The effect of food or milk on the absorption kinetics of ofloxacin.

We have studied the effects of food or milk on the absorption of ofloxacin in 21 healthy male volunteers in a three-way crossover design. Milk did not alter the rate or extent of absorption of ofloxacin or its elimination. Food altered the onset and/or rate of absorption, but not the extent of absorption or the elimination rate. Thus, food reduced peak ofloxacin concentrations (Cmax) by 20% compared with fasting conditions and the time to reach maximum concentration (tmax) was prolonged on average by 1 h. However, the extent of absorption and the half-life (t 1/2) of ofloxacin were the same after each treatment. These data indicate that food and milk have a clinically insignificant effect on ofloxacin absorption.