Food & Alcohol Interaction Protocol
How diet impacts this medicine's absorption and efficacy
Dairy products (milk, yogurt) and calcium-fortified foods may reduce absorption; take ofloxacin 2 hours before or after such foods.
Alcohol may increase the risk of CNS side effects (dizziness, drowsiness). Avoid alcohol during treatment.
What is this Medicine Used For?
Primary clinical indications and therapeutic purpose
Ofloxacin is primarily used to treat bacterial infections including: acute and chronic bronchitis, community-acquired pneumonia, uncomplicated and complicated urinary tract infections (UTIs), pyelonephritis, prostatitis, skin and soft tissue infections, and sexually transmitted infections such as gonorrhea and chlamydia. It is also used for gastrointestinal infections like traveler's diarrhea and typhoid fever. Ophthalmic preparations are used for bacterial conjunctivitis and corneal ulcers.
Known Side Effects & Cautions
Common symptoms to monitor while taking this drug
["Nausea","Diarrhea","Headache","Dizziness","Insomnia","Abdominal pain","Vomiting","Dyspepsia"]
Doctor Safety Advice & Precautions
Fluoroquinolones, including ofloxacin, have been associated with disabling and potentially irreversible serious adverse reactions involving tendons, muscles, joints, nerves, and the central nervous system. Discontinue immediately if signs of tendon pain, swelling, or rupture occur. Avoid in patients with a history of tendon disorders. Use with caution in patients with renal impairment (adjust dose), epilepsy, or other CNS disorders. May exacerbate myasthenia gravis. Monitor for signs of peripheral neuropathy. Avoid excessive sunlight/UV exposure due to photosensitivity. QT prolongation risk; avoid in patients with known QT prolongation, electrolyte imbalances, or concurrent use of QT-prolonging drugs. Clostridioides difficile-associated diarrhea has been reported. Use with caution in patients with aortic aneurysm or history of aortic dissection.
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