Ofloxacin Ear Solution

What is this medication?

OFLOXACIN (oh FLOKS a sin) treats ear infections caused by bacteria. It belongs to a group of medications called quinolone antibiotics. It will not treat infections caused by viruses.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Floxin

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

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

• Difficulty hearing
• An unusual or allergic reaction to ofloxacin, quinolone antibiotics, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• Breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

This medication 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 medication more often than directed. Finish the full course of medication prescribed by your care team even if you think your condition is better.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. While this medication may be prescribed for children as young as 6 months of age and older for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

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.

What may interact with this medication?

Interactions are not expected. Do not use any other ear products without talking to your care team.

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Tell your care team if your ear infection does not get better in a few days. After you finish the full course of treatment, tell your care team 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 care team has told you otherwise.

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

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

• Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Brown, yellow, green, or white discharge from the ear

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

• Change in taste
• Dizziness
• Itching or pain in the ear after use

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

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 medication after the expiration date.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.