How to take ofloxacin

• Before you start taking the tablets, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet from inside the pack. The manufacturer's leaflet will give you more information about ofloxacin and a full list of the side-effects which you may experience from taking it.
• Take ofloxacin exactly as your doctor tells you to. The usual dose is one 200 mg or 400 mg tablet taken daily. For some types of infection, however, you may be asked to take two doses a day. Read the label carefully to make sure you know what dose is right for you.
• If you are taking one dose a day, it is preferable to take it in the morning. If you are taking more than one dose a day, try to space out your doses - so ideally, take a tablet every 12 hours.
• You can take ofloxacin before or after meals. Many people find it helps to swallow the tablets with a drink of water.
• Do not take indigestion remedies (antacids) or medicines containing iron or zinc (such as multivitamin tablets) during the two hours before you take ofloxacin, or during the two hours after you have taken a dose. This is because these medicines interfere with the way ofloxacin is absorbed by your body, and stop it from working fully.
• If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If, when you remember, your next dose is due then take the dose which is due but leave out the forgotten one. Do not take two tablets together to make up for a missed dose.
• Even if you feel your infection has cleared up, keep taking the antibiotic until the course is finished (unless you are told to stop by your doctor). This is to prevent the infection from coming back. A course of treatment usually lasts for about a week, although you may need to take the tablets for longer than this for some types of infection. If you still feel unwell after finishing the course of tablets, go back to see your doctor.

Important: there are also a number of rarer but more serious side-effects which have been associated with ofloxacin. Speak with your doctor as soon as possible if you experience the following:

• An allergic-type reaction, such as swelling around your face or mouth, a skin rash, or any difficulty breathing.
• Pain or inflammation in your muscles, tendons or joints (possible tendinopathy).
• Any feelings of pain, burning, tingling, numbness or weakness.
• Any problems with your vision or eyes, or changes to taste, smell or hearing.
• If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to the tablets, speak with your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

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