Floxin (ofloxacin) is a broad-spectrum fluoroquinolone antibiotic designed to target and eliminate a wide range of gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. As a second-generation fluoroquinolone, it inhibits bacterial DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV, effectively disrupting DNA replication and transcription processes essential for microbial survival. Its pharmacokinetic profile ensures excellent tissue penetration, making it a versatile choice for treating respiratory, urinary, skin, and sexually transmitted infections. Clinicians value Floxin for its reliability in both community and hospital settings, particularly when first-line agents are contraindicated or ineffective.

Features

• Active ingredient: ofloxacin 200 mg, 300 mg, or 400 mg tablets
• Mechanism: bactericidal action via inhibition of DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV
• Spectrum: covers Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, Moraxella catarrhalis, Escherichia coli, Proteus mirabilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Chlamydia trachomatis
• Bioavailability: approximately 98% following oral administration
• Half-life: 5–7 hours in adults with normal renal function
• Excretion: primarily renal (80–90% unchanged)

Benefits

• Rapid bactericidal activity reduces bacterial load and symptom severity within 24–48 hours
• High tissue penetration ensures effective concentrations at infection sites, including prostate, lungs, and skin
• Convenient twice-daily dosing supports adherence and simplifies treatment regimens
• Broad spectrum coverage minimizes the need for combination therapy in polymicrobial infections
• Well-established safety and efficacy profile backed by decades of clinical use

Common use

Floxin is indicated for the treatment of acute bacterial exacerbations of chronic bronchitis, community-acquired pneumonia, uncomplicated skin and skin structure infections, urethral and cervical gonorrhea, nongonococcal urethritis and cervicitis, mixed infections of the urethra and cervix, acute uncomplicated cystitis, complicated urinary tract infections, and prostatitis caused by susceptible strains of designated microorganisms. It is also used off-label for certain gastrointestinal infections and traveler’s diarrhea when caused by fluoroquinolone-susceptible E. coli.

Dosage and direction

The recommended dosage varies based on infection type and severity:

• Respiratory infections: 400 mg orally every 12 hours for 10 days
• Urinary tract infections: 200–400 mg every 12 hours for 7–14 days (complicated cases may require longer duration)
• Skin infections: 400 mg every 12 hours for 10 days
• Gonorrhea: single 400 mg dose
• Prostatitis: 300 mg every 12 hours for 6 weeks

Tablets should be swallowed whole with a full glass of water, with or without food, though administration 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals may enhance absorption. Patients should maintain adequate hydration during therapy. Dosage adjustment is required in renal impairment (CrCl <50 mL/min): 200–400 mg every 24 hours depending on infection severity.

Precautions

• Tendon inflammation or rupture may occur, particularly in patients over 60, those taking corticosteroids, or with history of tendon disorders
• May exacerbate muscle weakness in patients with myasthenia gravis
• Peripheral neuropathy (irreversible in some cases) has been reported
• CNS effects including dizziness, confusion, and seizures may occur, especially in elderly patients or those with CNS disorders
• Photosensitivity reactions may develop; patients should avoid excessive sunlight and UV exposure
• Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea may range from mild to life-threatening
• Not recommended for pediatric patients except in specific circumstances (e.g., complicated UTI/pyelonephritis) due to arthropathy risk

Contraindications

• History of hypersensitivity to ofloxacin, other quinolones, or product components
• Concurrent administration with tizanidine (contraindicated due to profound hypotension risk)
• Patients with known QT prolongation, uncorrected hypokalemia, or taking Class IA or III antiarrhythmic agents
• History of tendon disorders related to fluoroquinolone use

Possible side effects

Common (≥1%):

• Nausea (3–4%)
• Headache (3%)
• Dizziness (2–3%)
• Insomnia (2%)
• Diarrhea (1–2%)

Less common (0.1–1%):

• Photosensitivity reactions
• Vaginitis
• Abdominal pain
• Dyspepsia
• Rash

Rare (<0.1% but serious):

• Tendon rupture
• Peripheral neuropathy
• QT prolongation
• Seizures
• Hepatotoxicity
• Blood dyscrasias
• Severe skin reactions (Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis)

Drug interaction

• Antacids containing aluminum, magnesium, calcium, iron, or zinc: reduce ofloxacin absorption by 50–90%; administer at least 2 hours before or 4 hours after Floxin
• Warfarin: may enhance anticoagulant effect; monitor INR closely
• NSAIDs: may increase CNS stimulation and seizure risk
• Corticosteroids: increased risk of tendon rupture
• Probenecid: decreases renal clearance of ofloxacin, increasing AUC by 50%
• Antidiabetic agents: may enhance hypoglycemic effects
• QT-prolonging drugs (antiarrhythmics, antipsychotics, macrolides): additive QT prolongation risk

Missed dose

If a dose is missed, take it as soon as remembered unless it is nearly time for the next scheduled dose. Do not double the dose to make up for a missed one. Maintain the regular dosing schedule to ensure consistent antibiotic levels.

Overdose

Symptoms may include dizziness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, and mental status changes. Management is supportive with ECG monitoring for QT prolongation. Hemodialysis removes approximately 20–30% of ofloxacin. There is no specific antidote.

Storage

Store at 20–25°C (68–77°F) in the original container. Protect from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children. Do not use after the expiration date printed on the packaging.

Disclaimer

This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Floxin is a prescription medication that should be used only under the supervision of a qualified healthcare professional. The prescribing physician should consider official prescribing information and individual patient factors before initiating therapy. Patients should not self-medicate or adjust dosages without medical consultation.

Reviews

Clinical studies demonstrate ofloxacin’s efficacy across multiple indications. In a multicenter trial of 512 patients with respiratory infections, clinical cure rates were 92% for bronchitis and 89% for pneumonia. For uncomplicated urinary tract infections, cure rates exceed 95% in compliant patients. Dermatological studies show 88–91% efficacy in skin and soft tissue infections. Post-marketing surveillance confirms the established safety profile, though clinicians remain vigilant for rare adverse events. Many infectious disease specialists consider Floxin particularly valuable for its reliable activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and excellent prostatic tissue penetration.