Ofloxacin is a prescription antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections in various parts of the body. Ophthalmic ofloxacin specifically targets infections of the eye.

Ophthalmic ofloxacin is available in its generic form or under various brand names. It is only available via prescription. This means a written prescription from a licensed health care provider is required before purchase.

Ophthalmic ofloxacin is used to treat bacterial infections of the eye. This includes conjunctivitis and corneal ulcers (ulcers on the cornea) from bacterial causes.

Conjunctivitis is an irritation of the conjunctiva (the membrane that lines the inside surface of your eyelid). This irritation causes itchiness, redness, and a gritty feeling in the eye. Bacterial or viral infections or even allergies commonly cause conjunctivitis.

Corneal ulcers are open sores on the cornea, generally caused by an infection or an injury to the eye's surface. Symptoms of corneal ulcers include redness, pain, swelling, blurry vision, and excessive tear production.

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 cause antibiotic resistance, making the antibiotics we have less effective against bacterial infections.

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.

Common side effects reported from ophthalmic ofloxacin use include:

• Eye discomfort (burning or stinging in the eye)
  
• Excess tear production
  
• Blurred vision
  
• Dry eyes
  
• Eye puffiness
  
• Light sensitivity
  
  

More severe side effects include:

• Dizziness
  
• Difficulty breathing or swallowing
  
• Skin rash
  
• Hives
  
• Itching
  
• Swelling in the face, hands, feet, or ankles
  
  

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 ofloxacin. This drug can interact with other medicines and substances, leading to potentially serious side effects.

You should tell your health care provider if you are taking:

• Blood-thinning medication (such as warfarin, cyclosporine, or theophylline)
  
  

This is not a complete list of all drugs that interact with 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.

Specifically, you should inform your health care provider if you have or have had the following:

• Allergies to antibiotic medication
  
  

Finally, 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.

Ophthalmic ofloxacin is commonly administered as a medicated eye drop solution. The prescribed dosage will depend on the patient's age and the severity of the condition requiring treatment.

Shake the medicine well before use, and wash your hands before applying it to the eye. Check to make sure the eyedropper is not cracked or chipped. Tilt your head back and gently press on the skin under the eye to pull the eyelid away from the eyeball. Avoid touching your eye with the dropper tip. Drop the medicine into the space under your eyeball and gently close your eyes. Do not blink. Instead, close your eyes for 1-2 minutes. This helps ensure that the medicine comes into contact with the affected area. Do not wipe or rinse the dropper after use. Restore it to the dropper bottle and close it tightly.

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.

Ophthalmic ofloxacin should be stored in the containers it was 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.