What is ofloxacin otic?
Ofloxacin is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic. Ofloxacin fights bacteria in the body.
Ofloxacin is used to treat ear infections.
Ofloxacin otic may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking ofloxacin otic?
Do not use ofloxacin otic without first talking to your doctor if you have had a previous
allergic reaction to it or to another similar oral or topical fluoroquinolone antibiotic such as:
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ciprofloxacin (Cipro, CiproDex, Cipro HC), gatifloxacin (Tequin),
levofloxacin (Levaquin), lomefloxacin (Maxaquin), moxifloxacin (Avelox), norfloxacin (Noroxin),
ofloxacin (Floxin), sparfloxacin (Zagam), or trovafloxacin (Trovan).
You may not be able to use ofloxacin otic, or you may require a dosage
adjustment or special monitoring during treatment.
Ofloxacin otic is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known
whether it will be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not use ofloxacin otic without first talking to your
doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.
It is not known whether ofloxacin otic passes into breast milk. Do not use ofloxacin otic
without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
How should I take ofloxacin otic?
Use ofloxacin otic exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these
instructions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
Do not use this medication in the eyes or take it by mouth. Ofloxacin otic is intended for
use in the ears only.
In general, ofloxacin otic should be used as follows:
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Warm the drops slightly by holding the bottle in the hands for 1 or
2 minutes. Administration of cold drops into the ear may cause dizziness.
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Have another person administer the drops whenever
possible. Have the affected person lie on their side or tilt the ear up to make administering a
drop easier.
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Gently shake the drops just before administration.
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For adults, gently hold the earlobe up and back. For
children, gently hold the earlobe down and back. This will allow the drops to run into the ear
canal. Carefully instill the prescribed number of drops in the first ear.
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Keep the ear tilted for at least 5 minutes to allow the
medication to penetrate the ear.
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If the patient being treated has ear tubes, the doctor may
recommend gently pressing the tragus (part of the ear in front of the opening of the ear canal)
four to five times in a pumping motion after administration of the drops. This may allow the
drops to pass through the tubes into the middle ear. Follow the doctor's instructions.
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Repeat the process in the other ear if prescribed.
Ofloxacin ear drops are usually used twice a day, about 12 hours apart.
Follow your doctor's instructions.
Use all of the medication that has been prescribed. Symptoms may begin to improve before
the condition is completely treated. If you do not use all of the medication prescribed, the condition
could return or worsen.
It is important to use ofloxacin otic regularly to get the most benefit.
Notify your doctor if the condition does not improve or appears to worsen.
Avoid getting water inside of the affected ear(s) during treatment with ofloxacin. Care
should be used while bathing, and swimming may not be recommended. Talk to your healthcare
provider.
Store ofloxacin otic at room temperature, away from moisture, heat, and direct light. Keep
the bottle properly capped.
What happens if I miss a dose of ofloxacin otic?
Use the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose,
skip the missed dose and use only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not use a double dose of
ofloxacin otic unless otherwise directed by your doctor.
Where can I get more information about ofloxacin otic?
Your pharmacist has information about ofloxacin otic written for health professionals that you may read.
What are the possible side effects of ofloxacin otic?
Stop using ofloxacin otic and seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor if
you experience:
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an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat;
swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
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skin rash; or
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ear drainage, discharge, or worsening pain.
Other less serious side effects may also occur such as ear discomfort or
itching, and headache. Continue to use the medication and talk to your doctor if these side effects
seem excessive or unusual.
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side
effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What is the most important information I should know about ofloxacin otic?
Do not use this medication in the eyes or take it by mouth. Ofloxacin otic is intended for
use in the ears only.
Do not touch the dropper opening to any surface, including the ears or hands. The
dropper opening is sterile. If it becomes contaminated, it could cause another infection in the ear.
Notify your doctor if the condition does not improve or appears to worsen.
What should I avoid while taking ofloxacin otic?
Ear infections may sometimes cause dizziness or a loss of balance. Use caution when
driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities if you experience dizziness or
a loss of balance.
Avoid getting water inside of the affected ear(s) during treatment with ofloxacin. Care
should be used while bathing, and swimming may not be recommended. Talk to your healthcare
provider.
What other drugs will affect ofloxacin otic?
Do not use other ear drops during treatment with ofloxacin otic without first talking to
your doctor.
Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with ofloxacin otic. Talk to your doctor
and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including vitamins,
minerals, and herbal products.
What happens if I have an overdose of ofloxacin otic?