Indications

Diarrhoea and dysentery of amoebic, bacterial or mixed origins.

Contraindication

Hypersensitivity to ofloxacin or to other quinolones.

Special Precautions

Patient w/ known or suspected CNS disorders (e.g. severe cerebral arteriosclerosis, epilepsy, other seizure disorders), or other factors that predispose to seizures or lower the seizure threshold. Patient w/ history of QT interval prolongation, psychiatric illness and tendinitis; uncorrected electrolyte disorders (e.g. hypokalaemia), latent or actual defects in G6PD activity. Kidney, heart or lung transplant recipients. May exacerbate myasthenia gravis symptoms. Hepatic and renal impairment. Pregnancy and lactation. Patient Counselling This drug may cause somnolence, dizziness and visual disturbances, if affected, do not drive or operate machinery. Avoid excessive exposure to direct sunlight or artificial UV light (e.g. sunlamps, solariums). Rest and refrain from exercise at the 1st sign of tendinitis or tendon rupture (e.g. pain, swelling). Monitoring Parameters Renal, hepatic and haematologic systems should be evaluated periodically during prolonged therapy.

Side Effects

GI disturbances (e.g. nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, discomfort or cramps, diarrhoea, flatulence, constipation), tendinitis, tendon rupture, CNS effects (e.g. headache, insomnia, dizziness), peripheral neuropathy, rash, pruritus, external genital pruritus, vaginal discharge, mild increases in serum AST and/or ALT, eosinophilia, leucopenia, anaemia, ocular discomfort and irritation, cough, resp arrest, rhinorrhea, thirst, wt loss. Rarely, photosensitivity reactions.

Drug Interactions

Concomitant use of class IA (e.g. quinidine, procainamide) or class III (e.g. amiodarone, sotalol) antiarrhythmic agents may increase risk of QT interval prolongation. Decreased serum and urine concentrations w/ antacids containing Mg, Al or Ca. Additive antibacterial activity w/ aminoglycosides (e.g. amikacin, tobramycin). Corticosteroids may increase risk of severe tendon disorders. Increased risk of CNS stimulation (e.g. seizures) w/ NSAIDs. Higher and prolonged serum theophylline concentrations and increased risk of theophylline-related adverse effects.

Route of Administration

Oral

Dosage

As directed by the physician