases where first-line antibiotics have failed or resistance patterns necessitate broader coverage.

Dosage and direction

The recommended dosage varies by infection type and severity. For most infections in adults with normal renal function: 400mg orally every 12 hours. For uncomplicated urinary tract infections: 200mg every 12 hours. Duration typically ranges from 7–14 days depending on infection site and clinical response. Administer tablets with a full glass of water, with or without food (though food may delay absorption). Dosage adjustment is required in renal impairment (CrCl <50 mL/min): initial dose of 400mg followed by 200mg every 24 hours. Complete the full prescribed course even if symptoms improve earlier.

Precautions

Avoid unnecessary sun exposure and use sunscreen due to photosensitivity risk. Maintain adequate hydration to prevent crystaluria. Use with caution in patients with CNS disorders (e.g., epilepsy) due to potential seizure threshold lowering. Monitor blood glucose in diabetic patients (may cause hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia). Tendon inflammation or rupture may occur, particularly in elderly patients, those taking corticosteroids, or with renal impairment—discontinue at first sign of tendon pain. Not recommended for pediatric patients or pregnant women due to cartilage damage risk in juvenile animals.

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to ofloxacin, other quinolones, or any product components. History of tendon disorders related to fluoroquinolone use. Concurrent administration with tizanidine due to profound hypotension risk. Avoid in patients with known QT prolongation, uncorrected hypokalemia, or taking Class IA or III antiarrhythmic agents. Not for use in children, adolescents under 18, or during pregnancy/lactation unless no alternatives exist and potential benefit justifies risk.

Possible side effect

Common (≥1%): nausea, headache, dizziness, insomnia, diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain. Less common: photosensitivity reactions, tendonitis, peripheral neuropathy, QT prolongation, hypoglycemia, elevated liver enzymes. Rare: Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis, Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea, psychiatric reactions (anxiety, depression, hallucinations), blood dyscrasias. Discontinue immediately if severe dermatological, neurological, or musculoskeletal symptoms occur.

Drug interaction

Antacids, sucralfate, iron, zinc, or multivitamins containing divalent cations: reduce absorption (administer Floxin 2 hours before or 4 hours after). Warfarin: may enhance anticoagulant effect (monitor INR closely). NSAIDs: may increase CNS stimulation risk. Corticosteroids: increased tendon rupture risk. Probenecid: decreases renal clearance of ofloxacin. Antidiabetic agents: may potentiate hypoglycemic effects. QT-prolonging drugs (antiarrhythmics, antipsychotics, macrolides): additive QT prolongation risk.

Missed dose

Take the missed dose as soon as remembered unless it is almost time for the next scheduled dose. Do not double the dose to make up for a missed one. Maintain regular dosing intervals to ensure consistent therapeutic blood levels. If multiple doses are missed, contact healthcare provider for guidance on regimen adjustment.

Overdose

Symptoms may include dizziness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, or mental status changes. Management is supportive: gastric lavage if recent ingestion, adequate hydration, ECG monitoring for QT prolongation. Hemodialysis removes approximately 20–30% of circulating ofloxacin. No specific antidote exists. Contact poison control center (1-800-222-1222) for immediate guidance.

Storage

Store at controlled room temperature (15°–30°C or 59°–86°F) in original container. Protect from light and moisture. Keep tightly closed and out of reach of children. Do not use after expiration date printed on packaging. Do not transfer to other containers as moisture protection may be compromised.

Disclaimer

This information is for educational purposes and does not replace professional medical advice. Dosage and treatment decisions must be made by a qualified healthcare provider based on individual patient characteristics, culture results, and local resistance patterns. The prescriber should consult full prescribing information for complete details regarding warnings, precautions, and adverse reactions.

Reviews

Clinical studies demonstrate Floxin achieves clinical cure rates of 85–95% for respiratory and urinary tract infections. In a multicenter trial of 450 patients with complicated UTIs, 400mg twice daily for 10 days produced bacteriological eradication in 92% of cases. For acute bacterial exacerbations of chronic bronchitis, studies show symptomatic improvement within 72 hours in 88% of patients. Dermatological studies indicate 91% efficacy in uncomplicated skin infections. Long-term surveillance data confirm maintained susceptibility patterns against common uropathogens despite increasing quinolone resistance globally.