FLOXIN (OFLOXACIN)

About Floxin and Why It’s Prescribed

Floxin is a broad-spectrum antibiotic drug called a fluoroquinolone. Your doctor may prescribe Floxin or generic Ofloxacin to treat many bacterial infections, including urinary tract, joint, and bone infections or respiratory infections such as pneumonia and bronchitis. The generic alternative is not manufactured by the company that makes the brand product.

Floxin is a bactericidal medicine, which means that it kills the bacteria as opposed to only stopping their ability to reproduce so their numbers slowly dwindle. This medication will not treat viral infections such as a cold or flu. Once it is confirmed that that you have a bacterial infection, and not viral or fungal, take Floxin as directed and for the time period stated by your doctor. Stopping too soon because you feel better could result in a re-infection.

How Floxin Stops Bacterial Reproduction

Floxin targets and inhibits a particular enzyme called DNA gyrase that the bacteria need in order to separate DNA strands within their cells. This stops the bacteria from being able to replicate bacterial DNA to increase their growth and reproduction. As long as they are unable to carry out this task, the bacteria will die.

Conditions Treated by Floxin

The most common type of pneumonia is called community-acquired pneumonia, which indicates you were exposed to the pathogens outside of a healthcare setting. The Streptococcus bacteria live in our noses and throats and, for the most part, can be fairly harmless. If you are in close contact with someone that has coughed or sneezed, you might inhale the bacteria into your lungs or through skin-to-skin contact where the bacteria enter through an open lesion and travel through your bloodstream. Your doctor will perform testing first to confirm that your pneumonia is caused by bacteria before prescribing Floxin.

Before You Take Floxin

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, may become pregnant, or are breast feeding before taking Floxin as it may be harmful to your unborn or nursing baby. Go over other medical conditions or allergies you have with your doctor and list all OTC and Rx medications you take, including herbal remedies and vitamin supplements as you could experience unintended side effects when taken with Floxin.

Your doctor may change certain meds or adjust their dosage to avoid negative interactions. Those older than 60 years should be aware of the risk for tendon problems or muscle weakness while taking Floxin and report any pain, swelling, and inflammation.

Precautions and Recommendations for Floxin

If you are diabetic, you should monitor your glucose levels more often as Floxin can cause low blood sugar. It’s best to take Floxin at the same time every day during the course of your treatment to ensure a steady level of the antibiotic in your system. You should wait at least two hours after or two hours before taking Floxin if you take antacids, vitamins, or have consumed dairy products. Until you know how your body will react to Floxin, avoid driving or performing any tasks that could be risky. Your skin may be more sensitive to UV rays so stay away from direct sunlight, tanning beds, and sunlamps.

Possible Side Effects of Floxin

• Dizziness
• Headache
• Difficulty sleeping