ofloxacin ophthalmic (Rx)

Brand and Other Names:Ocuflox

Dosing & Uses

AdultPediatric

Dosage Forms & Strengths

ophthalmic solution

  • 0.3%

Bacterial Conjunctivitis

Days 1-2: 1-2 gtt in affected eye q2-4hr, THEN

Days 3-7: 1-2 gtt four times daily

Corneal Ulcer

Days 1-2: 1-2 gtt q30min while awake (WA), awaken 4-6 hours after retiring

Days 3-7: 1-2 gtt q1hr while awake

Days 7-9: 1-2 gtt four times daily until clinical cure

Dosage Forms & Strengths

ophthalmic solution

  • 0.3%

Bacterial Conjunctivitis

< 1 year

  • Not recommended

> 1 year

  • Day 1-2: 1-2 gtt in affected eye q2-4hr, THEN
  • Day 3-7: 1-2 gtt four times daily

Corneal Ulcer

< 1 year

  • Not recommended

> 1 year

  • Days 1-2: 1-2 gtt q30min while awake (WA), awaken 4-6 hours after retiring
  • Days 3-7: 1-2 gtt q1hr while awake
  • Days 7-9: 1-2 gtt four times daily until clinical cure
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Adverse Effects

Frequency Not Defined

Transient ocular burning or discomfort following instillation of the solution

Conjunctival hyperemia

Chemical conjunctivitis/keratitis

Foreign body sensation

Blurred vision

Periocular/facial edema

Eye pain

Photophobia

Pruritus

Stinging

Tearing

Dryness

Hemorrhagic conjunctivitis with palpebral edema (rare)

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Warnings

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to quinolones or other components in product

Cautions

May result in overgrowth of nonsusceptible organisms, including fungi

Careful monitoring, including slit-lamp biomicroscopy and fluorescein staining when appropriate may be necessary

Not for subconjunctival injection

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Pregnancy & Lactation

Pregnancy Category: C

Lactation: Not known if distributed into milk; discontinue breastfeeding or drug

Pregnancy Categories

A: Generally acceptable. Controlled studies in pregnant women show no evidence of fetal risk.

B: May be acceptable. Either animal studies show no risk but human studies not available or animal studies showed minor risks and human studies done and showed no risk.

C: Use with caution if benefits outweigh risks. Animal studies show risk and human studies not available or neither animal nor human studies done.

D: Use in LIFE-THREATENING emergencies when no safer drug available. Positive evidence of human fetal risk.

X: Do not use in pregnancy. Risks involved outweigh potential benefits. Safer alternatives exist.

NA: Information not available.

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Pharmacology

Mechanism of Action

Bactericidal

Inhibits DNA topoisomerase (ATP-hydrolyzing), a type II DNA topoisomerase commonly referred to as DNA-gyrase, in susceptible organisms

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption: Minimal systemic absorption with ophthalmic use

Excretion: Urine

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Images

BRAND FORM. UNIT PRICE PILL IMAGE
Ocuflox ophthalmic (eye)
-
0.3 % drops
ofloxacin oral
-
400 mg tablet
ofloxacin otic (ear)
-
0.3 % drops
ofloxacin otic (ear)
-
0.3 % drops
ofloxacin otic (ear)
-
0.3 % drops
ofloxacin otic (ear)
-
0.3 % drops
ofloxacin otic (ear)
-
0.3 % drops
ofloxacin otic (ear)
-
0.3 % drops
ofloxacin otic (ear)
-
0.3 % drops
ofloxacin ophthalmic (eye)
-
0.3 % drops
ofloxacin ophthalmic (eye)
-
0.3 % drops
ofloxacin ophthalmic (eye)
-
0.3 % drops
ofloxacin ophthalmic (eye)
-
0.3 % drops
ofloxacin ophthalmic (eye)
-
0.3 % drops
ofloxacin ophthalmic (eye)
-
0.3 % drops
ofloxacin ophthalmic (eye)
-
0.3 % drops
ofloxacin ophthalmic (eye)
-
0.3 % drops

Copyright © 2010 First DataBank, Inc.

