Ofloxacin: Price, Dosage & Where to Buy

Ofloxacin is a quinolone antibacterial medicine available as ear and eye solutions and oral tablets. It is most commonly prescribed or used for susceptible bacterial ear infections, including otitis externa. In the United Kingdom, ofloxacin requires a prescription, and generic versions have been available since 2003-09-02.

Ofloxacin belongs to the quinolone class of antibacterial medicines. It acts on bacterial enzymes called DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV, which bacteria need to copy and repair their genetic material. Blocking these enzymes prevents susceptible bacteria from multiplying and can lead to bacterial cell death.

This action helps reduce the infection when the causative organism is sensitive to ofloxacin. It does not treat infections caused by viruses, and its effectiveness depends on the bacteria involved and the site of infection. Ear drops deliver the medicine directly to the affected ear, while other formulations are designed for different routes of administration.

Ofloxacin ear solution is indicated for otitis externa, commonly called an outer ear infection, in adults and children aged 6 months and older when caused by susceptible bacteria. It is also indicated for chronic suppurative otitis media in patients aged 12 years and older who have perforated tympanic membranes. Another indication is acute otitis media in children aged one year and older who have tympanostomy tubes.

The listed susceptible bacteria include Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Proteus mirabilis, Haemophilus influenzae, Moraxella catarrhalis and Streptococcus pneumoniae. The product information describes these uses for the otic solution; the eye solution and oral tablet forms have different routes of administration.

The label lists ofloxacin otic solution 0.3%, equivalent to 3 mg/mL. The label lists five drops, 0.25 mL or 0.75 mg ofloxacin, once daily for seven days for otitis externa in paediatric patients from 6 months to 13 years old. The label lists ten drops, 0.5 mL or 1.5 mg ofloxacin, once daily for seven days for patients 13 years and older with otitis externa.

The label lists five drops, 0.25 mL or 0.75 mg ofloxacin, twice daily for ten days for acute otitis media in paediatric patients from one to 12 years old with tympanostomy tubes. The label lists ten drops, 0.5 mL or 1.5 mg ofloxacin, twice daily for fourteen days for chronic suppurative otitis media in patients 12 years and older with perforated tympanic membranes. The label lists 200 mg, 300 mg and 400 mg oral tablets, plus 3 mg/mL ophthalmic and otic solutions.

Store at 20°C to 25°C and protect from light. The bottle contains 5 mL. Keep the product closed and away from children, moisture and excessive heat to maintain quality, as directed on the label.

A missed dose means that an intended administration was not given at the planned time. The product information does not provide a separate missed-dose schedule. General pharmacy practice is to administer the missed dose when remembered unless it is nearly time for the next planned dose, when the missed dose is generally omitted.

Two doses should not be given together to compensate. A pharmacist or doctor can clarify the appropriate plan, particularly for a child or an infected ear with a perforated tympanic membrane.

There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Ofloxacin has not been shown to be teratogenic in the animal studies described, although embryocidal effects and other findings occurred at certain animal doses.

The label states that ofloxacin otic solution should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Pregnancy and lactation should be discussed with a doctor or pharmacist.