Ofloxacin Eye Drops: Side Effects, Precautions & How to Use

What is Ofloxacin Eye Drops?

Ofloxacin drops treat bacterial eye infections, including conjunctivitis (pink eye) and corneal ulcers.

It’s classified in the fluoroquinolone family of antibiotics, which effectively treat various bacterial infections, including respiratory, urinary tract, and eye infections.

How Should Ofloxacin Eye Drops Be Used?

According to doctor and prescription label instructions, Ofloxacin drops should only be used in the affected eye.

Dosing instructions for bacterial conjunctivitis include:

Day 1 to 2	Apply eye drops every 2 to 4 hours
Days 3 to 7	Apply eye drops four times a day

For corneal ulcers, dosing instructions typically include:

Day 1 to 2	Apply eye drops every 30 minutes while awake and every 4 to 6 hours at night
Days 3 to 7	Apply eye drops every hour while awake
Days 7 to 9 (or until treatment completion)	Apply eye drops four times a day

Remove contact lenses before applying antibiotic drops to avoid irritation and contact discoloration.

Steps to apply eye drops include:

Wash your hands
Tilt your head back and pull down your lower eyelid
Apply gentle pressure
Apply one drop to your eye
Avoid touching the dropper tip to your eye
Tip your head down and close your eyes for two minutes
Put your finger on the corner of your eye to keep liquid out of your tear duct
Wait five minutes before applying another drop (if prescribed by your doctor)
Wait 10 minutes before using any other type of eye drops
Wash your hands after using
Store at room temperature

What Should I Do If I Forget a Dose?

If you miss a dose, you should take it as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose.

Never apply a double dose to make up for a missed dose. While overdosing with ofloxacin drops is not deemed dangerous, you should call your local poison control center if someone swallows the medication.

What is Ofloxacin Used For?

Ofloxacin is used to kill bacteria that enter the eye. Antibiotics can’t treat a viral or fungal infection.

Doctors prescribe ofloxacin to treat bacterial eye infections, including:

Bacterial conjunctivitis (also called pink eye)
Bacterial Corneal ulcers (open sore in the outer layer of the cornea)

Oral ofloxacin can also treat bacterial infections in other parts of the body, such as:

Lower respiratory tract infections (pneumonia, acute bronchitis)
Skin infections
Urinary tract infections
Gonorrhea (sexually transmitted disease)

Are There Other Uses for Ofloxacin Eye Drops?

Ofloxacin is approved by the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) to treat certain bacterial infections.

However, Ofloxacin has been used to treat the following off-label conditions:

Leprosy
Epididymitis (infection of testicles)
Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (infection of abdominal fluid)
Traveler’s diarrhea
Enteric fever (Typhoid fever)

What are the Side Effects of Ofloxacin Eye Drops?

Ofloxacin can produce several common side effects, including:

Blurred vision
Mild burning, stinging, or eye irritation
Eye pain
Itchy or watery eyes
Redness
Light sensitivity
Dry eyes

Symptoms usually disappear on their own in a couple of days.

What Side Effects Require Immediate Medical Attention?

Call your doctor or seek medical attention if you experience any of the following adverse effects:

Severe allergic reactions
Severe purple skin rash that spreads
Fever
Sore throat
Swelling of your tongue or face
Eye swelling or severe discomfort
Crustiness or abnormal eye discharge
Trouble swallowing or breathing

Talk to your doctor for medical advice and a complete list of possible severe symptoms while taking ofloxacin. Adverse side effects need to be reported to the FDA.

What Precautions Should be Taken When Using Ofloxacin Eye Drops?

Your doctor will take a complete medical history, including other medicines you are taking, before prescribing antibiotic eye drops to avoid drug interactions.

It is important to tell your doctor if you are:

Allergic to ofloxacin, any fluoroquinolone antibiotics, or other drugs
Taking blood thinners
Pregnant or breastfeeding (call your doctor if you become pregnant while on ofloxacin)
Wear soft contact lenses

How Should Ofloxacin Eye Drops Be Stored and Disposed Of?

Ofloxacin should be stored at room temperature. Keep them out of the heat and freezer. It should be kept in its original pharmacy container and remain tightly sealed.

The best way to dispose of unused or unwanted medication is through local medication-take-back programs in your community. Ofloxacin should not be flushed down the toilet and must be kept out of reach of children.

Additional Information on Ofloxacin Eye Drops

Some additional precautions to take while taking ofloxacin include:

Ask your doctor about drinking coffee or consuming caffeine
While oral medications rarely interfere with eye drops, tell your doctor all the prescription, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products you are taking
Avoid wearing contact lenses when treating an eye infection, as ofloxacin can discolor soft contact lenses
Follow up with your doctor or health care professional

Summary

Ofloxacin antibiotic eye drops treat bacterial eye infections, including bacterial conjunctivitis and corneal ulcers. Healthcare providers typically prescribe them for over seven to nine days, and you must use them several times daily.

It is essential to follow your doctor’s instructions exactly when taking ofloxacin. Avoid wearing contact lenses while treating an eye infection, and seek emergency medical attention if you experience symptoms of a severe allergic reaction.

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