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Patient Handout

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Patient Education
ofloxacin oral

OFLOXACIN - ORAL

(oh-FLOX-uh-sin)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Floxin

WARNING: Quinolone antibiotics (including ofloxacin) may cause serious and possibly permanent tendon damage (such as tendonitis, tendon rupture), nerve problems in the arms and legs (peripheral neuropathy), and nervous system problems. Get medical help right away if you have any of the following symptoms: pain/numbness/burning/tingling/weakness in your arms/hands/legs/feet, changes in how you sense touch/pain/temperature/vibration/body position, severe/lasting headache, vision changes, shaking (tremors), seizures, mental/mood changes (such as agitation, anxiety, confusion, hallucinations, depression, rare thoughts of suicide).Tendon damage may occur during or after treatment with this medication. Stop exercising, rest, and get medical help right away if you develop joint/muscle/tendon pain or swelling. Your risk for tendon problems is greater if you are over 60 years of age, if you are taking corticosteroids (such as prednisone), or if you have a kidney, heart, or lung transplant.This medication may make a certain muscle condition (myasthenia gravis) worse. Tell your doctor right away if you have new or worsening muscle weakness (such as drooping eyelids, unsteady walk) or trouble breathing.Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor before using this medication.

USES: This medication is used to treat a variety of bacterial infections. Ofloxacin belongs to a class of drugs called quinolone antibiotics. It works by stopping the growth of bacteria.This antibiotic treats only bacterial infections. It will not work for viral infections (such as common cold, flu). Using any antibiotic when it is not needed can cause it to not work for future infections.

HOW TO USE: Read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist before you start taking ofloxacin and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.Take this medication by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually twice a day (every 12 hours). The dosage and length of treatment is based on your medical condition and response to treatment.Drink plenty of fluids while taking this medication unless your doctor tells you otherwise.Take this medication at least 2 hours before or 2 hours after taking other products that may bind to it, decreasing its effectiveness. Ask your pharmacist about the other products you take. Some examples include: quinapril, sucralfate, vitamins/minerals (including iron and zinc supplements), and products containing magnesium, aluminum, or calcium (such as antacids, didanosine solution, calcium supplements).For the best effect, take this antibiotic at evenly spaced times. To help you remember, take this medication at the same time(s) every day.Continue to take this medication until the full prescribed amount is finished, even if symptoms disappear after a few days. Stopping the medication too early may result in a return of the infection.Tell your doctor if your condition lasts or gets worse.

SIDE EFFECTS: See also Warning section.Upset stomach, nausea, diarrhea, headache, dizziness, lightheadedness, or trouble sleeping may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: easy bruising/bleeding, signs of a new infection (such as sore throat that doesn't go away, fever), signs of kidney problems (such as change in the amount of urine), signs of liver problems (such as nausea/vomiting that doesn't stop, unusual tiredness, stomach/abdominal pain, yellowing eyes/skin, dark urine).Get medical help right away if you have any very serious side effects, including: hearing changes, unsteadiness, severe dizziness, fainting, fast/irregular heartbeat, signs of a tear/break in the main blood vessel called the aorta (such as sudden/severe pain in the stomach/chest/back, shortness of breath).This medication may rarely cause a severe intestinal condition due to a bacteria called C. difficile. This condition may occur during treatment or weeks to months after treatment has stopped. Tell your doctor right away if you develop: diarrhea that doesn't stop, abdominal or stomach pain/cramping, blood/mucus in your stool.If you have these symptoms, do not use anti-diarrhea or opioid products because they may make symptoms worse.Use of this medication for prolonged or repeated periods may result in oral thrush or a new yeast infection. Contact your doctor if you notice white patches in your mouth, a change in vaginal discharge, or other new symptoms.A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.In the US -Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

