Tarivid

Health and Nutrition > Medicines > T



How does it work?

Ofloxacin belongs to a group of broad spectrum antibiotics called the quinolones. It works by entering the bacterial cell and inhibiting a chemical called DNA-gyrase which is involved in the production of genetic material (DNA). This therefore prevents the bacteria from reproducing and their growth is stopped. Ofloxacin is effective against several types of bacteria that tend to be resistant to other commonly used antibiotics. It is used to treat a wide range of infections, including infections of the chest, urinary tract. It is also used as a single dose treatment for gonorrhoea.

What is it used for?

- Gonorrhoea
- Infection of the bladder or tubes that pass urine
- Infection of the blood (septicaemia or blood poisoning)
- Infection of the lungs and airways (chest or lower respiratory tract infection)
- Infections of the sex organs and organs associated with urination (genito-urinary infections)
- Skin or soft tissue infections

Warning!

- Avoid exposure to sunlight or sunlamps while using this medicine, as it increases the sensitivity of your skin. If exposure to sunlight cannot be avoided, use protective measures such as sun-creams or protective clothing.
- The effects of alcohol are enhanced by this medicine.
- This medicine may reduce your ability to drive or operate machinery safely. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medicine affects you and you are sure it won't affect your performance.
- At the first sign of pain or inflammation of the joints, patients taking quinolone antibiotics should stop taking the drug, rest the affected limb(s) and consult a doctor immediately.

Use with caution in

- Decreased kidney function
- Decreased liver function
- History of convulsions, eg epilepsy
- History of disorders of the Central Nervous System (CNS)
- Psychiatric disorders

Not to be used in

- Epilepsy
- Lack of the enzyme G6PD in the blood (G6PD deficiency)
- Not generally recommended for use in children and growing adolescents.

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

- This medicine should not be used in pregnancy. Seek medical advice from your doctor.
- This medicine passes into breast milk. It is recommended that mothers should avoid using this medicine while breastfeeding. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

Label warnings

- Avoid exposure of skin to direct sunlight or sun lamps.
- Do not take iron preparations or indigestion remedies at the same time of day as this medication.
- Take at regular intervals. Complete the prescribed course unless otherwise directed.

The documents contained in this web site are presented for information purposes only. The material is in no way intended to replace professional medical care or attention by a qualified practitioner. The materials in this web site cannot and should not be used as a basis for diagnosis or choice of treatment. Conditions for use © Copyright 1998 - 2009 NetDoctor.co.uk - All rights reserved