Ofloxacin Ophthalmic

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

Serious side effects are not expected to occur during treatment with this medication.

If you are using ofloxacin ophthalmic to treat a corneal ulcer, you may notice a whitish buildup on the ulcer. This means that the medication is working; it is not a harmful development.

More commonly, some eye burning, stinging, irritation, itching, redness, blurred vision, eyelid itching, eyelid swelling or crusting, a bad taste in your mouth, tearing, or sensitivity to light may occur.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

To use:

• First, wash your hands. Tilt the head back and with the index finger of one hand, press gently on the skin just beneath the lower eyelid and pull the lower eyelid away from the eye to make a space. Drop the medicine into this space. Let go of the eyelid and gently close the eyes. Do not blink. Keep the eyes closed for 1 to 2 minutes, to allow the medicine to come into contact with the infection.
• If you think you did not get the drop of medicine into your eyes properly, use another drop.
• To keep the medicine as germ-free as possible, do not touch the applicator tip to any surface (including the eye). Also, keep the container tightly closed.

To help clear up your eye infection completely, keep using ophthalmic ofloxacin for the full time of treatment, even if your symptoms have disappeared. Do not miss any doses .

Dosing

The dose of ofloxacin will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of ofloxacin. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

• For ophthalmic (eye drops) dosage form:
  • For conjunctivitis:
    • Adults and children 1 year of age and older—Use 1 drop in the affected eye every two to four hours, while you are awake, for two days. Then, use 1 drop in each eye four times a day for up to five more days.
    • Infants up to 1 year of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
  • For bacterial corneal ulcers:
    • Adults and children 1 year of age and older—Use 1 drop in the affected eye every thirty minutes while you are awake and 1 drop four to six hours after you go to bed, for two days. Then use 1 drop every hour while you are awake for up to seven more days. After the seventh, eighth, or ninth day, as instructed by your doctor, use 1 drop four times a day until your doctor determines that the treatment is complete.
    • Infants up to 1 year of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of ofloxacin, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

Use this medicine as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.

• To gain the most benefit, do not miss doses.
• Use as you have been told, even if your signs get better.
• Use ofloxacin at the same time of day.
• For the eye only.
• Wash your hands before and after use.
• Do not touch the container tip to the eye, lid, or other skin.
• Tilt your head back.
• Gently pull down the lower lid and squeeze in how much the doctor told you to use.
• After use, keep your eyes closed. Put pressure on the inside corner of the eye. Do this for 1 to 2 minutes. This keeps the drug in your eye.
• Avoid wearing contacts unless told to wear them by your doctor.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

• Use a missed dose as soon as you think about it.
• If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your normal time.
• Do not use 2 doses at the same time or extra doses.

• If your symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your doctor.
• Do not share your drugs with others and do not take anyone else's drugs.
• Keep a list of all your drugs (prescription, natural products, vitamins, OTC) with you. Give this list to your doctor.
• Talk with the doctor before starting any new drug, including prescription or OTC, natural products, or vitamins.
• Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. Check with your pharmacist. If you have any questions about this medicine, please talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

This information should not be used to decide whether or not to take ofloxacin or any other medicine. Only the healthcare provider has the knowledge and training to decide which medicines are right for a specific patient. This information does not endorse any medicine as safe, effective, or approved for treating any patient or health condition. This is only a brief summary of general information about this medicine. It does NOT include all information about the possible uses, directions, warnings, precautions, interactions, adverse effects, or risks that may apply to ofloxacin. This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from the healthcare provider. You must talk with the healthcare provider for complete information about the risks and benefits of using this medicine.

Review Date: October 4, 2017

Hypersensitivity to ofloxacin, other quinolones, or any component of the formulation

For ophthalmic use only; not for injection. Avoid touching tip of applicator to eye, fingers, or other surfaces.

Store 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F).

Before using ofloxacin, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other quinolones (e.g., 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 eye problems.

This drug may cause temporary blurred or unstable vision after you apply it. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires clear vision until you are sure you can perform such activities safely.

This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

It is not known if the medication in this product passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

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.