PRECAUTIONS: See also Warning section.Before taking ofloxacin, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other quinolone antibiotics (such as ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin); or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: seizure disorder, conditions that increase your risk of seizures (such as brain/head injury, brain tumors), nerve problems (such as peripheral neuropathy), kidney disease, liver disease, mental/mood disorders (such as depression), myasthenia gravis, joint/tendon problems (such as tendonitis, bursitis), blood vessel problems (such as aneurysm or blockage of the aorta or other blood vessels, hardening of the arteries), high blood pressure, certain genetic conditions (Marfan syndrome, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome).Ofloxacin may cause a condition that affects the heart rhythm (QT prolongation). QT prolongation can rarely cause serious (rarely fatal) fast/irregular heartbeat and other symptoms (such as severe dizziness, fainting) that need medical attention right away.The risk of QT prolongation may be increased if you have certain medical conditions or are taking other drugs that may cause QT prolongation. Before using ofloxacin, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the drugs you take and if you have any of the following conditions: certain heart problems (heart failure, slow heartbeat, QT prolongation in the EKG), family history of certain heart problems (QT prolongation in the EKG, sudden cardiac death).Low levels of potassium or magnesium in the blood may also increase your risk of QT prolongation. This risk may increase if you use certain drugs (such as diuretics/"water pills") or if you have conditions such as severe sweating, diarrhea, or vomiting. Talk to your doctor about using ofloxacin safely.This medication may rarely cause serious changes in blood sugar, especially if you have diabetes. Check your blood sugar regularly as directed and share the results with your doctor. Watch for symptoms of high blood sugar, such as increased thirst/urination. Also watch for symptoms of low blood sugar such as sudden sweating, shaking, fast heartbeat, hunger, blurred vision, dizziness, or tingling hands/feet. It is a good habit to carry glucose tablets or gel to treat low blood sugar. If you don't have these reliable forms of glucose, rapidly raise your blood sugar by eating a quick source of sugar such as table sugar, honey, or candy, or by drinking fruit juice or non-diet soda. Tell your doctor right away about the reaction and the use of this product. To help prevent low blood sugar, eat meals on a regular schedule, and do not skip meals. Your doctor may need to switch you to another antibiotic or adjust your diabetes medications if any reaction occurs.This drug may make you dizzy. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis).Ofloxacin may cause live bacterial vaccines (such as typhoid vaccine) to not work well. Tell your health care professional that you are using ofloxacin before having any immunizations/vaccinations.This medication may make you more sensitive to the sun. Limit your time in the sun. Avoid tanning booths and sunlamps. Use sunscreen and wear protective clothing when outdoors. Tell your doctor right away if you get sunburned or have skin blisters/redness.Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).Children may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially joint/tendon problems.Older adults may be at greater risk for tendon problems (especially if they are also taking corticosteroids such as prednisone or hydrocortisone), QT prolongation, and a sudden tear/break in the main blood vessel (aorta).During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.This medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

DRUG INTERACTIONS: See also Warning, How to Use, and Precautions sections.Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.Some products that may interact with this drug include: "blood thinners" (such as acenocoumarol, warfarin), strontium.Many drugs besides ofloxacin may affect the heart rhythm (QT prolongation), including dofetilide, procainamide, amiodarone, quinidine, sotalol, among others.Ofloxacin is very similar to levofloxacin. Do not use medications containing levofloxacin while using ofloxacin.This medication may interfere with certain lab tests (such as urine screening for opiates), possibly causing false test results. Make sure lab personnel and all your doctors know you use this drug.

OVERDOSE: If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. Symptoms of overdose may include: severe dizziness.

NOTES: Do not share this medication with others.This medication has been prescribed for your current condition only. Do not use it later for another infection unless your doctor tells you to.Lab and/or medical tests may be done while you are taking this medication. Keep all medical and lab appointments. Consult your doctor for more details.

MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.

STORAGE: Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets.Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.

Information last revised July 2023. Copyright(c) 2023 First Databank, Inc.

IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.

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Formulary

FormularyPatient Discounts

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The above information is provided for general informational and educational purposes only. Individual plans may vary and formulary information changes. Contact the applicable plan provider for the most current information.

Tier Description
1 This drug is available at the lowest co-pay. Most commonly, these are generic drugs.
2 This drug is available at a middle level co-pay. Most commonly, these are "preferred" (on formulary) brand drugs.
3 This drug is available at a higher level co-pay. Most commonly, these are "non-preferred" brand drugs.
4 This drug is available at a higher level co-pay. Most commonly, these are "non-preferred" brand drugs or specialty prescription products.
5 This drug is available at a higher level co-pay. Most commonly, these are "non-preferred" brand drugs or specialty prescription products.
6 This drug is available at a higher level co-pay. Most commonly, these are "non-preferred" brand drugs or specialty prescription products.
NC NOT COVERED – Drugs that are not covered by the plan.
Code Definition
PA Prior Authorization
Drugs that require prior authorization. This restriction requires that specific clinical criteria be met prior to the approval of the prescription.
QL Quantity Limits
Drugs that have quantity limits associated with each prescription. This restriction typically limits the quantity of the drug that will be covered.
ST Step Therapy
Drugs that have step therapy associated with each prescription. This restriction typically requires that certain criteria be met prior to approval for the prescription.
OR Other Restrictions
Drugs that have restrictions other than prior authorization, quantity limits, and step therapy associated with each prescription.
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Medscape prescription drug monographs are based on FDA-approved labeling information, unless otherwise noted, combined with additional data derived from primary medical literature.