Ofloxacin
2 medicines
Ofloxacin is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic available as tablets and as eye or ear drops. Oral and injectable forms carry boxed warnings for tendon rupture, aortic aneurysm or dissection, and nerve damage.
Key facts
- Ofloxacin (an ingredient in Floxin and, as eye drops, Ocuflox) is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic. Tablets treat bacterial infections in the body; drops treat infections of the eye or ear.
- Oral doses are usually taken twice daily, and treatment courses are typically short, from a few days to two weeks depending on the infection.
- Tablet and injectable fluoroquinolones, including ofloxacin, carry warnings for tendon rupture, aortic aneurysm or dissection, and permanent nerve damage; eye and ear drops carry much less of this risk because so little drug reaches the bloodstream.
- Seek urgent care for sudden tendon pain or swelling, tearing chest, back, or abdominal pain, or new tingling and numbness.
What ofloxacin treats
Oral ofloxacin treats bacterial infections including urinary tract infections, prostatitis, some skin infections, and certain sexually transmitted infections, chosen only when susceptibility testing or local resistance data support it. Ofloxacin eye drops treat bacterial conjunctivitis and corneal ulcers; the ear-drop form treats outer or middle ear infections, including in children with ear tubes. The tablet form is not a general treatment for coughs or sore throats.
How ofloxacin works
Ofloxacin blocks two bacterial enzymes, DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV, that bacteria rely on to copy their DNA. Without functioning DNA, susceptible bacteria stop multiplying and are cleared by the immune system. Eye and ear drops work the same way but act locally at the site of infection.
Before you take it
- Avoid oral ofloxacin if you have a history of tendon problems with a fluoroquinolone, myasthenia gravis, or a known aortic aneurysm.
- Tell your prescriber about corticosteroid use, kidney disease, or a family history of aortic aneurysm before taking tablets.
- Tablets are not routinely recommended in pregnancy, while breastfeeding, or in children, because of the risk to developing joints; eye and ear drops are generally considered lower risk but still need a doctor's advice.
- Separate oral doses from dairy products, calcium, iron, zinc, and antacids by at least 2 hours.
Side effects
Common effects of tablets include nausea, diarrhoea, headache, and dizziness. Drops can cause temporary stinging, itching, or blurred vision at the application site.
Stop and seek urgent medical care for any of these:
- Sudden tendon pain, swelling, or difficulty moving a joint, especially the Achilles tendon.
- Tearing pain in the chest, back, or abdomen (possible aortic tear).
- New tingling, numbness, or weakness in the arms or legs.
- Severe allergic reaction: facial swelling, rash, or difficulty breathing.
Safety essentials
- Oral and injectable ofloxacin carry boxed warnings for tendon rupture, aortic aneurysm and dissection, and irreversible peripheral neuropathy; stop the medicine immediately and contact a doctor if any of these symptoms appear.
- Ofloxacin tablets are contraindicated in myasthenia gravis, since they can worsen muscle weakness.
- Finish the prescribed course of tablets or drops unless a doctor advises otherwise, but stop tablets right away if tendon or nerve symptoms develop.
This page is educational and does not replace advice from a doctor or pharmacist who knows your health history.