Ofloxacin
Pronounced
"oh-FLOX-uh-sin"
Uses
Ofloxacin is used to treat outer ear infections (swimmer's ear or ear canal infections) and middle ear infections. It works by stopping the growth of bacteria. This medication belongs to a class of drugs called quinolone antibiotics.
This medication treats only bacterial ear infections. It will not work for other types of ear infections. Unnecessary use or overuse of any antibiotic can lead to its decreased effectiveness.
How to Use This Medication
Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from your pharmacist before you start using ofloxacin and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
To make sure that the right amount of medication is given, and to avoid touching the ear with the dropper, have another person give the drops if possible. To lower the risk of dizziness, hold the container in your hand for a few minutes in order to warm it.
To apply ear drops, wash your hands first. To avoid contamination, do not touch the dropper tip or let it touch your ear or any other surface.
Lie on your side or tilt the affected ear upward. Hold the dropper directly over the ear, and place the prescribed number of drops into the ear canal. If you are using the single-use containers, empty the contents of the prescribed number of containers into your ear. For outer ear infections, to help the drops roll into the ear, adults should hold the earlobe up and back. In children, hold the earlobe down and back. For middle ear infections, gently press down several times on the cartilage that partially covers your ear opening to allow the drops to enter your middle ear (see Patient Information Leaflet).
Keep your head tilted for about 5 minutes, or insert a soft cotton plug if so directed. Repeat the above steps for your other ear if so directed.
Do not rinse the dropper. Replace the dropper cap on the bottle after each use. If you are using the single-dose containers, discard any unused solution after each application. Do not reuse.
Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same time(s) each day. Continue to use this medication for the full time prescribed, even if symptoms disappear after a few days. Stopping the medication too early may result in a return of the infection.
Tell your doctor if your condition does not get better in 1 week. Report any ear discharge that occurs after the treatment period is completed.
Do not use in the eye.