Ofloxacin eye drops

About ofloxacin eye drops

Ofloxacin eye drops work by killing the bacteria which cause infections of the eye

Before using ofloxacin eye drops

Before using ofloxacin eye drops make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• if you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding
• if you wear soft contact lenses
• if you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine
• if you are taking or using any other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal and complementary medicines

How to use ofloxacin eye drops

Always read the manufacturer's information leaflet, if possible, before beginning treatment.
If the eye(s) have an obvious discharge or 'crust' they may be bathed with boiled and cooled water before treating with ofloxacin.

1. Wash your hands well before use
2. Remove the outer cap
3. Tilt the head back and pull the lower lid of the eye down to form a pocket
4. Hold the container between the thumb and middle finger of the other hand; turn the container upside down near to the eye, try not to touch the eye
5. Squeeze the container just enough to release a drop into the eye
6. Close the eye, and keep it closed for 30 seconds
7. If you think that you have missed the eye, then insert another drop
8. Repeat in the other eye if you have been told to use the eye drops in both eyes
9. Replace the outer cap on the container, trying not to touch the dropper tip with your fingers
10. Wash your hands

Getting the most from your treatment

• Use ofloxacin eye drops exactly as directed by your doctor or pharmacist.
• At first, the drops should usually be used every two to four hours. As the infection improves, you can reduce this frequency down to four times a day.
• These eye drops contain a preservative which may be absorbed by soft contact lenses and discolour them. If you wear soft contact lenses, take them out before using the eye drops. You can replace your lenses 15 minutes after using the drops.
• Ofloxacin eye drops are not usually recommended for children under one year old.
• If you are using any other eye drops or eye ointments, leave at least five minutes between applying each preparation.
• Try not to miss doses. If you do miss a dose, then apply the missed dose as soon as possible.
• When the eye appears normal again, there may still be some bacteria present. It is important to continue using ofloxacin eye drops for a further 48 hours after the eye appears normal, to ensure that all of the bacteria have been killed.
• Do not use ofloxacin eye drops for more than 10 days or for a longer period than your doctor had directed.
• If your symptoms do not improve within a few days or if they become worse, check with your doctor.
• Strict attention to hygiene and cleanliness is important to prevent the infection spreading.
• Be careful to use separate towels to other members of your household.
• If only one eye is infected care must be taken to avoid spreading the infection from one eye to the other.
• Eye infections can cause the eyes to become more sensitive to sunlight. Wearing dark glasses may help prevent this.
• Ofloxacin eye drops can cause dizziness. Make sure your reactions are normal before driving, operating machinery or doing any other jobs which could be dangerous if you were to become dizzy.

Can ofloxacin eye drops cause problems?

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. The most common side effects of ofloxacin eye drops are shown below:

Other side effects that sometimes occur are stomach discomfort, dizziness, numbness and restlessness.
If any of these side effects continues or becomes troublesome or if you experience any other worrying symptoms, which you think may be due to ofloxacin eye drops, speak to your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store ofloxacin eye drops

• Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.
• Discard these eye drops four weeks after opening.
• Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Discard them safely out of the reach of children or take them to your local pharmacist who will dispose of unwanted medicines for you.

Important information about all medicines