Ofloxacin
Also sold as: Tarivid
Prescription neededQuinolones
Comes as:TabletEye dropsEar drops
Usual adult dose
Usual adult dose: 200 to 400 mg twice a day, usually for 3 to 10 days. Eye or ear drops: use as your doctor directs. Finish the full course.
Your doctor may give you a different dose. Children's doses depend on weight.
Side effects
Common
- nausea
- diarrhoea
- headache
- dizziness
- trouble sleeping
Serious — get help
Stop taking it and see a doctor straight away if you notice:
- tendon pain or swelling (especially the heel)
- numbness or tingling of hands or feet
- fast or irregular heartbeat
- seizures
- severe allergic reaction
Do not take it, or take care, if
- Children and teenagers who are still growing (tablets; unless a doctor decides it is needed)
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding
- Previous tendon problems with this type of antibiotic
- Epilepsy (use with caution)
- Heart rhythm problems (long QT)
Interactions
Medicines that can react with this one.
Moderate3 medicinesTake together only with care. Ask your doctor or pharmacist.
- Aluminium hydroxide + Magnesium hydroxide
Antacids block absorption; leave at least 2 hours between them.
- Prednisolone
Steroids raise the risk of tendon damage and rupture with fluoroquinolones.
- Warfarin
Can raise the effect of warfarin; INR should be checked.