Ofloxacin is a fluoroquinolone (flor-o-KWIN-o-lone) antibiotic that fights bacteria in the body.

Uses and Benefits

Ofloxacin ophthalmic (for use in the eyes) is used to treat bacterial infections of the eyes.

Ofloxacin ophthalmic is also used to treat an ulcer in the cornea of the eye.

Ofloxacin will not treat a viral or fungal infection of the eye.

Ofloxacin ophthalmic may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Ofloxacin ophthalmic side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Ofloxacin ophthalmic may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

• severe burning, stinging, or irritation after using ofloxacin ophthalmic;
  
• eye pain;
  
• eye swelling, redness, severe discomfort, crusting or drainage (may be signs of infection); or
  
• severe skin reaction--fever, sore throat, swelling in your face or tongue, burning in your eyes, skin pain followed by a red or purple skin rash that spreads (especially in the face or upper body) and causes blistering and peeling.
  

Common side effects of ofloxacin ophthalmic may include:

• blurred vision;
• eye pain or
• mild burning, stinging, or other discomfort;
• eye redness, itching, or watering;
• red or puffy eyelids;
• your eyes being more sensitive to light; or
  

eye dryness, feeling like something is in your eye.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. 

Warnings

Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.

Precautions

You should not use ofloxacin ophthalmic if you are allergic to ofloxacin or other fluoroquinolones (ciprofloxacin, gemifloxacin, levofloxacin, moxifloxacin, norfloxacin, and others).

Do not use this medicine to treat a viral or fungal infection in the eye. Ofloxacin ophthalmic is for use in treating only bacterial infections of the eye.

It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

It is not known whether ofloxacin ophthalmic passes into breast milk or if it could affect the nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding.

Ofloxacin eye drops (solution) are not approved for use by anyone younger than 1 year old.

How should I use ofloxacin ophthalmic?

Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not use this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Do not use this medicine while wearing contact lenses. Ofloxacin ophthalmic may contain a preservative that can discolor soft contact lenses. Wait at least 15 minutes after using this medicine before putting in your contact lenses.

Wash your hands before using the eye drops.

To apply the eye drops:

Tilt your head back slightly and pull down your lower eyelid to create a small pocket. Hold the dropper above the eye with the tip down. Look up and away from the dropper and squeeze out a drop.

Close your eyes for 2 or 3 minutes with your head tipped down, without blinking or squinting. Gently press your finger to the inside corner of the eye for about 1 minute, to keep the liquid from draining into your tear duct.

Use only the number of drops your doctor has prescribed. If you use more than one drop, wait about 5 minutes between drops.

Wait at least 10 minutes before using any other eye drops your doctor has prescribed.

When treating a corneal ulcer, you may need to wake from sleep every 4 to 6 hours to use the medication. Follow your doctor's dosing instructions very carefully. You may notice a whitish buildup on the ulcer. This is a sign that the medication is working and is not a harmful effect. This buildup should clear within a few days or weeks of treatment.

Do not touch the tip of the eye dropper or place it directly on your eye. A contaminated dropper can infect your eye, which could lead to serious vision problems.

Do not use the eye drops if the liquid has changed colors or has particles in it. Call your pharmacist for new medicine.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Do not freeze. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.

Disclaimer: Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.