Oflox

Ofloxacin tablets are not the drug of first choice in pneumonia caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae or Chlamydia pneumoniae.

Methicillin-resistant S. aureus

Are very likely to possess co-resistance to fluoroquinolones, including ofloxacin. Therefore ofloxacin is not recommended for the treatment of known or suspected MRSA infections unless laboratory results have confirmed susceptibility of the organism to ofloxacin (and commonly recommended antibacterial agents for the treatment of MRSA-infections are considered inappropriate).

Resistance to fluoroquinolones of E. coli

The most common pathogen involved in urinary tract infections - varies across the European Union. Prescribers are advised to take into account the local prevalence of resistance in E. coli to fluoroquinolones.

Severe bullous reactions

Cases of severe bullous skin reactions such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome or toxic epidermal necrolysis have been reported with ofloxacin. Patients should be advised to contact their doctor immediately prior to continuing treatment if skin and/or mucosal reactions occur.

Tendonitis

Tendonitis, rarely observed with quinolones, may occasionally lead to rupture involving Achilles tendon in particular. Tendinitis and tendon rupture, sometimes bilateral, may occur within 48 hours of starting treatment with ofloxacin and have been reported up to several months after discontinuation of ofloxacin. The risk of tendinitis and tendon rupture is increased in patients aged over 60 years and in patients using corticosteroids. The daily dose should be adjusted in elderly patients based on creatinine clearance. Close monitoring of these patients is therefore necessary if they are prescribed ofloxacin. All patients should consult their physician if they experience symptoms of tendinitis. If tendinitis is suspected, treatment with ofloxacin must be halted immediately, and appropriate treatment (e.g. immobilisation) must be initiated for the affected tendon.

Hypersensitivity

Hypersensitivity and allergic reactions have been reported for fluoroquinolones after first administration. Anaphylactic and anaphylactoid reactions can progress to life-threatening shock, even after the first administration. In these cases ofloxacin should be discontinued and suitable treatment (e.g. treatment for shock) should be initiated.

Diseases caused by Clostridium difficile

Diarrhoea, especially if severe, persistent and/or bloody, occurring during or after treatment with ofloxacin (including several weeks after treatment), may indicate a condition caused by Clostridium difficile, the most severe form of which is pseudomembranous colitis (CDAD) CDAD may range in severity from mild to life threatening, the most severe form of which is pseudomembranous colitis. It is therefore important to consider this diagnosis in patients who develop serious diarrhoea during or after treatment with ofloxacin. If pseudo-membraneous colitis is suspected, treatment should be discontinued immediately.

Appropriate specific antibiotic therapy must be started without delay (e.g. oral vancomycin, oral teicoplanin or metronidazole). Medicinal products that inhibit peristalsis are contraindicated in such cases.

Patients predisposed to seizures

Quinolones may lower the seizure threshold and may trigger seizures. Ofloxacin is contraindicated in patients with a history epilepsy or with a known predisposition to seizures.

Patients with a known predisposition to seizures may include those with pre-existing central nervous system lesions, concomitant treatment with fenbufen and similar non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), or with drugs which lower the cerebral seizure threshold, such as theophylline.

In case of convulsive seizures, treatment with ofloxacin should be discontinued.

Patients with impaired renal function

Since ofloxacin is eliminated primarily via the kidneys, the dose should be adjusted in patients with impaired renal function.

Patients with history of psychotic disorder

Psychotic reactions have been reported in patients receiving fluoroquinolones including ofloxacin. In some cases these have progressed to suicidal thoughts or self-endangering behavior including suicide attempt, sometimes after a single dose of ofloxacin. In the event that a patient develops these reactions, ofloxacin should be discontinued and appropriate measures instituted.

Ofloxacin should be used with caution in patients with a history of psychotic disorder or in patients with psychiatric disease.

Patients with impaired liver function

Ofloxacin should be used with caution in patients with impaired liver function, as liver damage may occur. Cases of fulminant hepatitis potentially leading to liver failure (including fatal cases) have been reported with fluoroquinolones. Patients should be advised to stop treatment and contact their doctor if signs and symptoms of hepatic disease develop such as anorexia, jaundice, dark urine, pruritus or tender abdomen.

Patients treated with vitamin K antagonists

Due to possible increase in coagulation tests (PT/INR) and/or bleeding in patients treated with fluoroquinolones, including ofloxacin, in combination with a vitamin K antagonist (e.g. warfarin), coagulation tests should be monitored when these drugs are given concomitantly.

Myasthenia gravis

Fluoroquinolones, including ofloxacin, have neuromuscular blocking activity and may exacerbate muscle weakness in patients with myasthenia gravis. Postmarketing serious adverse reactions, including deaths and the requirement for respiratory support, have been associated with fluoroquinolone use in patients with myasthenia gravis. Ofloxacin is not recommended in patients with a known history of myasthenia gravis.

Superinfection

As with other antibiotics, the use of ofloxacin, especially if prolonged, may result in overgrowth of non-susceptible organisms, especially Enteracci, resistant strains of some organisms or Candida. Repeated evaluation of the patient's condition is essential and periodic in vitro susceptibility tests may be useful. If secondary infection occurs during therapy, appropriate measures should be taken.

