Ofloxacin ear solution

What is this medicine?

OFLOXACIN (oh FLOKS a sin) is a quinolone antibiotic. It is used to treat bacterial ear infections.

How should I use this medicine?

This medicine is only for use in the ear. Wash your hands with soap and water. Do not insert any object or swab into the ear canal. Gently warm the bottle by holding it in the hand for 1 to 2 minutes. Gently clean any fluid that can be easily removed from the outer ear. Lie down on your side with the infected ear up. Try not to touch the tip of the dropper to your ear, fingertips, or other surface. Squeeze the bottle gently to put the prescribed number of drops in the ear canal.

For ear canal infections, gently pull the outer ear upward and backward to help the drops flow down into the ear canal. For middle ear infections, press the skin-covered cartilage in the front part of the ear 4 times in a pumping motion to allow the drops to pass through the hole or tube in the eardrum. Keep lying down with the ear up for about 5 minutes to make sure the drops stay in the ear. Repeat the steps for the other ear if both ears are infected. Do not use your medicine more often than directed. Finish the full course of medicine prescribed by your doctor or health care professional even if you think your condition is better.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for children as young as 6 months of age and older for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• burning, blistering, itching, and redness

• dizziness

• rash

• worsening ear pain

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• abnormal sensation in the ear

• bad taste in mouth

• unpleasant sensation while putting the drops in the ear

What may interact with this medicine?

Interactions are not expected. Do not use any other ear products without talking to your doctor or health care professional.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, use only that dose. Do not use double or extra doses.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 25 degrees C (59 and 77 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

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

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• difficulty hearing

• an unusual or allergic reaction to ofloxacin, quinolone antibiotics, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Tell your doctor or health care professional if your ear infection does not get better in a few days. After you finish the full course of treatment, tell your doctor or health care professional if you have two or more episodes of drainage from the ear within 6 months.

It is important that you keep the infected ear(s) clean and dry. When bathing, try not to get the infected ear(s) wet. Do not go swimming unless your doctor or health care professional has told you otherwise.

To prevent the spread of infection, do not share ear products, or share towels and washcloths with anyone else.