Floxin dosage: practical, easy-to-follow guide

Floxin is the brand name for ofloxacin, a fluoroquinolone antibiotic. How much you take depends on the infection, how severe it is, and your kidneys. Below you’ll find common dosing ranges, safety flags, and simple tips to avoid mistakes. Always follow the exact instructions from your prescriber.

Typical adult dosing

Most oral Floxin doses fall into one of these ranges: 200–400 mg every 12 hours for many infections. For mild uncomplicated infections your doctor may pick the lower end; for serious infections they’ll use the higher end.

Common examples (typical but not universal):

- Uncomplicated urinary tract infections: often 200 mg twice daily for a short course (several days).

- More complicated UTIs or prostatitis: 200–400 mg twice daily for 7–14 days or longer depending on response.

- Respiratory infections (when used): commonly 400 mg every 12 hours for 7–14 days.

There are also ear and eye Floxin drops — those use different doses and schedules. Don’t assume eye/ear dosing equals the pill dose.

Kidneys, children, pregnancy and other safety notes

If your kidneys don’t work well, your doctor will change the dose or the time between doses. That’s because ofloxacin leaves the body through the kidneys. If you have reduced kidney function, you may take the same amount less often or a smaller dose — your prescriber will advise.

Floxin is not usually given to children or during pregnancy unless no safer option exists. Fluoroquinolones have been tied to joint and cartilage problems in growing kids and carry risks during pregnancy.

Watch for common side effects: nausea, headache, dizziness, or stomach upset. Serious signs to act on quickly: new tendon pain (especially in the Achilles), numbness/tingling (peripheral neuropathy), sudden mood or vision changes, or signs of a severe allergic reaction. If any of those happen, stop the drug and contact your provider.

Some drug interactions matter: antacids, calcium, iron, or multivitamins with metal ions can make Floxin much less effective — separate them by at least 2–4 hours. It can also affect blood thinners like warfarin; your INR may need closer monitoring. Combining with other drugs that prolong QT interval (certain heart or psychiatric meds) raises the risk of heart rhythm problems.

Finish the full course your prescriber gives unless they tell you to stop. Stopping early can let the infection return and promote resistance. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it's almost time for the next dose — then skip the missed one and continue normally. Don’t double up.

If you’re unsure about dose, kidney function effects, or interactions with your other meds, call your prescriber or pharmacist. They can check your chart and give a safe, specific dosing plan for you.