Floxin
Generic Name:
Ofloxacin
Brand Names:
Floxin, Ocuflox (eye drops), Floxin Otic (ear drops)
Floxin Description:
Floxin is an antibiotic used to treat many common medical conditions caused by bacteria both in and on the body. These can include skin conditions and rashes as well as UTIs, STDs, and other problems that can occur within the body and are bacterial in nature. Floxin will not work on viruses such as the flu or the common cold and should not be used for that purpose. In June of 2009, name branded Floxin was discontinued in the U.S. by the manufacturer, but generic equivalents are still available.
Floxin remains a popular drug and generally works well in the treatment of sexually transmitted diseases. It works by destroying the bacteria in or on the body, and should only be taken if bacterial infection is proven or strongly suspected in order to lower the risk of the development of drug-resistant bacteria.
Floxin Uses:
The most common condition treated by Floxin is bacterial infection. The drug is most often used to treat lung infections (bronchitis, pneumonia, and others), STDs (Chlamydia, gonorrhea), skin infections, urinary tract infections that are bacterial in nature, and prostate infections that are bacterial in nature.
Floxin Interactions:
Do not take mineral supplements, vitamins containing iron, pediatric powder, didanosine chewable tablets, antacids containing calcium, aluminum, or magnesium within two hours of taking Floxin.
Avoid taking cimetidine, cyclosporine, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen and naproxen, probenecid, sucralfate, theophylline-containing drugs, blood thinners, insulin, or multivitamins containing zinc while you are on Floxin.
Floxin Dosage Information:
Typical Dosage Recommendation:
The usual dose of Floxin tablets is 200mg, 300mg, or 400mg taken orally every 12 hours, with the duration depending on the type of infection.
Missing a Dose:
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is time for your next dose, skip the dose you missed and return to regular schedule. Never double up on doses.
Overdosing:
Seek emergency medical treatment if you think you have overdosed. Symptoms of overdose include severe dizziness.
Floxin FDA Approval:
December 28, 1990
Floxin Recall/Black Box Warning Information:
Warning labels were added in 2004 upon request of the FDA to inform patients of the possibility of irreversible nerve damage, tendon damage, heart problems, and muscle wasting while taking Floxin and other ofloxacin drugs. In 2007, additional warnings included the risk of Clostridium difficile associated diarrhea (CDAD), severe photosensitivity/phototoxicity reactions, hepatic failure, and the psychiatric adverse events associated with taking Floxin.
A class action lawsuit was filed by patients experiencing “fluoroquinolone toxicity” after taking Floxin, and the FDA requested a Black Box warning on all fluoroquinolones advising consumers of the possible negative effects of the chemical on tendons. Currently, the manufacturers of ofloxacin are involved in litigation concerning the drug as causing spontaneous tendon ruptures, and product liability attorneys are seeking additional plantiffs who may have been damaged by the drug.
Floxin was discontinued by the manufacturer on June 18, 2009.
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