Ofloxacin is used in treating infections of the outer ear (ear canal infections) and infections of the middle ear. It works by preventing bacteria from developing.
This ear drop belongs to a class of drugs known as quinolone antibiotics, and only bacterial ear infections are treated using this medication.
It may not function for other forms of ear infections. Unnecessary use or overuse of any antibiotic can result in a reduction in its efficacy.
How to use
Read the Patient Detail Leaflet that this product comes with. If you have any inquiries, check with your doctor or pharmacist.
Have another individual give the ear drops if possible for precision and to prevent contamination. Keep the bottle in your hand for a few minutes to keep it warm. This will help reduce dizziness.
Wash your hands before applying ear drops, and please do not touch the dropper tip or let it make contact with your ear or any other area to prevent contamination.
Lie on your side or bend the affected ear upward and directly put the dropper over your ear, administering the quantity ear drops recommended. Empty the entire specified quantity into your ear if you are using a single-use bottle.
For outer ear infections, the earlobe should be held up and back by adults to prevent the drops roll into the ear. For adolescents, keep the earlobe back and down.
Gently press down on the cartilage that partially covers your ear opening to allow the drops to enter your middle ear. Keep your head tilted for about 5 minutes, or insert a soft cotton plug if instructed.
If so instructed, repeat the process above for your other ear and do not rinse the dropper. After each usage, replace the dropper cap on the bottle.
If you are using single-dose tubes, after each application, discard any solution that is not used. Use this medication regularly to get as much benefit from it.
Remember to use it every day at the same time. Continue to use it for the entire period prescribed, even though symptoms stop after a few days. Quitting this medication too early may allow bacteria to keep growing, causing the infection to relapse.
If your condition doesn’t improve in 1 week, speak to your doctor. Report any ear discharge that happens after completing the treatment period and not use it in the eye.
Are there any side effects?
There may be slight ear irritation/discomfort, dizziness, headache, earache, or flavour changes.
Notify your doctor or pharmacist immediately if any of these effects persist or worsen. Remember that your doctor has prescribed this ear drops because he or she has deemed that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects.
There are no significant side effects for many people who take this drug. Call your doctor as quickly as possible if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur:
- Tingling
- Numbness
- Changes in hearing
A new fungal ear infection may arise from the use of this ear drops for prolonged or repeated periods. Please do not use it longer than prescribed and if you have new or worsening symptoms, contact your physician.
A very severe allergic reaction to this medicine is rare, but if it happens, seek urgent medical attention. Symptoms of a severe allergic reaction may include rash, itching &swelling (including face, tongue, and throat), severe dizziness, and difficulty breathing.
Note that this isn’t a complete list of possible side effects, so notify your doctor or pharmacist if you notice other effects not listed above.
Precautions
Inform your pharmacist or doctor if you are allergic to it, or any other quinolone antibiotics like ciprofloxacin, and levofloxacin, or if you have any other allergies before using ofloxacin. Inactive ingredients such as benzalkonium chloride may be found in this product, which may trigger allergic reactions or other problems.
For further information, speak to your pharmacist. Tell your doctor or pharmacist about your medical history, particularly other ear problems before using this medication.
You may become lightheaded after using this medication, so do not drive, use machinery, or perform any task involving alertness until you are confident that such activities can be done safely.
While using this drug limit your alcoholic intake. This ear drops should be administered when needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits of this ear drop with your doctor.
Whether this medication can be passed into breast milk is unknown, and it is unlikely that the drug will damage a breastfeeding child. Nonetheless, consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
Drug interaction
Your healthcare providers, such as your doctor or pharmacist, may already be informed about any drug interaction and may be watching you for any potential drug reactions. However, talk to them before starting, stopping, or changing the dosage of any medicine.
Inform your pharmacist about all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may have used before using this medication. Compile a list of all your medications with you, and share that list with your doctor or pharmacist.
What should I do if I overdosed
If you overdose, call the poison control centre or emergency department as soon as possible. This drug can be harmful when swallowed.
Tips: Do not consider sharing this medication with others as you have only been prescribed this medication for your present condition. Also, please do not use it for another infection later, unless your doctor tells you to do so.
In this case, a different medication may be needed. Keeping the infected ear(s) clean and dry is essential and ensure that you cover the infected ear(s) so as not to get it wet while bathing. Stop swimming unless you’re told otherwise by your doctor.
What if I miss a dose
If you skip a dose, use it as soon as you know. If it’s closer to the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume the usual dosing schedule. Do not double the amount to catch up.
Storing the medication
Store at room temperature, which is 77 degrees F or 25 degrees C, away from light and moisture. Relatively short storage between 59 – 86 degrees F (15 – 30 degrees C) is allowed.
Do not store your things in the bathroom and do not flush drugs down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so.
Keep all medicines away from kids and pets. When it has expired or is no longer required, properly dispose of this product. Contact your pharmacist or local waste disposal business for additional information on how to safely dispose of your product.
Reference;
- ofloxacin – ear solution, Floxin – Medicinenet
