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Uses

What is ofloxacin otic (ear) used for?

Ofloxacin otic is commonly used to treat the following types of ear infections caused by certain bacteria.

  • Otitis externa (swimmer’s ear), which is an infection of the ear canal
  • Acute otitis media, which is an infection of the middle ear behind the eardrum
  • Chronic suppurative otitis media, which is an ongoing infection of the middle ear due to a hole in the eardrum

Ofloxacin otic may not be appropriate for some of the infections listed above, depending on which germs are causing the infection. Bacteria in some locations may have developed resistance to ofloxacin otic, which will make it not work as well.

Ofloxacin otic may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.

Other forms of ofloxacin are available for use in the eyes. See Ofloxacin ophthalmic for more information.

Other forms of ofloxacin are available for use by mouth. See Ofloxacin for more information. 

How does ofloxacin otic work (mechanism of action)?

Ofloxacin otic kills certain types of bacteria by disrupting their ability to create and repair their DNA.

How is ofloxacin otic supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Floxin Otic

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 0.3% otic solution (ear drop) 

How should I store ofloxacin otic?

Ofloxacin otic should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F to 77 F (20 C to 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F to 86 F (15 C to 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place. Protect the medicine from light.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of ofloxacin otic?

The most common side effects of ofloxacin otic are listed below. These side effects may vary depending on the condition that is being treated. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Ear discomfort or earache
  • Bitter taste 
  • Itching or rash
  • An unusual feeling in the body
  • Dizziness

There may be other side effects of ofloxacin otic that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of ofloxacin otic?

While less common, the most serious side effects of ofloxacin otic are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Ofloxacin otic may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using ofloxacin otic and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Another Infection With Prolonged Use. Using ofloxacin otic for a prolonged period of time may lead to an infection with other types of germs, such as fungi. Call your healthcare provider if your ear infection does not improve after one week of using ofloxacin otic or if it gets worse.

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use ofloxacin otic?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use ofloxacin otic.

  • Ofloxacin
  • Floxin Otic
  • Any other medicine known as a fluoroquinolone antibiotic or quinolone antibiotic
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific ofloxacin otic products they stock.

What should I know about ofloxacin otic before using it?

Do not use ofloxacin otic unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare provider. Use it as prescribed.

Do not share ofloxacin otic with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep ofloxacin otic out of the reach of children.

Ofloxacin otic should only be applied in your ear. Do not apply ofloxacin otic to your eyes. Do not touch the tip of the dropper to your ear or any other surface, including your finger. Do not inject it. Ask your pharmacist if you are unsure how to use ofloxacin otic.

Ofloxacin otic can cause dizziness. Do not drive or do other activities that require alertness or coordination until you know how ofloxacin otic affects you.

It is important to keep the infected ear clean and dry during treatment with ofloxacin otic, including while bathing. Avoid swimming unless your healthcare provider has told you otherwise.

What should I tell my healthcare provider before using ofloxacin otic?

Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if ofloxacin otic is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how ofloxacin otic could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should use ofloxacin otic while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if ofloxacin otic passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should stop breastfeeding or stop ofloxacin otic.

Interactions

Does ofloxacin otic interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between ofloxacin otic and foods or drinks.

There are no known interactions between ofloxacin otic and alcohol, but heavy drinking can slow your immune response and make it harder for your body to fight infection.

Does ofloxacin otic interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

There are no known interactions between ofloxacin otic and other medicines. Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much ofloxacin otic?

If you or someone else has used too much ofloxacin otic, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of ofloxacin otic?

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only use the next dose. Do not use double or extra doses.

It is important to complete your prescribed course of ofloxacin otic, even if your symptoms get better or go away. This will reduce the risk that future infections are resistant to ofloxacin otic or other similar medicines.