Ocuflox

Ocuflox is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic used for the treatment of bacterial infections of the eye, such as conjunctivitis and corneal ulcers. This drug requires a prescription.

Before using Ocuflox, you must know all about the risks and complications associated with it. Inform your healthcare provider for any allergic reactions to these drugs or any other drugs, foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals.

Carefully read the label of non-prescription drugs for any possible allergic reaction or contraindications. Use is not recommended in infants up to 1 year of age.

This drug is not expected to cause different side effects or problems in children 1 year of age and older than it does in adults.

It is still unknown whether this drug works exactly the same way in younger adults or if it causes different side effects or problems in older people.

Data comparing the use of ophthalmic ofloxacin in the elderly with use in other age groups are still unavailable. Adverse effects have been reported in animal studies but studies in pregnant women or animals are still inadequate.  

Infant risk is still undetermined when using this drug during breastfeeding. Discuss with your healthcare professional about the potential risks and benefits of taking this drug while breastfeeding.

Drugs should not be taken together to prevent any interactions but in necessary cases inquire your healthcare provider regarding the adjustments in dosage or any other necessary precautions to prevent any unwanted side effects.

Inform your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription drugs. Intake of specific food or using alcohol or tobacco with this drug is associated with an increased risk of certain side effects.

Your healthcare professional can give you special instructions about the use of food, alcohol, or tobacco. 

To use Ocuflox properly, you must follow all instructions given by your doctor. Wash your hands and tilt the head back and with the index finger of one hand, press gently on the skin just beneath the lower eyelid and pull the lower eyelid away from the eye to make a space.

The drug must be dropped into this space and let go of the eyelid and gently close the eyes. Do not blink to allow the drug to come into contact with the infection.

Use another drop if you think you did not get the drop of the drug into your eyes properly. Prevent any form of contact to the applicator tip to any surface and keep the container tightly closed to keep the drug as germ-free as possible.

Use ophthalmic ofloxacin for the full time of treatment to ensure complete drug therapy. The dose of this drug will be variable for different patients.

The directions on the label or the prescription by your healthcare professional should be followed. The dosage of this drug you take depends on the medical problem for which you are using this drug.

Adults and children 1 year of age and older with conjunctivitis are advised to use 1 drop in the affected eye every two to four hours, while you are awake, for two days.

Then, use 1 drop in each eye four times a day for up to five more days. Use and dose in infants up to 1 year of age must be determined by your healthcare professional.

Adults and children 1 year of age and older with bacterial corneal ulcers are advised to use 1 drop in the affected eye every thirty minutes while you are awake and 1 drop four to six hours after you go to bed, for two days.

Then use 1 drop every hour while you are awake for up to seven more days. After the seventh, eighth, or ninth day, as instructed by your healthcare professional, use 1 drop four times a day until your health care professional determines that the treatment is complete.

Use and dose in infants up to 1 year of age must be determined by your healthcare professional. A missed dose should be taken as soon as possible.

However, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule if it is almost time for your next dose. Store the drug in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

Keep from freezing. Keep out of the reach of children. Dispose any outdated or expired drugs and ask your healthcare professional for the proper disposal of the drugs.

In using Ocuflox, you must be careful and take some precautions as advised by your doctor. Consult with your healthcare professional if your eye infection does not improve or if it becomes worse within 7 days.

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience signs of a rash or an allergic reaction. This drug may increase your eyes’ sensitivity to light. To lessen the discomfort, it is recommended to wear sunglasses and avoid too much exposure to bright light.

As with many medications, there are several potential side effects associated with Ocuflox. Seek advice from your healthcare professional immediately if you experience any unusual symptoms.

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. As your body adjusts to the medicine, the side effects will slowly disappear. Ask your healthcare professional about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

If any of the following side effects persists or are inconvenient, or if you notice any other effects, or if you have any questions about them, consult with your health care professional. Report any side effects to the FDA hotline at 1-800-FDA-1088.