Ofloxacin (Into The Ear)

Ofloxacin (oh-FLOX-a-sin)

Treats ear infections.

Brand Name(s):

Floxin
There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to ofloxacin or related antibiotics such as trovafloxacin (Trovan®), ciprofloxacin (Cipro®), levofloxacin (Levaquin®), norfloxacin (Noroxin®), grepafloxacin (Graxar®), nalidixic acid (NegGram®), or sparfloxacin (Zagam®).

How to Use This Medicine:

Drop

• Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use and how often. You may be told to put the drops in the infected ear 2 times each day for 10 to 14 days.
• Use the medicine only in your ears.
• Keep using the medicine for as long as your doctor tells you to, even if your ear feels better. If you stop using the medicine too soon, your infection may come back.
• Before using the medicine, warm the bottle by holding it your hands for 1 or 2 minutes. Using the drops when they are cold may make you dizzy.
• Wash your hands with soap and water. Clean any discharge that is around the ear. Do not poke a swab or anything into your ear canal. Lie down with the infected ear facing up.
• Drop the prescribed number of drops into the ear. Do not let the tip of the dropper touch your ear, fingers, or anything else. It is important to keep the drops germ-free.
• Keep lying on your side for at least 5 minutes.
• For a middle ear infection (otitis media), gently push in the flap of skin just in front of your ear in a pumping motion after you put in the drops. Press in on your ear flap 4 or 5 times. This helps move the medicine to your middle ear.
• For swimmer's ear (otitis externa, or ear canal infection), gently pull the outer ear up and back after you put in the drops. This helps move the medicine to your ear canal.
• Repeat these steps in your other ear if both ears are infected.
• Wash your hands afterwards so you don't spread the infection.
• Do not get this medicine in your eyes or mouth.
• Never share your medicine with anyone.

If a dose is missed:

• Use the drops as soon as possible, unless it is almost time for your next dose.
• Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next regular dose.
• Do not apply two doses at the same time.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

• Store the drops in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Do not freeze.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Talk with your doctor before using this medicine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
• Call your doctor if the infection does not get better after a week.
• If you have ear drainage 2 or more times within 6 months after you stop using the drops, tell your doctor.
• Keep your ears clean and dry. Try not to get your ears wet when taking a bath or shower.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Ear pain, redness, or swelling that is worse than before using the medicine
• Rash or hives

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Dizziness, feeling lightheaded
• Bitter taste in your mouth

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.