Ofloxacin 200 mg

Category- Allopathy

Medicine Highlights

Ofloxacin Uses 

Ofloxacin is an oral antibiotic medicine belonging to the fluoroquinolone category, and this medicine is used to prevent and treat conditions like: 

1. Urinary tract infections (UTIs) 
2. Respiratory tract infections (like bronchitis or pneumonia) 
3. Skin and soft-tissue infections 
4. Sexually transmitted infections (like chlamydia or gonorrhea) 
5. Gastrointestinal infections (like typhoid or bacterial diarrhea)    

Directions for use

1. Take this medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor, at the same time each day. 
2. Do not stop taking this medicine without your doctor’s approval, even if you feel better. 
3. If you forget to take this medicine, take it as soon as you remember. If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. 

Ofloxacin side effects 

More Common  

1. Nausea 
2. Vomiting 
3. Diarrhea 
4. Stomach pain 
5. Headache 
6. Dizziness   

Less Common

1. Allergic reactions (rash, swelling, breathing difficulty) 
2. Hearing problems  
3. Irregular heartbeat (QT prolongation) 
4. Severe diarrhea due to C. difficile 
5. Liver problems (yellowing of skin/eyes, dark urine)   

How Ofloxacin works 

Ofloxacin works by killing the bacteria causing the infection. It does this by blocking an enzyme called DNA gyrase that bacteria need to copy their DNA. Without this enzyme, the bacteria cannot multiply or repair themselves, so they die, allowing your body to fight off the infection and heal. 

Safety Measures and Warning 

Allergy or hypersensitivity

If you are allergic to Ofloxacin or other fluoroquinolone antibiotics, taking it can cause serious reactions like rashes, swelling, or trouble breathing. Stop the medicine immediately and get medical help. 

Children

Children under 18 years old, are usually not recommended to take this medicine because it may affect growing bones and joints. Your doctor will suggest a safer alternative. 

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, Ofloxacin can harm the baby or infant. Avoid taking it unless your doctor specifically allows it. 

Tendon or Muscle Problems

If you have had tendon problems before, taking Ofloxacin can increase the risk of tendon pain or rupture. Tell your doctor first. 

Kidney or Liver Issues

If you have severe kidney or liver problems, Ofloxacin may not be safe as it is processed by these organs. Your doctor may need to adjust the dose or choose another antibiotic. 

Ofloxacin Interaction with Food Product

Ofloxacin can be taken with or without food but taking it after a meal may help reduce stomach upset. You should avoid taking it at the same time as dairy products, calcium-fortified juices, antacids, or supplements containing iron, magnesium, or zinc, as these can reduce how well the medicine works. Other common foods or drinks usually do not interfere with Ofloxacin. 

Ofloxacin Interaction with Other Medicines

Avoid taking Ofloxacin with the following medicines, as it may increase or decrease the desired effect, or in worse cases, it could be fatal: 

Ofloxacin Chemical Structure

IUPAC (International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry)/ Chemical name

Ofloxacin IUPAC Name: 7-fluoro-2-methyl-6-(4-methylpiperazin-1-yl)-10-oxo-4-oxa-1-azatricyclo[7.3.1.0^5,13]trideca-5(13),6,8,11-tetraene-11-carboxylic acid 

Intake routine/cycle

Daily dose

Take Ofloxacin exactly as your doctor recommends. The dose may change based on your condition and how well you respond. Do not take more than prescribed without consulting your doctor. 

Missed Dose

If you forget to take your medicine, take the medication as soon as you remember. If it’s nearly time for your next dose, skip the missed one and continue with your regular schedule. Always consult the doctor before making any changes to your dosage. 

Overdose

 It is not recommended to take more than 800 mg ofloxacin per day, as it may cause severe overdose symptoms like nausea, vomiting, headache, tremors, restlessness, and rapid heartbeat. 

Storage

1. Store the medicine at room temperature 
2. Keep away from sunlight and moisture 
3. Keep out of reach of children 

Ofloxacin Summary

Ofloxacin is an oral antibiotic from the fluoroquinolone category used to treat bacterial infections such as urinary tract infections, respiratory infections like bronchitis and pneumonia, skin and soft-tissue infections, sexually transmitted infections like chlamydia and gonorrhea, and gastrointestinal infections including typhoid. It works by blocking a bacterial enzyme called DNA gyrase, stopping bacteria from multiplying and allowing the body to fight the infection. Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, headache, and dizziness, while rare but serious effects can include allergic reactions, tendon pain or rupture, nerve problems, irregular heartbeat, and liver issues.  

Ofloxacin should not be taken by people allergic to it, children and teens, pregnant or breastfeeding women, or those with tendon, kidney, or liver problems. It can be taken with or without food, but dairy products, calcium-fortified juices, antacids, and supplements containing iron, magnesium, or zinc should be avoided at the same time as they can reduce the medicine’s effectiveness. 

FAQ’s

What are the uses of Ofloxacin? 

Ofloxacin tablet is used to treat bacterial infections such as urinary tract infections, respiratory infections (like bronchitis or pneumonia), skin and soft-tissue infections, sexually transmitted infections (like chlamydia or gonorrhea), and gastrointestinal infections like typhoid or bacterial diarrhea. 

What are the side effects of Ofloxacin? 

Common side effects of Ofloxacin include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, headache, and dizziness. Rare but serious side effects can include allergic reactions (rash, swelling, difficulty breathing), tendon pain or rupture, nerve problems (tingling or numbness), irregular heartbeat, and liver problems (yellowing of skin/eyes, dark urine). 

Can Ofloxacin be taken during pregnancy? 

Ofloxacin is not recommended during pregnancy because it may harm the developing baby. It should only be taken if a doctor specifically prescribes it after weighing the benefits and risks. 

Reference 

1. Ofloxacin 200 mg tablet: Uses, Side Effects, Price | Generic | SayaCare [Internet]. Sayacare.in. 2025 [cited 2025 Dec 9]. Available from 
2. Ofloxacin [Internet]. go.drugbank.com. Available from 
3. Graham DB, Tripp J. Ofloxacin [Internet]. PubMed. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2021. Available from 
4. PubChem. Ofloxacin [Internet]. pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. Available from 

Pranathi Chintaluri

Pranathi is a final year Pharm D student at Chalapathi Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences. She loves learning and applying her knowledge in pharmacy and has a passion for writing, which allows her to express ideas clearly and creatively. She enjoys combining her technical skills with her love for writing and communication to make a meaningful impact. Currently she is working on a research paper about “Consanguineous marriages and its impact on children’s health” which will be published by the end of 2025.