INTRODUCTION

OFLOKEM contains Ofloxacin which belongs to a group of medicines called quinolone antibiotics. It is used to treat bacterial infections such as urinary tract, genital tract, chest, lungs, skin and soft tissues. It also cures the infection by stopping further growth of the causative microorganisms. Ofloxacin is bactericidal and its mode of action depends on blocking of bacterial DNA replication by binding itself to an enzyme called DNA gyrase.

Ofloxacin is in a class of antibiotics called fluoroquinolones which works against bacteria that cause infections and stops the growth of the bacteria causing the infection and clears the infection.

OFLOKEM will be administered by your doctor or nurse. Before receiving, inform your doctor if you have any allergic reactions, liver, kidney or heart problems. Consult your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. It is not recommended for use in children and adolescents below 18 years of age.  The common side effects are nausea, headache, diarrhoea, dizziness, vomiting and injection site reactions like pain, swelling, or redness.

USES OF OFLOKEM

• Treats bacterial infections such as urinary tract, genital tract, chest, lungs, skin and soft tissues

HOW OFLOKEM WORKS

Ofloxacin works against bacteria that cause infections and stops the growth of the bacterial enzyme called DNA-gyrase thus prevents the bacterial cells from dividing and repairing.

DIRECTIONS FOR USE

OFLOKEM will be administered as an injection into a vein (intravenous) by your doctor or nurse.

SIDE EFFECTS OF OFLOKEM

HOW TO MANAGE SIDE EFFECTS

Diarrhoea:

Drink plenty of fluids and ORS can be used to prevent dehydration.

Nausea:

Drink clear or ice-cold drinks, eat bland foods and avoid fried or sweet foods.

Stomach pain:

Place a warm water bottle on your abdomen. Soak in a warm bath. Drink plenty of water.

Headache:

Rest and drink plenty of fluids. Apply a wet or cold cloth to forehead and rest in a quiet, comfortable, dark room.

Dizziness:

Get up and move around to feel awake, take naps and give your eyes a break to avoid fatigue and eat a healthy food to boost energy.

WARNING & PRECAUTIONS

INTERACTIONS

Tell your doctor if you are taking,

• methotrexate (used for rheumatism or cancer)
• quinidine, hydroquinidine, disopyramide, amiodarone, sotalol, dofetilide, ibutilide (treats heart problems)
• clomipramine, amitriptyline (used to treat depression)
• warfarin (treats blood clot)
• glibenclamide (treats diabetes)
• probenecid (used for gout)
• furosemide
• antacids, cimetidine
• erythromycin, clarithromycin, azithromycin
• theophylline (used for breathing problems)
• ibuprofen, diclofenac or indometacin (treats pain)
• corticosteroids (treats inflammation and swelling)

SYNOPSIS

MORE INFORMATION

Store below 20-25°C and keep out of reach of children.

FAQs ABOUT OFLOKEM

Can I stop using OFLOKEM when my symptoms are relieved?

No, do not stop using and complete the full course of treatment even if you feel better.

Can the use of OFLOKEM cause diarrhea?

Yes. It may cause diarrhea, if you are experiencing severe diarrhea, consult your doctor for advice.

Can the use of OFLOKEM increase the risk of muscle damage?

Yes, it may increase the risk of muscle damage, commonly in the ankle (achilies tendon).  Consult your physician if you have any muscle pain while using this medicine.

REFERENCES

1. Briggs GG, Freeman RK, editors. A Reference Guide to Fetal and Neonatal Risk: Drugs in Pregnancy and Lactation. 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Wolters Kluwer Health; 2015. Page. 1011-1013.

2. Sanofi. 2002. Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC); [Revised on July, 2019] [Accessed on August 26, 2021] https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.1668.pdf

3. Cipla med. [Revised on Jan, 2019] [Accessed on August 26, 2021] https://www.ciplamed.com/content/oflox-iv-infusion

4. Medlineplus. [Revised on July 15, 2019] [Accessed on August 26, 2021] https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a691005.html

USEFUL DIAGNOSTIC TESTS

• Complete Blood Count
• Peripheral Smear Examination