Otic ofloxacin is a medicated solution used to treat bacterial ear infections. It is also used to treat bacterial infections of the ear in patients with perforated ear drums, also known as nonintact tympanic membranes.

Ofloxacin is available as a generic medication or under various brand names. This medication is only available via prescription. This means a written prescription from a licensed health care provider is required before purchase.

When administered to the ears (otic), ofloxacin treats bacterial infections of the external auditory canal, the part of the ear between the eardrum and the outside world. This includes both acute (short-term) and chronic (long-lasting) infections.

Because ofloxacin is an antibiotic, it is ineffective against viral, parasitic, and fungal infections. This medication is prescribed to treat existing infections and should not be used as a preventative measure against bacterial infections. Doing so can actually make you more resistant to antibiotic treatment.

Ofloxacin is classified as a fluoroquinolone antibiotic, meaning that it is indicated for use against bacterial infections in various areas of the body. These drugs work by killing harmful bacteria and preventing their growth. This dual action treats existing infections while preventing them from spreading or worsening.

Because ofloxacin is an antibiotic, it is ineffective against viral, parasitic, and fungal infections. In addition, this drug is used to treat existing infections and not as a preventive measure.

Ofloxacin has been shown to cause some mild side effects. If these adverse effects do not go away within a few days, talk to your health care provider.

Mild side effects reported from otic ofloxacin use include:

• Irritation or itching in the ear
  
• Change in taste
  
• Dizziness
  
  

More severe side effects include:

• Bleeding from the ear
  
• Skin rash
  
• Hives
  
• Hoarseness
  
• Difficulty breathing or swallowing
  
• Fever
  
• Headache
  
  

Seek medical attention immediately if you notice any of these symptoms. These are signs of a severe adverse reaction or overdose requiring medical treatment.

As with all prescription medications, inform your prescribing doctor about any medical conditions you have and any medications and supplements you are currently taking before starting treatment with otic ofloxacin. This drug can interact with other medicines and substances, leading to potentially serious side effects.

You should tell your provider if you are taking:

Corticosteroids: Concurrent use of otic ofloxacin with corticosteroid ear drops may increase the risk of fungal or bacterial overgrowth in the ear.

Other ear drops or ear medications: Using multiple ear medications simultaneously can reduce the effectiveness of otic ofloxacin or lead to unpredictable interactions.

Systemic fluoroquinolone antibiotics: Using oral or intravenous fluoroquinolone antibiotics (e.g., ciprofloxacin) while using otic ofloxacin can increase the risk of systemic side effects. However, the risk is generally low when using ear drops.

This is not a complete list of all drugs that interact with otic ofloxacin. Make a comprehensive list of all medicines and supplements that you take before starting treatment with this drug.

You should also tell your health care provider about any medical conditions you manage.

Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or plan on becoming pregnant before starting treatment with ofloxacin. If you become pregnant while taking this medication, stop taking it and inform your health care provider immediately.

Otic ofloxacin is supplied as a liquid solution that is applied to the ear through a dropper. The prescribed dosage varies depending on the patient's age and the severity of the condition requiring treatment.

When applying the liquid solution:

• Cleanse the outer ear of any discharge before applying medication
  
• Lie down with the affected ear facing upward
  
• Drop the prescribed amount of drops into the affected ear
  
• Remain lying down with the affected ear facing upward for about 5 minutes
  
  

Be careful not to touch the tip of the dropper to any other parts of the body or any surfaces in your house.

Do not discontinue or increase your ofloxacin dosage without consulting your doctor first. Take the medication exactly as prescribed, and inform your doctor if you begin to experience any side effects while taking the medication.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible. If it’s nearly time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your regularly scheduled amount. Do not take a double dose of ofloxacin.

Ofloxacin should be stored in the container it’s supplied in. Keep these containers at room temperature, away from excess heat or moisture.

Do not freeze this medication.

Keep all medicines out of sight and out of the reach of children. Ensure that the caps of all medicine bottles are tightly closed and locked (if applicable).

Ofloxacin is currently only available via prescription. This means that a licensed health care provider must authorize the use of this drug.

Looking for a prescription? Providers on Sesame can write you a prescription during a virtual or in-person visit. You can arrange for same-day pickup at your pharmacy, depending on the medication. Book an online consultation with a licensed provider on Sesame today to determine whether or not ofloxacin might be right for you.

Note that all prescriptions are at the discretion of your health care provider. Sesame cannot guarantee that you will be provided a prescription after a video or in-person appointment. Providers on Sesame are unable to prescribe controlled substances. For more information about controlled substances, check out the Drug Enforcement Agency’s scheduling guidelines here.

Providers on Sesame can write a prescription for ofloxacin to be picked up near you—often within the same day. Don’t wait to get your prescription filled. Talk to a provider on Sesame and get your prescription ordered right away for fast and convenient pickup from a pharmacy of your choice.

Note that all prescriptions are at the discretion of your doctor.

Otic ofloxacin is a generic drug. It’s available in its generic form or under brand names like:

• Floxin