Ofloxacin, Ophthalmic

What are other names for this medicine?

Type of medicine: fluoroquinolone antibiotic

Generic and brand names: ofloxacin, ophthalmic; Ocuflox

What is this medicine used for?

This medicine, in the form of eyedrops or eye ointment, is used to treat infections of the eye.

What should my healthcare provider know before I take this medicine?

Before taking this medicine, tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had an allergic reaction to any medicine.

Females of childbearing age: Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine without your healthcare provider's approval.

How do I use it?

Check the label on the medicine for directions about your specific dose. Use this medicine exactly as directed by your healthcare provider. Do not use more of it or use it longer than directed. Do not stop using this medicine unless your healthcare provider approves. Stopping too soon may cause the infection to return.

If you have the eyedrops:

Wash your hands before and after putting this medicine in your eyes. Tilt your head back and gently pull your lower eyelid down to form a pouch. Look up, hold the dropper directly above your eye, and squeeze a drop of the medicine into the pouch. Close your eyes for a minute or two and with a fingertip press gently on the inside corner of your eye to keep the medicine from draining out.

To keep from contaminating the medicine, do not let the tip of the dropper touch your eye or any other surface. Do not rinse or wipe the dropper. Put the cap on tightly. Do not use the medicine if it becomes discolored.

Do not wear contact lenses while using this medicine.

If you have the eye ointment:

Wash your hands before and after putting medicine in your eyes. Hold the tube of ointment in your hand for a minute or two to warm the medicine so it will flow easily from the tube. When you use the medicine for the first time, squeeze out a little of the medicine and throw it away because it may be dry. Look up, and gently pull your lower eyelid down to form a pouch. Holding the tube directly above your eye, squeeze a 1/4-inch to 1/2-inch ribbon of ointment into the pouch. Close your eyes for a minute or two and roll your eyes in all directions to spread the medicine around. Do not rub your eyes.

To keep from contaminating the medicine, do not touch the tip of the applicator to your eye or any other surface. After use, wipe the tip with a tissue. Put the cap on tightly.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for the next scheduled dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and use the next one as directed. Do not use double doses. If you are not sure of what to do if you miss a dose, or if you miss more than one dose, contact your healthcare provider.

What if I overdose?

An acute overdose of this medicine is not likely to cause life-threatening symptoms. If you think that you or anyone else may have taken too much of this medicine, call the poison control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I watch out for?

This medicine may blur your vision or cause temporary stinging. Do not drive or operate machinery if your vision is blurred.

Do not use this medicine for other eye infections unless your healthcare provider approves.

Do not use other medicines in your eyes unless your healthcare provider approves. If you wear contact lenses, ask your health care provider if you can continue to wear them while you are using this medicine.

Your eyes may become more sensitive to light while you are using this medicine. Wearing dark glasses when you are outdoors may help.

If your symptoms do not improve within a few days, or if they get worse, contact your healthcare provider.

What are the possible side effects?

Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.

Life-threatening (Report these to your healthcare provider right away. If you cannot reach your healthcare provider right away, get emergency medical care or call 911 for help): Allergic reaction (hives; itching; rash; trouble breathing; tightness in your chest; swelling of your lips, tongue, and throat).

Serious (report these to your healthcare provider right away): Eye itching, burning, or stinging that gets worse; redness, irritation, swelling, impaired vision, or pain that continues or gets worse.

Other: Temporary burning or blurred vision, bad or bitter taste sensation, watery eyes, white particles in the corners of your eye, mild stinging, red eyelids, sensitivity to light, dry eyes, headache.

What products might interact with this medicine?

No significant drug interactions have been reported for this medicine. However, do not use other medicines, including nonprescription products, in your eyes without your healthcare provider's approval.

Keep a list of all your medicines with you. List all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.

How should I store this medicine?

Store this medicine at room temperature. Keep the container tightly closed. Protect it from heat, high humidity, and bright light.

This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.

Ask your pharmacist for the best way to dispose of outdated medicine or medicine you have not used. Do not throw medicine in the trash.

Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.

Do not share medicines with other people.