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Drug

Ofloxacin

Pronounced

"oh-FLOX-uh-sin"

Uses

Ofloxacin is used to treat outer ear infections (swimmer's ear or ear canal infections) and middle ear infections. It works by stopping the growth of bacteria. This medication belongs to a class of drugs called quinolone antibiotics.

This medication treats only bacterial ear infections. It will not work for other types of ear infections. Unnecessary use or overuse of any antibiotic can lead to its decreased effectiveness.

How to Use This Medication

Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from your pharmacist before you start using ofloxacin and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

For accuracy and to avoid contamination, have another person give the drops if possible. Hold the container in your hand for a few minutes to warm it. This will minimize dizziness.

To apply ear drops, wash your hands first. To avoid contamination, do not touch the dropper tip or let it touch your ear or any other surface.

Lie on your side or tilt the affected ear upward. Place the dropper directly over your ear and administer the prescribed number of drops. If you are using the single-use containers, empty the contents of the prescribed number of containers into your ear. For outer ear infections, to help the drops roll into the ear, adults should hold the earlobe up and back. In children, hold the earlobe down and back. For middle ear infections, gently press down several times on the cartilage that partially covers your ear opening to allow the drops to enter your middle ear (see Patient Information Leaflet).

Keep your head tilted for about 5 minutes, or insert a soft cotton plug if so directed. Repeat the above steps for your other ear if so directed.

Do not rinse the dropper. Replace the dropper cap on the bottle after each use. If you are using the single-dose containers, discard any unused solution after each application. Do not reuse.

Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same time(s) each day. Continue to use this medication for the full time prescribed, even if symptoms disappear after a few days. Stopping the medication too early may result in a return of the infection.

Tell your doctor if your condition does not get better in 1 week. Report any ear discharge that occurs after the treatment period is completed.

Do not use in the eye.

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Drug information is selected from data included with permission and copyrighted by First DataBank, Inc. This is a summary and does not contain all possible information about this product. For complete information about this product or your specific health needs, ask your healthcare professional. Always seek the advice of your healthcare professional if you have any questions about this product or your medical condition. This information is not intended as individual medical advice and does not substitute for the knowledge and judgment of your healthcare professional. This information does not contain any assurances that this product is safe, effective or appropriate for you.

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Information expires December 2025.