Ofloxacin Otic
Why this is used
Ofloxacin otic is used to treat outer ear infections in adults and children, chronic (long-lasting) middle ear infections in adults and children with a perforated eardrum (a condition where the eardrum has a hole in it), and acute (suddenly occurring) middle ear infections in children with ear tubes. Ofloxacin otic is in a class of medications called quinolone antibiotics. It works by killing the bacteria that cause infection.
How to take it
Ofloxacin otic comes as a solution (liquid) to place into the ear. It is usually used once or twice a day for 7-14 days, depending on your condition. Use ofloxacin otic at around the same time(s) every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Use ofloxacin otic exactly as directed. Do not use more or less of it or use it more often than prescribed by your doctor. Ofloxacin otic is only for use in the ears. Do not use in the eyes. You should begin to feel better during the first few days of treatment with ofloxacin otic. If your symptoms do not improve after one week or get worse, call your doctor. Use ofloxacin otic until you finish the prescription, even if you feel better. If you stop using ofloxacin otic too soon or skip doses, your infection may not be completely treated and the bacteria may become resistant to antibiotics. To use the eardrops, follow these steps:
<list list-type='ordered' numbering='arabic'>
<li>
Hold the bottle or single-dispensing container(s) in your hand for 1 or 2 minutes to warm the solution.</li>
<li>
Lie down with the affected ear upward.</li>
<li>
Place the prescribed number of drops or the contents of the prescribed number of single-dispensing containers into your ear </li>
<li>
If you are using a bottle of solution, be careful not to touch the tip to your ear, fingers, or any other surface.</li>
<li>
For middle ear infections, push the tragus (small flap of cartilage just in front of the ear canal near the face) of the ear inward four times so that the drops will enter the middle ear.</li>
<li>
Remain lying down with the affected ear upward for 5 minutes.</li>
<li>
Repeat steps 1-6 for the opposite ear if necessary.</li></ul>
<list list-type='ordered' numbering='arabic'>
<li>
Hold the bottle or single-dispensing container(s) in your hand for 1 or 2 minutes to warm the solution.</li>
<li>
Lie down with the affected ear upward.</li>
<li>
Place the prescribed number of drops or the contents of the prescribed number of single-dispensing containers into your ear </li>
<li>
If you are using a bottle of solution, be careful not to touch the tip to your ear, fingers, or any other surface.</li>
<li>
For middle ear infections, push the tragus (small flap of cartilage just in front of the ear canal near the face) of the ear inward four times so that the drops will enter the middle ear.</li>
<li>
Remain lying down with the affected ear upward for 5 minutes.</li>
<li>
Repeat steps 1-6 for the opposite ear if necessary.</li></ul>
Side effects
<p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p>Ofloxacin otic may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
<ul>
<li>
ear itching or pain </li>
<li>
change in taste</li>
<li>
dizziness</li></ul></p> <p></p> <p>Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms, stop using ofloxacin otic call your doctor immediately:
<ul>
<li>
rash</li>
<li>
hives</li>
<li>
swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips, eyes, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs</li>
<li>
hoarseness</li>
<li>
difficulty swallowing or breathing</li></ul>Ofloxacin otic may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while using this medication.</p>
<ul>
<li>
ear itching or pain </li>
<li>
change in taste</li>
<li>
dizziness</li></ul></p> <p></p> <p>Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms, stop using ofloxacin otic call your doctor immediately:
<ul>
<li>
rash</li>
<li>
hives</li>
<li>
swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips, eyes, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs</li>
<li>
hoarseness</li>
<li>
difficulty swallowing or breathing</li></ul>Ofloxacin otic may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while using this medication.</p>
Precautions
Before using ofloxacin otic, tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to ofloxacin (Floxin), cinoxacin (Cinobac) (not available in the U.S.), ciprofloxacin (Cipro), enoxacin (Penetrex) (not available in the U.S.), gatifloxacin (Tequin) (not available in the U.S.), gemifloxacin (Factive), levofloxacin (Levaquin), lomefloxacin (Maxaquin), moxifloxacin (Avelox), nalidixic acid (NegGram), norfloxacin (Noroxin), sparfloxacin (Zagam) (not available in the U.S.), trovafloxacin and alatrofloxacin combination (Trovan) (not available in the U.S.), or any other medications. tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. you should know that you must keep your infected ear(s) clean and dry while using ofloxacin otic. Avoid getting the infected ear(s) wet while bathing, and avoid swimming unless your doctor has told you otherwise.
Overdose
If someone swallows ofloxacin otic, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.
Educational reference only — talk to a pharmacist or prescriber about Ofloxacin Otic.