Prevention of photosensitisation

Photosensitisation has been reported with ofloxacin. It is recommended that patients should not expose themselves unnecessarily to strong sunlight or to artificial UV rays (e.g. sunray lamp, solarium), during treatment and for 48 hours following treatment discontinuation in order to prevent photosensitisation.

QT interval prolongation

Very rare cases of QT interval proplongation have been reported in patients taking fluoroquinolones.

Caution should be taken when using fluoroquinolones, including ofloxacin, in patients with known risk factors for prolongation of the QT interval such as, for example:

- elderly patients and women may be more sensitive to QTc-prolonging medications. Therefore, caution should be taken when using fluoroquinolones, including ofloxacin, in these populations.

- uncorrected electrolyte imbalance (e.g. hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia) - congenital long QT syndrome

- concomitant use of drugs that are known to prolong the QT interval (e.g. Class IA and III anti-arrhythmics, tricyclic antidepressants, macrolides, antipsychotics)

- - cardiac disease (e.g. heart failure, myocardial infarction, bradycardia)

Dysglycaemia

As with all quinolones, disturbances in blood glucose, including both hypoglycaemia and hyperglycaemia have been reported, usually in diabetic patients receiving concomitant treatment with an oral hypoglycaemic agent (e.g., glibenclamide) or with insulin. Cases of hypoglycaemic coma have been reported. In these diabetic patients, careful monitoring of blood glucose is recommended.

Peripheral neuropathy

Sensory or sensorimotor peripheral neuropathy has been reported in patients receiving fluoroquinolones, including ofloxacin, which can be rapid in its onset. Ofloxacin should be discontinued if the patient experiences symptoms of neuropathy. This would minimise the possible risk of developing an irreversible condition.

Patients with glucose-6-phosphate-dehydrogenase deficiency

Patients with latent or diagnosed glucose-6-phosphate-dehydrogenase deficiency may be predisposed to haemolytic reactions if they are treated with quinolones. Therefore if ofloxacin has to be used in these patients, potential occurrence of haemolysis should be monitored.

Interference with laboratory tests

In patients treated with ofloxacin, determination of opiates or porphyrin levels in urine may give false-positive results. It may be necessary to confirm positive opiate or porphyrin screens by more specific methods.

Vision disorders

If vision becomes impaired or any effects on the eyes are experienced, an eye specialist should be consulted immediately.

Excipient with known effect

Ofloxacin contains lactose anhydrous. Patients with rare hereditary problems of galactose intolerance, the Lapp lactase deficiency, or glucose-galactose malabsorption should not take this medicine.

For treatment of severe and/or life-threatening infections parenteral therapy is indicated.

Antacids, Sucralfate, Metal Cations

Co-administered magnesium/aluminum antacids, sucralfate, zinc or iron preparations and didanosine chewable/buffered tablets can reduce absorption of ofloxacin tablets. Therefore, ofloxacin should be taken 2 hours before such preparations.

Theophylline, fenbufen or similar non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs

No pharmacokinetic interactions of ofloxacin were found with theophylline in a clinical study. However, a pronounced lowering of the cerebral seizure threshold may occur when quinolones are given concurrently with theophylline, nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs, or other agents, which lower the seizure threshold.

Probenecid, cimetidine, furosemide, and methotrexate

Probenecid decreased the total clearance of ofloxacin by 24%, and increased AUC by 16%. The proposed mechanism is a competition or inhibition for active transport at the renal tubular excretion. Caution should be exercised when ofloxacin is coadministered with drugs that affect the tubular renal secretion such as probenecid, cimetidine, furosemide and methotrexate.

Drugs known to prolong QT interval

Ofloxacin, like other fluoroquinolones, should be used with caution in patients receiving drugs known to prolong the QT interval (e.g.).

Vitamin K antagonists

Increased coagulation tests (PT/INR) and/or bleeding, which may be severe, have been reported in patients treated with ofloxacin in combination with a vitamin K antagonist (e.g. warfarin). Coagulation tests should, therefore, be monitored in patients treated with vitamin K antagonists because of a possible increase in the effect of coumarin derivatives.

Glibenclamide

Ofloxacin may cause a slight increase in plasma glibenclamide levels when administered concurrently, it is therefore recommended that patients treated concomitantly with ofloxacin and glibenclamide be monitored particularly closely. Since hypoglycaemia is then more likely to occur, close monitoring of blood sugar levels is recommended in such cases.

Pregnancy

Based on a limited amount of human data, the use of fluoroquinolones in the first trimester of pregnancy has not been associated with an increased risk of major malformations or other adverse effects on pregnancy outcome. Animal studies have shown damage to the joint cartilage in immature animals but no teratogenic effects. Therefore ofloxacin must not be used during pregnancy.

Breast-feeding

Ofloxacin is excreted into human breast milk in small amounts. Because of the potential for arthropathy and other serious toxicity in the nursing infant, breast-feeding should be discontinued during treatment with ofloxacin.

