Ofloxacin 0.3% w/v
Class: Fluoroquinolone antibiotic
Manufacturer: Aurolab
Dosage Form: Sterile ophthalmic solution
Similar Brands:
Uses:
Treatment of bacterial infections of the external eye and adnexa, including:
- Bacterial conjunctivitis (pink eye).
- Bacterial corneal ulcers (keratitis).
- External ocular infections (e.g., blepharitis, dacryocystitis) caused by susceptible bacteria (e.g., Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, Pseudomonas, Haemophilus).
Relieves symptoms like redness, discharge, pain, swelling, itching, or tearing from bacterial causes. Not effective against viral (e.g., herpes), fungal, or allergic eye conditions—use only for confirmed/suspected bacterial infections.
Dosage:
Instill into affected eye(s) only; wash hands first; tilt head back, pull lower lid down, instill drops without touching eye. Blink gently; close eye 1–2 minutes (press inner corner to reduce drainage). Typical (follow label/doctor exactly):
Bacterial conjunctivitis (adults/children ≥1 year): Days 1–2: 1–2 drops every 2–4 hours while awake. Days 3–7: 1–2 drops 4 times daily.
Bacterial corneal ulcer: Days 1–2: 1–2 drops every 30 minutes while awake + 1–2 drops at bedtime (4–6 hours after last dose). Days 3–7/9: 1–2 drops hourly while awake. Then 1–2 drops 4 times daily until complete (per doctor; up to 7–14 days).
Children <1 year: Not recommended without specialist advice (limited data).
Duration: Complete full course (even if symptoms improve) to prevent resistance/recurrence; do not exceed prescribed days. If using other eye drops, wait 5–10 minutes between applications.
Bacterial conjunctivitis (adults/children ≥1 year): Days 1–2: 1–2 drops every 2–4 hours while awake. Days 3–7: 1–2 drops 4 times daily.
Bacterial corneal ulcer: Days 1–2: 1–2 drops every 30 minutes while awake + 1–2 drops at bedtime (4–6 hours after last dose). Days 3–7/9: 1–2 drops hourly while awake. Then 1–2 drops 4 times daily until complete (per doctor; up to 7–14 days).
Children <1 year: Not recommended without specialist advice (limited data).
Duration: Complete full course (even if symptoms improve) to prevent resistance/recurrence; do not exceed prescribed days. If using other eye drops, wait 5–10 minutes between applications.
Side Effects:
Common (mild/transient): Temporary burning/stinging/irritation upon instillation, eye redness/itching, blurred vision (short-term), dryness/puffiness, discomfort, increased tearing.
Less common: Headache, bad taste (if drains to throat), eye swelling, light sensitivity.
Serious (rare, seek immediate care): Severe allergic reactions (rash, swelling around eyes/face, breathing difficulty), worsening pain/redness/discharge/vision changes (may indicate resistance/infection progression), corneal perforation (in ulcers), or tendon issues (rare systemic fluoroquinolone risk).
Less common: Headache, bad taste (if drains to throat), eye swelling, light sensitivity.
Serious (rare, seek immediate care): Severe allergic reactions (rash, swelling around eyes/face, breathing difficulty), worsening pain/redness/discharge/vision changes (may indicate resistance/infection progression), corneal perforation (in ulcers), or tendon issues (rare systemic fluoroquinolone risk).
Warnings & Precautions:
For ocular use only—do not ingest/inject.
Remove soft contact lenses before use (wait 15 minutes after; may discolor lenses).
If no improvement after 2–3 days or symptoms worsen, seek ophthalmologist (culture/sensitivity may be needed).
Avoid in viral/fungal eye infections or if allergic to fluoroquinolones (e.g., ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin—cross-reactivity possible).
Use caution in pregnancy/breastfeeding (limited data—low systemic absorption but consult doctor).
Discard bottle 4 weeks after opening (contamination risk).
Overuse/resistance: Do not use for non-bacterial conditions.
Remove soft contact lenses before use (wait 15 minutes after; may discolor lenses).
If no improvement after 2–3 days or symptoms worsen, seek ophthalmologist (culture/sensitivity may be needed).
Avoid in viral/fungal eye infections or if allergic to fluoroquinolones (e.g., ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin—cross-reactivity possible).
Use caution in pregnancy/breastfeeding (limited data—low systemic absorption but consult doctor).
Discard bottle 4 weeks after opening (contamination risk).
Overuse/resistance: Do not use for non-bacterial conditions.
Pregnancy & Lactation:
Pregnancy: Limited human data; animal studies show no major risks at therapeutic doses—use only if clearly needed (low systemic absorption); consult doctor.
Lactation: Minimal excretion in breast milk expected—generally compatible short-term; consult provider.
Lactation: Minimal excretion in breast milk expected—generally compatible short-term; consult provider.
Drug Interactions:
Minimal significant (topical/low systemic absorption).
No major known interactions with other eye drops—separate by 5–10 minutes if using multiple products.
No major known interactions with other eye drops—separate by 5–10 minutes if using multiple products.
Contraindications:
Known hypersensitivity to ofloxacin, other quinolones/fluoroquinolones, or any excipient (e.g., preservatives like benzalkonium chloride).
Not for non-bacterial eye conditions without medical advice.
Not for non-bacterial eye conditions without medical advice.
Price: Ksh 415/-
Notes:
Sterile ophthalmic solution (clear liquid eye drops); Strength: Ofloxacin 0.3% w/v (3 mg/mL); Pack size: 5 mL bottle with dropper tip. Store at room temperature (below 30°C), protected from light/heat;