Ocuflox Medication - Uses & Side Effects

Generic names: Ofloxacin

Pronounced: OK-yew-flocks

Brand names: Ocuflox

Ofloxacin (oh-FLOKS-a-sin) is an antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections of the eye, such as conjunctivitis and corneal ulcers. Ocuflox is part of a class of anti-bacterial agents called fluoroquinolones that exhibit a broad spectrum of activity, low resistance, and favorable side-effects profile. It is prescribed for eye inflammations and for ulcers or sores on the cornea (the transparent covering over the pupil). Ofloxacin, the active ingredient, is a member of the quinolone family of antibiotics. Maximum serum ofloxacin concentrations after ten days of topical ophthalmic dosing were more than 1000 times lower than those reported after standard oral doses of ofloxacin. Ofloxacin kills certain bacteria or stops their growth. It treats conjunctivitis caused by these bacteria. Ofloxacin was excreted in the urine primarily unmodified.

Ocuflox Dosage:

• The dose of ophthalmic ofloxacin will be different for different patients.
• Adults and children 1 year of age and older-Use 1 drop in the affected eye every two to four hours, while you are awake, for two days.
• Infants up to 1 year of age-Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
• For bacterial corneal ulcers: Infants up to 1 year of age-Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

Uses of Ocuflox:

• Ocuflox is prescribed for eye inflammations and for ulcers or sores on the cornea (the transparent covering over the pupil).
• It works by stopping the growth of bacteria.
• This medication treats only bacterial eye infections. It will not work for other types of eye infections.

Side Effects of Ocuflox:

Some common side effects reported with this medicine include:

• Puffiness or swelling of eyes.
• Swelling of face or lips.
• Blurred vision that does not go away.
• Dizziness, and nausea.
• Local burning or discomfort.
• Allergic reaction.
• Burning, stinging, or itching of the eyes or eyelids.
• Feeling of something in the eye
• Increased sensitivity of eye to light.
• Increased sensitivity of the eyes to light.
• Troubled breathing, or wheezing.

Warnings and precautions before taking Ocuflox:

• Prolonged use of Ocuflox sometimes promotes the growth of germs that are unaffected by the medication.
• Ocuflox solution should not be injected subconjunctivally, nor should it be introduced directly into the anterior chamber of the eye.
• If your eye infection does not improve within 7 days, or if it becomes worse, check with your doctor.
• Wearing sunglasses and avoiding too much exposure to bright light may help lessen the discomfort.
• Do not use over-the-counter medications to treat eye inflammations without talking or checking with your doctor.

Drug Interaction:

If you are taking certain drugs with ocuflox, then other drugs may decreased or increased and altered the effects. So it is important to check with your doctor before combining Ocuflox with the following drugs such as includes:

• Cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune)
• Caffeine
• Warfarin (Coumadin)
• Theophylline (Theo-Dur)

Overdose:

• If you are taking ocuflox and after taking you feel that the overdose is suspected, then contact with your doctor immediately.
• If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.
• This medicine may be harmful if swallowed.
• Canadian residents should call their local poison control center directly.
• US residents can call the US national poison hotline at 1-800-222-1222.