Ofloxacin ophthalmic (patient information)

Why is this medication prescribed

Ofloxacin ophthalmic is used to treat bacterial infections of the eye, including conjunctivitis (pink eye) and ulcers of the cornea. Ofloxacin is in a class of medications called quinolone antibiotics. It works by killing bacterial cells that cause infection.

How should this medicine be used

Ofloxacin comes as an eyedrop to apply to the eye. It is usually applied to the affected eye(s) four or more times a day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Use ofloxacin exactly as directed. Do not use more or less of it or use it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

To apply the eyedrops, follow these steps:

• Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
• Use a mirror or have someone else put the drops in your eye.
• Make sure the end of the dropper is not chipped or cracked.
• Avoid touching the dropper against your eye or anything else.
• Hold the dropper tip down at all times to prevent drops from flowing back into the bottle and contaminating the remaining contents.
• Lie down or tilt your head back.
• Holding the bottle between your thumb and index finger, place the dropper as near as possible to your eyelid without touching it.
• Brace the remaining fingers of that hand against your cheek or nose.
• With the index finger of your other hand, pull the lower lid of the eye down to form a pocket.
• Drop the prescribed number of drops into the pocket made by the lower lid and the eye. Placing the drops on the surface of the eyeball can cause stinging.
• Close your eye and press lightly against the lower lid with your finger for 2-3 minutes to keep the medication in the eye. Do not blink.
• Replace and tighten the cap right away. Do not wipe or rinse it off.
• Wipe off any excess liquid from your cheek with a clean tissue. Wash your hands again.

Other uses for this medicine

This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

What special precautions should I follow

Before using ofloxacin ophthalmic

• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to ofloxacin, benzalkonium chloride, ciprofloxacin (Cipro), enoxacin (Penetrex), levofloxacin (Levaquin), lomefloxacin (Maxaquin), norfloxacin (Noroxin), sparfloxacin (Zagam), cinoxacin (Cinobac), nalidixic acid (NegGram), or any other medications.
• tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking. Be sure to mention any of the following: anticoagulants ('blood thinners') such as warfarin (Coumadin), cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune), and theophylline (Theo-Dur). Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
• tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while using ofloxacin ophthalmic, call your doctor.
• you should know that ofloxacin solution contains benzalkonium chloride, which can be absorbed by soft contact lenses. Remove your contact lenses before applying ofloxacin and put them back in 10 minutes later.

What special dietary instructions should I follow

Talk to your doctor about drinking coffee and other beverages containing caffeine while using this medicine.

What should I do if I forget a dose

Apply the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not apply a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Side effects

Mild side effects

Ofloxacin ophthalmic may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• eye burning or discomfort
• eye stinging or redness
• tearing eyes
• sensitivity to light
• blurred vision
• dry eyes

Severe side effects

Some side effects can be serious. The following symptoms are uncommon, but if you experience any of them, call your doctor immediately:

• skin rash
• hives
• itching
• difficulty breathing or swallowing
• swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips, eyes, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs

Ofloxacin ophthalmic may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.

If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at http://www.fda.gov/MedWatch/report.htm] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].

What storage conditions are needed for this medicine

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.

What other information should I know

Keep all appointments with your doctor.

Do not let anyone else use your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.

Brand names

• Ocuflox®