Proper Use

Drug information provided by: Merative, Micromedex®

Take this medicine only as directed by your doctor. Do not take more of it, do not take it more often, and do not take it for a longer time than your doctor ordered.

This medicine comes with a Medication Guide. Read and follow the instructions carefully. Ask your doctor if you have any questions.

You may take this medicine with or without food.

Drink plenty of fluids while you are being treated with this medicine. Drinking extra water will help to prevent some unwanted effects of ofloxacin.

If you are also using antacids containing aluminum or magnesium (such as Maalox®, Mylanta®), multivitamins (with calcium, iron, or zinc), didanosine (Videx®), or sucralfate (Carafate®), take these medicines at least 2 hours before or 2 hours after you take ofloxacin. These medicines may keep ofloxacin from working properly.

Keep using this medicine for the full treatment time, even if you feel better after the first few doses. Your infection may not clear up if you stop using the medicine too soon.

Dosing

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

  • For oral dosage form (tablets):
    • For treatment of infection:
      • Adults—200 to 400 milligrams (mg) every 12 hours for 3 to 14 days, depending on the medical problem being treated. Prostatitis is usually treated for 6 weeks. Gonorrhea is usually treated with a single oral dose of 400 mg.
      • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.

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Portions of this document last updated: March 01, 2024

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