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 heart problems.
• 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

Before starting this treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet from inside the pack.
If your eye(s) have an obvious discharge or 'crust' it can help if you bathe them with boiled and cooled water before treating with ofloxacin.

1. Wash your hands well before use.
2. Remove the outer cap.
3. Tilt your head back and pull the lower lid of your eye out to form a pocket.
4. Hold the container in your other hand and turn the container upside down near to your eye. Try not to touch your eye with the container.
5. Apply enough pressure to the container to release one drop into your eye. If you think the drop missed your eye then insert another drop.
6. Close your eye for a minute or two pressing gently on the side of your nose where the corner of your eye meets your nose.
7. Repeat in the other eye if you have been told to use the eye drops in both eyes.
8. Replace the outer cap on the container. Try not to touch the tip of the container with any surface, including your eye or fingers.
9. 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 be used every two to four hours unless you have been told otherwise. 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 usually wear soft contact lenses, use glasses whilst you are being treated for your eye infection.
• 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 has directed.
• If your symptoms do not improve within a few days or if they become worse, check with your doctor.
• Take care to avoid spreading the infection from one eye to the other and to other members of your family.
• Eye infections can cause the eyes to become more sensitive to sunlight. Wearing dark glasses may help prevent this.

Can ofloxacin eye drops cause problems?

Along with their useful effects, most medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. These usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine, but speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side-effects continue or become troublesome.

If any of these side effects continue 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 and sight of children.
• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.
• If there is any preparation left in the bottle after you have finished your course of treatment, do not keep it. These eye drops must not be used if the bottle has been opened for more than four weeks.

Important information about all medicines

References

• Manufacturer's PIL, Exocin®, Allergan Ltd, electronic Medicines Compendium. Dated May 2011
• British National Formulary; 60th Edition (September 2010) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London.