OFLOXACIN (oh FLOKS a sin) treats ear infections caused by bacteria. It belongs to a group of medications called quinolone antibiotics. It will not treat infections caused by viruses.
What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
Difficulty hearing
An unusual or allergic reaction to ofloxacin, quinolone antibiotics, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
Breast-feeding
How should I use this medication?
This medication is only for use in the ear. Wash your hands with soap and water. Do not insert any object or swab into the ear canal. Gently warm the bottle by holding it in the hand for 1 to 2 minutes. Gently clean any fluid that can be easily removed from the outer ear. Lie down on your side with the infected ear up. Try not to touch the tip of the dropper to your ear, fingertips, or other surface. Squeeze the bottle gently to put the prescribed number of drops in the ear canal.
For ear canal infections, gently pull the outer ear upward and backward to help the drops flow down into the ear canal. For middle ear infections, press the skin-covered cartilage in the front part of the ear 4 times in a pumping motion to allow the drops to pass through the hole or tube in the eardrum. Keep lying down with the ear up for about 5 minutes to make sure the drops stay in the ear. Repeat the steps for the other ear if both ears are infected. Do not use your medication more often than directed. Finish the full course of medication prescribed by your care team even if you think your condition is better.
Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. While this medication may be prescribed for children as young as 6 months of age and older for selected conditions, precautions do apply.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, use only that dose. Do not use double or extra doses.
What may interact with this medication?
Interactions are not expected. Do not use any other ear products without talking to your care team.
What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
Allergic reactions-skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
Brown, yellow, green, or white discharge from the ear
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
Change in taste
Dizziness
Itching or pain in the ear after use
What should I watch for while using this medication?
Tell your care team if your ear infection does not get better in a few days. After you finish the full course of treatment, tell your care team if you have two or more episodes of drainage from the ear within 6 months.
It is important that you keep the infected ear(s) clean and dry. When bathing, try not to get the infected ear(s) wet. Do not go swimming unless your care team has told you otherwise.
To prevent the spread of infection, do not share ear products, or share towels and washcloths with anyone else.
Where should I keep my medication?
Keep out of the reach of children.
Store at room temperature between 15 and 25 degrees C (59 and 77 degrees F). Throw away any unused medication after the expiration date.
K Health articles are all written and reviewed by MDs, PhDs, NPs, or PharmDs and are for informational purposes only. This information does not constitute and should not be relied on for professional medical advice. Always talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of any treatment.
This information is educational only and should not be construed as specific instructions for individual patients nor as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Talk to your health care provider or pharmacist about the information and instructions. K Health assumes no liability for any use or reliance on this information.