Uses
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.
Side Effects Of Ofloxacin Otic
Ofloxacin otic may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- ear itching or pain
- change in taste
- dizziness
Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms, stop using ofloxacin otic call your doctor immediately:
- rash
- hives
- swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips, eyes, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
- hoarseness
- difficulty swallowing or breathing
Ofloxacin otic may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while using this medication.
Warnings & 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.
- tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while using ofloxacin otic, call your doctor.
- 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.
Dosage Of Ofloxacin Otic
Ofloxacin otic comes as a solution (liquid) to place into the ear. It is usually used once or twice a day for 7 to 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 it 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:
- Hold the bottle or single-dispensing container(s) in your hand for 1 or 2 minutes to warm the solution.
- Lie down with the affected ear upward.
- Place the prescribed number of drops or the contents of the prescribed number of single-dispensing containers into your ear
- If you are using a bottle of solution, be careful not to touch the tip to your ear, fingers, or any other surface.
- 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.
- Remain lying down with the affected ear upward for 5 minutes.
- Repeat steps 1-6 for the opposite ear if necessary.
Other
Keep all appointments with your doctor.
Do not let anyone else use your medication. Your prescription is probably not refillable. If you still have symptoms of infection after you finish the ofloxacin otic, call your doctor.
It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.
Source
All information has been provided courtesy of MedLinePlus from the National Library of Medicine and from the FDA.
