Tarivid

What is it?

A 4-quinolone antibiotic preparation available as film-coated tablets in 2 strengths containing ofloxacin; white, oblong, containing 200mg and scored, yellow, oblong, containing 400mg. Also, TARIVID INFUSION, containing 2mg per ml of ofloxacin hydrochloride as solution.

Medical Uses

Tablets, infections of the urinary tract, soft tissues and skin, lower respiratory tract, urethritis and cervicitis (inflammation of urethra and cervix), sexually transmitted urethral and cervical gonorrhoea. Infusion, infections of the lower respiratory tract, skin and soft tissues, upper and lower urinary tract, septicaemia.

Dosage

Adults, tablets, 200 to 400mg as single morning dose each day, or 400 to 800mg in 2 divided doses every 12 hours for 5 to 10 days, depending upon the infection and its severity. Doses over 400mg to be given as 2 divided doses. Infusion, 200 to 800mg each day for 7 to 10 days, by slow intravenous infusion lasting half an hour, varying according to infection and its severity.

Special Care

Deficiency in 6 G-PD (an enzyme) kidney and liver damage, kidney or peritoneal dialysis, psychiatric disorders. Patients should avoid exposure to UV light or strong sunlight, and exercise care if driving or operating machinery.

Avoid Use

Children, pregnancy, breast- feeding, previous tendinitis, history of epilepsy, growing adolescents.

Possible Drug and Food Interactions

Methotrexate, probenecid, NSAIDs, glibenclamide, anticoagulants, frusemide, corticosteroids, iron, antacids with aluminium or magnesium, sucralfate, cimetidine. With injection, hypotensives, barbiturate anaesthetics.

Known Side Effects

Skin reactions, convulsions, disturbances to CNS, gastrointestinal upset, disturbances in blood sugar levels, hypersensitivity reactions, low blood pressure, rapid heartbeat, disturbed kidney function, short-lived rise in liver enzymes, porphyria (metabolic disorder involving porphyrins). In rare cases, depression of bone marrow, hepatitis, cholestatic jaundice, serious damage to liver, haematological effects, pains in joints and muscles, weakness, rupture of tendons. Discontinue if pseudo- membraneous colitis occurs or is suspected, or tendonitis (limb should be rested). With injection, thrombophlebitis (inflammation of veins), pain at the site of injection.