Floxin : the Generic of Ofloxacin

Floxin is the generic for ofloxacin tablet. It is a quinolone antibiotic to treat lung, skin and urinary tract infections caused by drug-resistant bacteria. Some of the infections where Floxin may be used include: acute bacterial exacerbations of chronic bronchitis due to Haemophilus influenze or Streptococcus pneumoniae, Staphyloccoccus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes, Proteus mirabilis, acute pelvic inflammatory disease due to Chlamydia and uncomplicated skin and skin structure infections due to methicillin-suspectible. Floxin is available in 200 mg, 300 mg or 400 mg strengths. The usual dosage of Floxin tablets is 200 mg to 400 mg orally every 12 hours. The type of infection determines the unit and daily dose, the frequency and the duration. For example, acute bacterial exacerbation of chronic bronchitis has a unit dose of 400 mg every twelve hours (800 mg daily dose) for a duration of ten days. The use of ofloxacin has yielded reported side effects. They include: chest pain, irregular heartbeat, abdominal pain and cramps, decreased appetite, dry mouth, fatigue, gastrointestinal distress, visual disturbances, symptoms of neuropathy including pain, burning and tingling, constipation, nausea, insomnia, headache, dizziness, diarrhea, vomiting, rash, external genital pruritus in women, vaginitis and dysgeusia. Special precautions should be taken when taking floxin. The following should not be taken 2 hours before or 2 hours after taking ofloxacin: antacids containing calcium, magnesium or aluminum, sucralfate, iron, multivitamins containing zinc or didanosine. The reason for the 2 hour wait/delay is that consumption of the above interferes with the functioning of floxin. If a rash develops, treatment should be discontinued immediately. Extreme care must be taken to avoid exposure to sunlight or artificial UV light while taking Floxin. Contraindication occurs with hypersensitivity reaction. For example, if you have ever had a serious allergic reaction to a group of antibiotics known as “quinolones” (such as ciprofloxacin), ofloxacin should not be taken. Occassionally, a fatal hypersensitivity has been report, usually during the first dose. The incidents included the following: cardiovascular collapse,acute respiratory distress, hypotension/shock, seizures and loss of consciousness. Pregnant or nursing woman and children should not take floxin.. Patients over 60 years of age with a history of a kidney, heart or lung transplant have a higher risk for tendon problems when taking Floxin. Also, doctor should be advised if a patient has joint problems, myasthenia gravis, epilepsy, diabetes or low levels of potassium in blood. Other drugs may be considered for treatment.

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