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Uses

What is ofloxacin ophthalmic (eye) used for?

Ofloxacin ophthalmic is commonly used for certain eye infections caused by bacteria, including the following.

  • Conjunctivitis (pink eye), which is a condition where part of your eye is inflamed, sometimes from bacteria
  • Corneal ulcer, which is a wound on part of your eye (cornea) that can be caused by bacteria

Ofloxacin ophthalmic 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 ophthalmic, which will make it not work as well.

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

Other forms of ofloxacin are available for use in the ears. See Ofloxacin otic for more information.

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

How does ofloxacin ophthalmic work (mechanism of action)?

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

How is ofloxacin ophthalmic supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Ocuflox

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 0.3% solution (eye drop)

How should I store ofloxacin ophthalmic?

Some ofloxacin ophthalmic products should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F to 77 F (20 C to 25 C), and may be exposed to temperatures between 59 F to 86 F (15 C to 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting them. Some ofloxacin ophthalmic products should be stored at room temperature between 59 F to 77 F (15 C to 25 C). Some ofloxacin products need to be protected from light. Ask your pharmacist if you are unsure how to store your ofloxacin ophthalmic product.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of ofloxacin ophthalmic?

The most common side effects of ofloxacin ophthalmic are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Eye burning or stinging
  • Eye redness or itching
  • Swelling of the eye, area around the eyes, or the face
  • Feeling like something is in your eye
  • Sensitivity to light
  • Blurry vision
  • Watery eyes or dry eyes
  • Eye pain

There may be other side effects of ofloxacin ophthalmic 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 ophthalmic?

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

Severe Allergic Reactions. Ofloxacin ophthalmic may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using ofloxacin ophthalmic 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 ophthalmic 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 eye infection does not improve or gets worse.

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use ofloxacin ophthalmic?

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

  • Ofloxacin
  • Ocuflox
  • 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 ophthalmic products they stock.

What should I know about ofloxacin ophthalmic before using it?

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

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

Keep ofloxacin ophthalmic out of the reach of children.

Ofloxacin ophthalmic should only be applied to the surface of the eye. Do not touch the tip of the dropper to your eye or any other surface, including your finger. Do not inject ofloxacin ophthalmic into the eye. Ask your pharmacist if you are unsure how to use ofloxacin ophthalmic.

Do not wear contact lenses while your eye infection is being treated with ofloxacin ophthalmic. Talk to your healthcare provider about when you can safely start wearing contact lenses again after your eye infection is treated.

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

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 ophthalmic is right for you.

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

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how ofloxacin ophthalmic 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 ophthalmic while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if ofloxacin ophthalmic 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 ophthalmic.

Interactions

Does ofloxacin ophthalmic interact with foods or drinks?

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

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

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

There are no known interactions between ofloxacin ophthalmic 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 ophthalmic?

If you or someone else has used too much ofloxacin ophthalmic, 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 ophthalmic?

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 ophthalmic, even if your symptoms get better or go away. This will reduce the risk that future infections are resistant to ofloxacin ophthalmic or other similar medicines.