Ofloxacin
Ofloxacin belongs to a class of antibiotics called quinolones. It is highly effective against the majority of gram-negative bacteria. In most of the cases it is used to treat the infections of lower respiratory tract, ears, throat, nose, soft tissues, bones, joints, infectious and inflammatory diseases of the abdominal cavity (except bacterial enteritis) and small pelvis, kidney and urinary tract infections, prostatitis, gonorrhea.
Ofloxacin is an antibacterial agent for a systemic usage, which has a bactericidal effect. The drug’s action mechanism is due to the suppression of bacterial DNA replication by blocking DNA topoisomerase IV and DNA topoisomerase II.
The drug is active against beta-lactamase-producing microorganisms and fast-growing atypical mycobacteria. It is a broad spectrum antimicrobial medicine. Ofloxacin tablets are coated. They are pink in color, with a biconvex surface. One tablet contains 200 mg of the active ingredient and auxiliary substances (lactose, monohydrate, starch, and calcium stearate, etc.).
Contraindications
Ofloxacin in Ireland is among the medications, which have a number of contraindications. They include the following conditions: pregnancy, lactation, children up to 18 years old, hypersensitivity or allergic reactions to ofloxacin or other antibiotics of the quinolones class. The drug should be used with caution by the patients who having an impaired renal or liver function. Blood glucose level should be monitored during the treatment. You should avoid staying under the straight sun for a long time, because Ofloxacin makes people more predisposed to be sunburned.
Side Effects
As the majority of drugs, Ofloxacin may cause the developing of some side effects in your body. The full list of possible side reactions is written in the instructions leaflet that comes with the drug. Possible side-effects may include: nausea, headache, insomnia, external genital pruritus in women, dizziness, vaginitis, diarrhea, vomiting.
If you happen to experience severe side effects like difficulty swallowing, persistent stomach pain or cramp, swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue, and other, then you should seek medical help immediately. You should discuss the appropriate dosage and possible unwanted effects with your healthcare provider before taking Ofloxacin.
Method of Application and Dosage
Ofloxacin is a prescription medicine. The dose of the drug is determined by the type and severity of the infection. The average daily intake for adult patients is commonly from 200 to 800 mg. Ofloxacin in Ireland in a dose of up to 400 mg is recommended to be taken in one dose, preferably in the morning. It is recommended to take large doses at approximately equal time intervals. It is recommended to swallow the whole Ofloxacin tablets with plenty of water, on an empty stomach or with some food. The simultaneous application of this drug with antacid medicines should be avoided.
The recommended daily dosage for treating lower urinary tract infections is usually from 200 to 400 mg. For the treatment of upper urinary tract infections it is recommended to take from 200 to 400 mg per day (if necessary, the dose can be about 400 mg twice a day). The dosage for uncomplicated urethral and cervical gonorrhea: 400 mg once a day. For the treatment of lower respiratory tract infections the recommended dose is 400 mg daily (if necessary, it can be up to 400 mg twice a day). For treating non-gonococcal urethritis and cervicitis the dose is usually 400 mg a day in one or more divided doses. For treating skin and soft tissue infections the common dosage is 400 mg taken twice daily.
No special dose adjustment is required for elderly patients, except the cases of impaired liver and kidney function, as well as prolongation of the QT interval.
The duration of the therapy depends on the severity of the infection and the response to the treatment. The duration of the treatment with Ofloxacin is usually 5-10 days, with the exception of uncomplicated gonorrhea, where a single dosage is recommended by the doctor. The total duration of the treatment should not exceed 2 months.
Warning
The medicine Ofloxacin should be taken only after getting the doctor’s prescription. Before the application you should inform your healthcare provider about all the medications and food additives that you have to take during the treatment with Ofloxacin, as there is a risk of some negative drugs’ interactions.
During the therapy you should constantly be under the doctor’s control. If you get any negative effects, which are severe, then you should seek medical help as soon as possible.
Never choose the recommended dose yourself. If you think that the medication does not work, then contact your doctor and tell him or her about your problem.
Take into consideration that the article in the Internet just gives the common information on the drug. You should consult with your doctor to get the whole data and to get the prescription if the drug is appropriate in your case.