Ofloxacin (Ophthalmic)
Brand Name: Ocuflox
Generic Available
Dosage Forms:
Ophthalmic Solution: Each mL contains ofloxacin 3 mg and benzalkonium chloride 0.005% as a preservative.
FDA Indications/Dosages:
For the treatment of ophthalmic infections associated with corneal ulcers caused by susceptible strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Serratia marcescens, or Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis: For the first two days, instill one to two drops in the affected eye every 30 minutes while awake and awaken at approximately four and six hours after retiring and instill one to two drops. From day three to seven, instill one to two drops hourly while awake. After day seven, instill one to two drops four times a day.
For the treatment of ophthalmic infections associated with conjunctivitis caused by susceptible strains of Haemophilus influenzae, Enterobacter cloacae, Proteus mirabilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, or Streptococcus pneumoniae: One to two drops into the conjunctival sac(s) every two to four hours while awake for two days and one to two drops four times a day for the next five days.
Pharmacology/Pharmacokinetics: Ofloxacin is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic which exerts its bactericidal effect on susceptible bacteria by inhibiting DNA Gyrase, an enzyme essential to the duplication, transcription, and repair of bacterial DNA. Maximum serum concentrations are more than 1000 times less than those from an oral dose.
Drug Interactions: No known clinically significant drug interactions exist.
Contraindications/Precautions: Contraindicated in patients hypersensitive to ofloxacin or other quinolones. As with other antibacterial preparations, prolonged use of ofloxacin may result in overgrowth of non-susceptible organisms, including fungi. If superinfection occurs, appropriate therapy should be initiated. Discontinue at the first sign of a skin rash or any other sign of hypersensitivity reaction. Use with caution during pregnancy or in nursing mothers. Pregnancy Category C.
Adverse Effects: The most frequently reported drug-related adverse reactions are local burning or discomfort. Less frequent adverse reactions include foreign body sensation, itching, photophobia, blurred vision, dryness, and redness.
Patient Consultation:
Complete full course of therapy unless otherwise directed.
To instill drops: Lie down or tilt head backward and look up (holding dropper above eye), drop solution inside lower lid, and make sure dropper does not come in contact with eye or fingers. Then release lid, keeping the eye open for at least 30 seconds, and apply pressure to the inside corner of eye for at least one minute.
Wait at least 5 minutes before instilling other ophthalmic preparations.
Avoid tightly closing eyes after instillation.
Store in a cool, dry place away from sunlight and children.
Instill a missed dose as soon as possible.
Contact a physician if the above side effects are severe or persistent.
