Ofloxacin: what it treats and what to watch for

Ofloxacin is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic that can clear a range of bacterial infections — from urinary tract infections to some lung and skin infections. It works by stopping bacteria from reproducing, so symptoms often start improving within a day or two. But this drug isn't harmless: it can cause serious side effects and is not the first choice for every infection.

What ofloxacin treats and how it’s used

Doctors commonly prescribe ofloxacin for uncomplicated urinary tract infections, certain sexually transmitted infections like chlamydia, and some bronchial or skin infections when the bugs are sensitive. Doses vary by infection and patient factors, so follow your prescriber's instructions exactly. Never use leftover pills or take someone else’s prescription — that raises resistance and risks the wrong dose for your condition.

Want to know how long you’ll take it? That depends. Some UTIs need a short course (3–7 days), while more complicated infections may need longer. Stopping early because you feel better can let bacteria survive and come back stronger. If symptoms don’t improve in 48–72 hours, contact your clinician.

Safety, side effects, and interactions

Serious but uncommon side effects include tendon pain or rupture, nerve damage that can cause numbness or tingling, and mood or sleep changes. If you get sudden tendon pain, especially in the Achilles tendon, stop the drug and see a doctor right away. Also watch for severe diarrhea — that could be a sign of C. difficile infection and needs prompt care.

Ofloxacin interacts with several common substances. Antacids, iron supplements, calcium, and sucralfate can reduce how much ofloxacin gets absorbed, so separate doses by a few hours. It can also affect blood thinners like warfarin, requiring closer monitoring of bleeding risk. Combining with NSAIDs may raise the chance of nervous system side effects.

Pregnant people and children are usually advised to avoid fluoroquinolones because of potential effects on growing cartilage. If you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, or caring for a child, discuss safer alternatives with your provider.

Resistance is a real problem. Doctors try to avoid fluoroquinolones for mild infections that can be treated with safer options, because overuse makes them less useful when you really need them.

Buying ofloxacin online? Make sure the pharmacy is legitimate, requires a prescription, and has clear contact details and a licensed pharmacist. Cheap pills from unverified sites often mean fake or poor-quality medicine. If in doubt, ask your local pharmacist to check the label and manufacturer.

If you notice worrying side effects, sudden pain, numbness, or severe diarrhea, stop the medicine and seek help. Keep good records of what you took and when, and always follow up with your healthcare provider to make sure the infection is fully cleared.