Ofloxacin, Otic

What are other names for this medicine?

Type of medicine: antibiotic

Generic and brand names: ofloxacin, otic; Floxin Otic

What is this medicine used for?

This medicine is used in the ears to treat:

• otitis externa (inflammation of the outer ear canal) in adults and children 1 year old and older
• acute otitis media (inflammation of the inner ear canal) in children 1 year old and older
• chronic suppurative otitis media (inflammation of the ear with pus drainage) in adults and children 12 years old and older.

What should my health care provider know before I take this medicine?

Before taking this medicine, tell your health care provider if you have ever had an allergic reaction to any other antibiotic such as ciprofloxacin (Cipro), gatifloxacin (Tequin), levofloxacin (Levaquin), or lomefloxacin (Maxaquin).

Females of childbearing age: Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.

How do I use it?

This medicine is for use in the ears only. Do not take it by mouth or get it in or near your eyes.

Use this medicine exactly as your health care provider prescribes. Do not use more or less or use it longer than prescribed. Using too much can cause resistant infections that cannot be treated with this medicine.

Do not stop using this medicine without your health care provider's approval. If you stop too soon, your infection may return.

Before applying the drops, hold the bottle in your hand for a minute or two to warm the medicine. Cold ear drops may cause dizziness.

Wash your hands before and after using this medicine. To keep from contaminating the medicine, do not touch the tip of the dropper to your ear or any other surface.

Lie on your side with the affected ear up. For adults, hold the earlobe up and back. For children, hold the earlobe down and back. Put in the number of drops prescribed. Remain lying down for 5 minutes, or put a clean cotton plug in the ear to keep the medicine from running out. After use, wipe the tip of the dropper with a clean tissue. Close the container tightly.

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for the next scheduled dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and use the next one as directed. Do not use double doses. If you are not sure of what to do if you miss a dose, or if you miss more than one dose, contact your health care provider.

What should I watch out for?

If you have an allergic reaction to this medicine (hives, itching, a rash, trouble breathing, tightness in your chest), or if you faint, stop using this medicine and contact your health care provider right away.

Contact your health care provider if your condition does not improve in a 1 week or if it gets worse.

What are the possible side effects?

Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your health care provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.

Life-threatening (Report these to your health care provider right away. If you cannot reach your health care provider right away, get emergency medical care or call 911 for help): Allergic reaction (hives; itching; rash; trouble breathing; tightness in your chest; swelling of your lips, tongue, and throat).

Other: Redness or itching where the medicine touches your ear, dizziness, change in taste, ringing in your ears, hot flashes, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea.

What products might interact with this medicine?

No significant drug interactions have been reported.

Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, nonprescription, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins) with you. Be sure that you tell all health care providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.

How should I store this medicine?

Store this medicine at room temperature. Keep the container tightly closed. Protect it from heat, high humidity, and bright light.

This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your health care provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.

Ask your pharmacist for the best way to dispose of outdated medicine or medicine you have not used. Do not throw medicine in the trash.

Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.

Do not share medicines with other people.