What are the indications and usage guidelines for ofloxacin?

From the Guidelines

Indications and Usage Guidelines for Ofloxacin

Ofloxacin, a fluoroquinolone antibiotic, is indicated for the treatment of various bacterial infections, including urinary tract infections, respiratory tract infections, and skin and soft tissue infections. The recommended dose of ofloxacin is 200-400 mg orally every 12 hours for 3-14 days, depending on the severity and type of infection 1.

Dosage Considerations

For uncomplicated urinary tract infections, a dose of 200 mg orally every 12 hours for 3-5 days is typically sufficient, while more complicated infections may require higher doses and longer treatment durations of up to 14 days. Ofloxacin is also effective against most strains of N. gonorrhoeae, with a 400-mg oral dose being effective for treatment of uncomplicated urogenital and anorectal infections, curing 98.6% of infections in published clinical trials 1.

Alternative Treatments

Levofloxacin, the active l-isomer of ofloxacin, can be used in place of ofloxacin as a single dose of 250 mg 1. For the treatment of nongonococcal urethritis, ofloxacin can be used as an alternative regimen at a dose of 300 mg twice a day for 7 days 1.

Important Considerations

It's essential to note that ofloxacin is no longer universally effective against N. gonorrhoeae in the United States, as indicated by more recent guidelines 1. Therefore, treatment should be guided by local resistance patterns and susceptibility testing when possible. Patients should be instructed to refer their sex partners for evaluation and treatment, and all sex partners of patients who have N. gonorrhoeae infection should be evaluated and treated for N. gonorrhoeae and C. trachomatis infections if their last sexual contact with the patient was within the preceding 60 days 1.

From the FDA Drug Label

To reduce the development of drug-resistant bacteria and maintain the effectiveness of ofloxacin tablets, USP and other antibacterial drugs, ofloxacin tablets, USP should be used only to treat or prevent infections that are proven or strongly suspected to be caused by susceptible bacteria Ofloxacin tablets, USP are indicated for the treatment of adults with mild to moderate infections (unless otherwise indicated) caused by susceptible strains of the designated microorganisms in the infections listed below. Acute Bacterial Exacerbations of Chronic Bronchitis (ABECB) due to Haemophilus influenzae or Streptococcus pneumoniae. Community-Acquired Pneumonia due to Haemophilus influenzae or Streptococcus pneumoniae. Uncomplicated Skin and Skin Structure Infections due to methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes, or Proteus mirabilis. Acute, Uncomplicated Urethral and Cervical Gonorrhea due to Neisseria gonorrhoeae Nongonococcal Urethritis and Cervicitis due to Chlamydia trachomatis Mixed Infections of the Urethra and Cervix due to Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae Acute Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (including severe infection) due to Chlamydia trachomatis and/or Neisseria gonorrhoeae Uncomplicated Cystitis due to Citrobacter diversus, Enterobacter aerogenes, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Proteus mirabilis, or Pseudomonas aeruginosa Complicated Urinary Tract Infections due to Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Proteus mirabilis, Citrobacter diversus, or Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Prostatitis due to Escherichia coli.

The indications and usage guidelines for ofloxacin are as follows:

• Respiratory infections: Acute Bacterial Exacerbations of Chronic Bronchitis (ABECB), Community-Acquired Pneumonia
• Skin and skin structure infections: Uncomplicated Skin and Skin Structure Infections
• Sexually transmitted infections: Acute, Uncomplicated Urethral and Cervical Gonorrhea, Nongonococcal Urethritis and Cervicitis, Mixed Infections of the Urethra and Cervix, Acute Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
• Urinary tract infections: Uncomplicated Cystitis, Complicated Urinary Tract Infections, Prostatitis The recommended dosage for ofloxacin can be found in the DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION section of the drug label 2, 2.

From the Research

Indications for Ofloxacin

• Urinary tract infections: Ofloxacin has demonstrated bacteriologic and clinical efficacy in the treatment of urinary tract infections, including uncomplicated and complicated infections 3, 4, 5.
• Respiratory tract infections: Ofloxacin is effective in the treatment of respiratory tract infections, including pneumonia and bronchitis 3, 4.
• Prostatitis: Ofloxacin has shown efficacy in the treatment of chronic bacterial prostatitis 3, 5.
• Skin and soft tissue infections: Ofloxacin is effective in the treatment of skin and soft tissue infections, including those caused by susceptible organisms 3, 4.
• Gonorrhea: Ofloxacin is approved for the treatment of uncomplicated gonorrhea 3, 4.
• Nongonococcal urethritis: Ofloxacin is effective in the treatment of nongonococcal urethritis, although tetracyclines are a less expensive alternative 3.

Usage Guidelines

• Dosage: The dosage of ofloxacin varies depending on the infection being treated, with typical doses ranging from 200-400 mg twice daily 3, 4, 5.
• Administration: Ofloxacin can be administered orally or intravenously, with oral bioavailability of almost 100% 3, 4.
• Contraindications: Ofloxacin should not be used in children, pregnant or nursing women, or in patients with known or suspected streptococcal or pneumococcal infection 3, 4.
• Interactions: Ofloxacin can interact with other medications, including antacids, which can decrease its oral bioavailability 3, 4.
• Adverse effects: Common adverse effects of ofloxacin include gastrointestinal, neurological, and dermatological effects 3, 4, 6.