Ofloxacin (Ocuflox) — Compare Prices at US & Canada Pharmacies

Ofloxacin is a fluoroquinolone that comes in three quite different forms depending on what's being treated: ophthalmic drops (brand Ocuflox) for bacterial conjunctivitis, otic drops for outer ear infections and, notably, chronic suppurative otitis media in patients with a perforated eardrum or ear tubes — one of relatively few otic antibiotics specifically studied and labeled safe for use when the eardrum isn't intact — and, historically, oral tablets (brand Floxin, now discontinued as a brand but available generically) for systemic infections including complicated UTIs, prostatitis, and certain sexually transmitted infections.

Which form is in question changes the risk profile substantially. The oral tablet carries the full fluoroquinolone boxed-warning risks — tendon rupture, peripheral neuropathy, CNS effects, and aortic aneurysm/dissection risk — the same class-wide concerns that apply to ciprofloxacin and levofloxacin, since enough of the drug reaches the bloodstream to affect connective tissue and nerves throughout the body. The otic and ophthalmic drops deliver such minimal systemic exposure that those systemic risks essentially don't apply; local irritation is the main thing patients notice. The otic solution's label is explicit that it's not for ophthalmic use and not for injection — a reminder that, unlike some other fluoroquinolones formulated identically for eye and ear, ofloxacin otic solution specifically is not meant to be used in the eye.

Oral ofloxacin has become less commonly prescribed in the US as other fluoroquinolones and non-fluoroquinolone alternatives have become preferred first-line options for many of its former indications, partly reflecting the broader 2016 FDA guidance restricting fluoroquinolones to infections without safer alternatives.

Contraindications

CONTRAINDICATIONS Ofloxacin Otic Solution 0.3% is contraindicated in patients with a history of hypersensitivity to ofloxacin, to other quinolones, or to any of the components in this medication.

Warnings

WARNINGS NOT FOR OPHTHALMIC USE. NOT FOR INJECTION. Serious and occasionally fatal hypersensitivity (anaphylactic) reactions, some following the first dose, have been reported in patients receiving systemic quinolones, including ofloxacin. Some reactions were accompanied by cardiovascular collapse, loss of consciousness, angioedema (including laryngeal, pharyngeal or facial edema), airway obstruction, dyspnea, urticaria, and itching. If an allergic reaction to ofloxacin is suspected, stop the drug. Serious acute hypersensitivity reactions may require immediate emergency treatment. Oxygen and airway management, including intubation, should be administered as clinically indicated.

Known drug interactions

Drug Interactions: Specific drug interaction studies have not been conducted with Ofloxacin Otic Solution 0.3%.

Pregnancy & breastfeeding

Pregnancy Teratogenic effects: Ofloxacin has been shown to have an embryocidal effect in rats at a dose of 810 mg/kg/day and in rabbits at 160 mg/kg/day. These dosages resulted in decreased fetal body weights and increased fetal mortality in rats and rabbits, respectively. Minor fetal skeletal variations were reported in rats receiving doses of 810 mg/kg/day.