Precautions and Warnings With Ofloxacin

Antibiotics like ofloxacin are known to cause mild, short-term diarrhea. However, severe, watery, or bloody diarrhea is a cause for concern. Precautions and warnings with ofloxacin also apply to women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, people with severe kidney or liver disease, and people with a history of nerve problems. Thus, it is important to discuss your medical history with your healthcare provider before beginning treatment.

What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider?

You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking
 ofloxacin if you have:
 
  • Kidney disease, such as kidney failure (renal failure)
  • Liver disease, such as hepatitis, cirrhosis, or liver failure
  • Tendon or joint problems
  • Nerve problems, such as neuropathy
  • A history of seizures or epilepsy
  • An irregular heartbeat or a heart rhythm problem known as QT prolongation, or have family members with these problems
  • Cerebral arteriosclerosis (hardening and thickening of the arteries of the brain)
  • Any allergies, including to medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
  • Myasthenia gravis.
     
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you are:
 
  • Pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant
  • Breastfeeding.
     
Make sure to tell your healthcare provider about any other medications you are taking, including prescription and nonprescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
 
Precautions and Warnings With Ofloxacin Article Continues on Next Page >
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD
 
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