Ofloxacin

💊 What is Ofloxacin used for?

• •Outer ear infection (otitis externa) in adults and children 6 months and older
• •Long-lasting middle ear infection with discharge (chronic suppurative otitis media) in people 12 years and older who have a perforated eardrum
• •Acute middle ear infection (acute otitis media) in children 1 year and older who have tympanostomy tubes (small ear tubes)

How it works

How it is usually taken

• •The label says the bottle should be warmed by holding it in your hand for one or two minutes before use, so the drops do not cause dizziness. Lie with the affected ear facing up and put in the drops. For middle ear infections, the small flap in front of the ear (the tragus) is pushed inward several times to help the drops reach the middle ear. Stay in this position for five minutes. The label says the other ear can be treated the same way if needed. The number of drops and how often to use them depend on your age and condition, so follow your prescriber's or pharmacist's instructions. Avoid touching the applicator tip with your fingers or other surfaces, which keeps the drops sterile.

Comes as

• •Ofloxacin 0.3% (3 mg/mL) otic solution in plastic dropper bottles, 5 mL and 10 mL sizes

⚠️ Ofloxacin side effects

🛑 Who should not take Ofloxacin, and who should be careful

The label says not to take it if

• 🚨You have a history of an allergic reaction (hypersensitivity) to ofloxacin.
• 🚨You have a history of an allergic reaction to other quinolone medicines.
• 🚨You are allergic to any of the other ingredients in this product.

Tell your doctor before taking it if

• •Tell your prescriber or pharmacist if you have ever had an allergic reaction to ofloxacin or to other quinolone medicines.
• •This medicine is for the ear only. The label says it is NOT FOR OPHTHALMIC USE (not for the eyes) and NOT FOR INJECTION.
• •Tell your prescriber about any ear tubes, a hole in your eardrum, or any ear problems you have.
• •Tell your prescriber if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

🔀 Ofloxacin with other medicines, food and alcohol

The label says to discuss these with your doctor or pharmacist

• •The label says specific drug interaction studies have not been done with this ear drop product. Tell your prescriber or pharmacist about all medicines you use.

Alcohol and food

The label does not say.

🤰 Ofloxacin in pregnancy and breastfeeding

Pregnancy

The label says studies in rats and rabbits did not show harm to the developing baby at doses relevant to ear drop use. The label also says there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. It says the medicine should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the baby.

Breastfeeding

The label says it is not known whether ofloxacin passes into breast milk after ear drop use. It also says that ofloxacin taken by mouth did pass into milk, and that there is a potential for serious side effects in nursing infants. The label says a decision should be made whether to stop breastfeeding or stop the drug, based on how important the drug is to the mother.

🗓️ Storage, missed doses and taking too much

Storage

Store at 20 to 25°C (68 to 77°F), at controlled room temperature. Protect from light.

If a dose is missed

The label does not say.

If too much is taken

The label does not say.

🗒️ Questions to ask about Ofloxacin

• Is ofloxacin ear drops the right treatment for my type of ear infection?
• What should I do if I develop a rash, itching, or swelling after using it?
• How should I warm the bottle and position my head to use the drops safely?
• How long do I need to keep using it, even if my ear feels better?
• Can I use this medicine if I have ear tubes or a hole in my eardrum?
• Can I use this with other ear drops or ear medicines?
• Is it safe for me to use while I am pregnant or breastfeeding?

❓ Ofloxacin: frequently asked questions