Brand name:
Tarivid - TARIVID (Ofloxacin, Floxin)
Pronounced: FLOCKS-in
Generic name: Ofloxacin
Why is Tarivid prescribed?
Tarivid is an antibiotic. Tarivid tablets have been used effectively
to treat lower respiratory tract infections, including chronic bronchitis
and pneumonia, sexually transmitted diseases (except syphilis), pelvic
inflammatory disease, and infections of the urinary tract, prostate
gland, and skin. Tarivid Otic solution is used to treat ear infections.
Most important fact about Tarivid
Tarivid kills a variety of bacteria and is frequently used to treat
infections in many parts of the body. However, you should stop taking
the drug and notify your doctor immediately at the first sign of a
skin rash or any other allergic reaction. Although rare, serious and
occasionally fatal allergic reactions have been reported, some after
only one dose. Signs of an impending reaction include swelling of the
face and throat, shortness of breath, difficulty swallowing, rapid
heartbeat, tingling, itching, and hives.
How should you take Tarivid?
You may take Tarivid tablets with or without food. Be sure to drink
plenty of fluids while taking the tablets.
Do not take mineral supplements, vitamins with iron, or minerals,
Videx chewable tablets and pediatric powder, or antacids containing
calcium, aluminum, or magnesium within 2 hours of taking Tarivid tablets.
Tarivid Otic solution should be administered as follows:
1. Wash hands.
2. Clean the outer ear of any discharge. Do not insert any object into
the ear canal.
3. Warm the drops by holding the bottle in your hand for one or two
minutes.
4. Have the individual receiving the drops lie on his or her side with
the affected ear up.
5. Place the prescribed number of drops in the ear.
6. Do not touch the applicator to the ear or your fingers.
7. If a middle ear infection is involved, gently press the flap in
front of the ear canal 4 times to help push the drops inward. For an
outer ear canal infection, gently pull the ear upward and backward
while giving the drops.
8. Keep the ear facing upward for 5 minutes to allow drops to be absorbed
into the ear.
Take Tarivid exactly as prescribed. You need to complete the full course
of therapy to obtain best results and decrease the risk of a recurrence
of the infection.
If you miss a dose...
Take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next
dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule.
Never take 2 doses at the same time.
--Storage instructions...
Store at room temperature in a tightly closed container, away from
light.
Tarivid side effects
Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity,
inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine
if it is safe for you to continue taking Tarivid.
Tarivid TABLETS
* Side effects may include:
Diarrhea, difficulty sleeping, dizziness, headache, itching of genital area
in women, nausea, vaginal inflammation, vomiting
Tarivid OTIC SOLUTION
* Side effects may include:
Abnormal or bitter taste, itching
Why should Tarivid not be prescribed?
Do not take Tarivid if you are sensitive to or have ever had an allergic
reaction to it or other quinolone antibiotics such as Cipro and Noroxin.
Special warnings about Tarivid
Tarivid tablets, used in high doses for short periods of time, may
hide or delay the symptoms of syphilis but are not effective in treating
syphilis. If you are taking Tarivid for gonorrhea, your doctor will
test you for syphilis and then perform a follow-up test after 3 months
of treatment.
Convulsions, increased pressure in the head, psychosis, tremors, restlessness,
light-headedness, nervousness, confusion, depression, nightmares, insomnia,
and hallucinations have occasionally been reported with this type of
antibiotic. If you experience any of these symptoms, stop taking the
drug and contact your doctor immediately.
Like all antibiotics, Tarivid has been known to cause serious inflammation
of the bowels. Notify your doctor if you develop diarrhea during or
after a course of therapy with Tarivid.
Tarivid can cause a rupture in the muscle tendons in your hand, shoulder,
or heel. If you notice any pain and inflammation in a tendon, rest
and avoid exercise until you have seen your doctor.
If you are prone to seizures due to kidney disease, a brain disorder,
or epilepsy, make sure your doctor knows about it. Tarivid tablets should
be used with caution under these conditions.
If you have liver or kidney disease, your doctor will watch you closely
while you are taking Tarivid tablets.
Avoid being in the sun too much; you can develop sun poisoning while
you are taking Tarivid tablets.
Tarivid tablets may make you feel dizzy or light-headed. Be careful
driving, operating machinery, or doing any activity that requires full
mental alertness until you know how you react to this medication.
Never put Tarivid eardrops in the eyes or mouth. When placed in the
ear, the drops may cause dizziness if they have not been sufficiently
warmed.
Tarivid tablets have not been tested in children under 18. Tarivid eardrops
have not been tested in children under 1.
Possible food and drug interactions when taking Tarivid
If Tarivid is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either
could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important
to check with your doctor before combining Tarivid with the following:
Antacids containing calcium, magnesium, or aluminum
Blood thinners such as Coumadin
Calcium supplements such as Caltrate
Cimetidine (Tagamet)
Cyclosporine (Sandimmune, Neoral)
Didanosine (Videx)
Insulin
Iron supplements such as Feosol
Multivitamins containing zinc
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as Motrin and Naprosyn
Oral diabetes drugs such as Diabinese and Micronase
Probenecid (Benemid)
Sucralfate (Carafate)
Theophylline-containing drugs, such as Theo-Du
Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding
The effects of Tarivid during pregnancy have not been adequately studied.
If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, inform your doctor
immediately. This medication should not be used during pregnancy unless
your doctor has determined that the benefit to you outweighs the risk
to the unborn baby. Tarivid appears in breast milk and could affect
a nursing infant. If Tarivid is essential to your health, your doctor
may advise you to stop breastfeeding until your treatment with Tarivid
is finished.
Recommended dosage for Tarivid
Tarivid TABLETS
Overdosage : Any medication used in excess can have serious consequences.
If you suspect an overdose, seek medical treatment immediately.
