Index
Fluoroquinolones are antibiotics used to treat infections caused by certain types of bacteria.
The drops of ofloxacin belong to the group of medicines called fluoroquinolones.
It is used to treat eye infections, such as bacterial conjunctivitis.
Chemical formula
- C18H20N3FO4.
Presentation
Each bottle comes in a dispenser containing a sterile ophthalmic solution of ofloxacin at 0.3%.
The non-medicinal ingredients are benzalkonium chloride at 0.005%, as a preservative, sodium chloride, hydrochloric acid, and sodium hydroxide to adjust the pH and purified water.
Indications
This medicine is used to fight eye infections.
Ofloxacin belongs to a class of medications called quinolone antibiotics and works by stopping the growth of bacteria.
This medication is only used to treat bacterial eye infections.
It does not work for other types of eye infections.
The unnecessary use or excessive use of this medicine and that of any antibiotic can lead to a decrease in its effectiveness.
Mechanism of action
Ofloxacin is a synthetic bacterial agent that presents its activity against many Gram-negative organisms and is a little lower than Gram-positive organisms.
The primary mechanism of the action exerted by this drug is through the inhibition of bacterial DNA gyrase, which is the enzyme responsible for maintaining the structure of DNA.
Dose
The usual dose of this medication is 1 to 2 drops in the affected eye every 2 to 4 hours during the first two days and then four times a day for eight days.
If the symptoms do not improve or if they get worse, you should stop using this medicine and contact your doctor immediately.
This medication must be used during the entire time that the treatment has been recommended by the doctor, even if the symptoms have improved, since it reduces the possibility of the infection returning.
Side effects
This medication may produce a burning or itching sensation in the eyes for a minute or two when applied.
It can also cause temporary blurred vision, discomfort in the eyes, itching, redness, dryness, tearing, sensation of having something in the eye, or sensitivity to light.
For prolonged or repeated periods, this medication may cause a new fungal eye infection.
It should not be used for longer than prescribed by this medication.
There may also be unlikely but severe side effects such as pain in the eyes, swelling of the eyelids or face, dizziness, and nausea.
Minimal allergic reactions to this drug are infrequent; symptoms may include:
The rash, itching, swelling (especially the face, tongue, and throat), severe dizziness, and difficulty breathing.
Ocular secretion, redness, itching, or intense pain are the most frequent symptoms of a new ocular infection.
Although these side effects do not happen very often, they could cause serious problems, so you should seek medical attention immediately.
Warnings and contraindications
You should not use ofloxacin if you are allergic to this or other quinolones such as ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, or any other type of allergy to any medication.
This medication may also contain inactive ingredients that can cause allergic reactions or other problems, such as preservatives and benzalkonium chloride.
This medication may cause temporary or unstable blurred vision after its application, so the patient should not drive vehicles, operate machinery, or perform activities that require a clear vision until you can perform these activities safely.
This medication should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding, as its effects on the fetus are unknown or if the product is passed to the baby through breast milk.
The doctor will prescribe this medication only if the risk-benefit ratio is more favorable for the patient or the baby.
Interactions
There may be an interaction between ofloxacin eye drops and any other medication used concomitantly, such as different eye drops or ointments.