Since there have been occasional reports of drowsiness/somnolence, impairment of skills, dizziness/vertigo and visual disturbances, which may impair the patient's ability to concentrate and react, and therefore may constitute a risk in situations where these abilities are of special importance (e.g. driving a car or operating machinery), patients should know how they react to ofloxacin before they drive or operate machinery. These effects may be enhanced by alcohol.

The information given below is based on data from clinical studies and on extensive post marketing experience.

* postmarketing experience

Reporting of suspected adverse reactions

Reporting suspected adverse reactions after authorisation of the medicinal product is important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit/risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions via the Yellow Card Scheme at: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard.

Symptoms

The most important signs to be expected following acute overdose are CNS symptoms such as confusion, dizziness, impairment of consciousness and convulsive seizures increases in QT interval as well as gastrointestinal reactions such as nausea and mucosal erosions.

CNS effects including confusional state, convulsion, hallucination, and tremor have been observed in post marketing experience.

Management

In the case of overdose steps to remove any unabsorbed ofloxacin e.g. gastric lavage, administration of adsorbants and sodium sulphate, if possible during the first 30 minutes, are recommended; antacids are recommended for protection of the gastric mucosa.

In the event of overdose, symptomatic treatment should be implemented. ECG monitoring should be undertaken, because of the possibility of QT interval prolongation. Antacids may be used for protection of gastric mucosa. A fraction of ofloxacin may be removed from the body with haemodialysis. Peritoneal dialysis and CAPD are not effective in removing ofloxacin from the body. No specific antidote exists.

Elimination of ofloxacin may be increased by forced diuresis.

Pharmacotherapeutic group: Quinolone Antibacterials, Fluoroquinolones

ATC code: J01 MA 01

Mechanism of action

Ofloxacin inhibits bacterial DNA replication by inhibiting bacterial topoisomerases, particularly DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV. It is active after oral administration.

Therapeutic doses of ofloxacin are devoid of pharmacological effects on the voluntary or autonomic nervous system.

The NCCLS MIC breakpoint recommendations are as follows:

S ≤ 2 mg/l and R > 1 mg/l

Haemophilus influenzae and Neisseria gonorrhoea are exceptions with breakpoints at S ≤ 0.25 mg/l and R > 1 mg/l

The BSAC general recommendations are S ≤ 2 mg/l and R > 4 mg/l

According to DIN 58 940, the following limits apply for ofloxacin:

S ≤ 1 mg/L, I = 2 mg/L, R > 4 mg/L.

The prevalence of resistance may vary geographically and with time for selected species and local information on resistance is desirable, particularly when treating severe infections. This information gives only an approximate guidance on probabilities whether micro-organisms will be susceptible to ofloxacin or not.

Only those pathogens relevant to the indications are listed.

Resistance

The main mechanism of bacterial resistance to ofloxacin involves one or more mutations in the target enzymes, which generally confer resistance to other active substances in the class. Efflux pump and impermeability mechanisms of resistance have also been described and may confer variable resistance to active substances in other classes.

Absorption

The administration of oral doses to fasting volunteers was followed by a rapid and almost complete absorption of ofloxacin. The peak plasma concentration after a single oral dose of 200mg averaged 2.6 µg/ml and was reached within one hour. The plasma elimination half-life was 5.7 to 7.0 hours and was not dose related.

Distribution

The apparent distribution volume was 120 litres. The plasma concentration did not materially rise with repeat doses (accumulation factor for twice daily dosage: 1.5). The plasma protein binding was approx. 25%.

Biotransformation

The biotransformation of ofloxacin was below 5%. The two main metabolites found in the urine were N-desmethyl-ofloxacin and ofloxacin-N-oxide.

Elimination

Excretion is primarily renal. Between 80 and 90% of the dose were recovered from the urine as unchanged substance.

Ofloxacin was present in the bile in glucuronidised form. The pharmacokinetics of ofloxacin after intravenous infusion are very similar to those after oral doses. The plasma half-life is prolonged in persons with renal insufficiency; total and renal clearance decrease in accordance with the creatinine clearance. In renal insufficiency the dose should be reduced.

No clinically relevant interactions were seen with food and no interaction was found between ofloxacin and theophylline.

Tablet core

Maize starch

Lactose, anhydrous

Hydroxypropylcellulose

Croscarmellose sodium

Magnesium stearate

Film-coating

Hypromellose

Titanium dioxide (E171)

Macrogol 400

Talc

Adverse reactions possible when combined with:

• Benzodiazepines

• CNS depressants

• Antidepressants

• MAO inhibitors

2 years

• Storage temperature: up to 30°C

• Keep out of reach of children

Aluminium PVC/PVDC blisters and polypropylene bottles with polyethylene tamper evident closure (with optional polyethylene ullage filler).

Obtainable in the following pack sizes: 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 20, 24, 30, 50, 100, 250 tablets.

Not all pack sizes may be marketed

Dispose of the medication in accordance with local regulations for medical waste.

Generics [UK] Limited t/a Mylan

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Potters Bar

Hertfordshire

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PL 04569/0549

28 February 2002 / 11 June 2007

March 2016

• R52.1 – Chronic intractable pain
• R52.2 – Other chronic pain
• R52.9 – Unspecified pain