Ocuflox (ofloxacin ophthalmic) dosing, indications, interactions, adverse effects, and more

Sections

Sections ofloxacin ophthalmic
Dosing & Uses
Adverse Effects
Warnings
Pregnancy
Pharmacology
Images
Patient Handout
Formulary

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

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)

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

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.

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

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

Patient Handout

Select a drug:

OFLOXACIN SOLUTION - OTIC

(oh-FLOX-a-sin)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Floxin

USES: Ofloxacin is used to treat outer ear infections (swimmer's ear or ear canal infections) and middle ear infections. It works by stopping the growth of bacteria. This medication belongs to a class of drugs called quinolone antibiotics.This medication treats only bacterial ear infections. It will not work for other types of ear infections. Unnecessary use or overuse of any antibiotic can lead to its decreased effectiveness.

HOW TO USE: Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from your pharmacist before you start using ofloxacin and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.For accuracy and to avoid contamination, have another person give the drops if possible. Hold the container in your hand for a few minutes to warm it. This will minimize dizziness.To apply ear drops, wash your hands first. To avoid contamination, do not touch the dropper tip or let it touch your ear or any other surface.Lie on your side or tilt the affected ear upward. Place the dropper directly over your ear and administer the prescribed number of drops. If you are using the single-use containers, empty the contents of the prescribed number of containers into your ear. For outer ear infections, to help the drops roll into the ear, adults should hold the earlobe up and back. In children, hold the earlobe down and back. For middle ear infections, gently press down several times on the cartilage that partially covers your ear opening to allow the drops to enter your middle ear (see Patient Information Leaflet).Keep your head tilted for about 5 minutes, or insert a soft cotton plug if so directed. Repeat the above steps for your other ear if so directed.Do not rinse the dropper. Replace the dropper cap on the bottle after each use. If you are using the single-dose containers, discard any unused solution after each application. Do not reuse.Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. Remember to use it at the same time(s) each day. Continue using it for the full time prescribed, even if symptoms disappear after a few days. Stopping this medication too early may allow bacteria to continue to grow, which may result in a relapse of the infection.Inform your doctor if your condition does not improve in 1 week. Report any ear discharge that occurs after the treatment period is completed.Do not use in the eye.

SIDE EFFECTS: Mild irritation/discomfort in the ear, dizziness, headache, earache, or changes in taste 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: tingling/numbness, hearing changes.Use of this medication for prolonged or repeated periods may result in a new fungal ear infection. Do not use it for longer than prescribed. Contact your doctor if you notice new or worsening 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: Before using 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 (such as preservatives like benzalkonium chloride), 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: other ear problems, two or more ear infections within 6 months.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).During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.It is unknown if this medication passes into breast milk. However, it is unlikely to harm a nursing infant. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

DRUG INTERACTIONS: 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.

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. This medicine may be harmful if swallowed.

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.It is important to keep the infected ear(s) clean and dry. Try not to get the infected ear(s) wet when bathing. Avoid swimming unless your doctor tells you otherwise.

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

STORAGE: Store at room temperature away from light. 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.

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.

Formulary

FormularyPatient Discounts

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Adding plans allows you to:

View the formulary and any restrictions for each plan.
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Compare formulary status to other drugs in the same class.
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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.

View explanations for tiers and restrictions

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.

Medscape prescription drug monographs are based on FDA-approved labeling information, unless otherwise noted, combined with additional data derived from primary medical literature.

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