Ofloxacin, Ophthalmic
“This page provides important general information for pet owners whose animals have been prescribed Ofloxacin, Ophthalmic during a consultation by Dr Noor. Ofloxacin, Ophthalmic information for pets in Perth.”
Key Information
Note: This handout is meant to address questions people often ask. It does not include every detail that exists about this medicine, and it does not replace medical guidance from your veterinary care team.
Description
This is an antibiotic medicine used as eye drops.
Other common names
- Ocuflox
Uses
This medicine is not specifically approved for animals, but it is approved for people. Your veterinarian may still choose to use it in animals (this is called “extra-label” use), including in other species, for example:
- Antibiotic used to treat bacterial eye infections.
- Treatment of bacterial eye infections in dogs and other species
Before this medication is given
No medicine is completely safe for every patient. Talk with your veterinarian about:
- Any other medicines or supplements your animal is taking
- Any health problems or illnesses your animal has now, or has had before
- Any unwanted reactions your animal has had to medicines in the past
- The risks of using this medicine if your animal is pregnant or nursing
Warnings for animals
- Do not give this medicine to animals that have an allergy to it or to other medicines in the same group (fluoroquinolones), such as enrofloxacin or ciprofloxacin.
- Some animal competitions do not allow certain medicines. If your animal competes, check the rules while your animal is taking this medicine.
Warnings for humans
- After you handle any medicine, wash your hands.
- If you are allergic to fluoroquinolone antibiotics, wear gloves or do not handle this medicine.
How do I give this medication? Ofloxacin, Ophthalmic
- Give this medicine exactly the way your veterinarian ordered it. Follow the directions on the prescription label every time.
- Before you apply the drops, wash your hands.
- To keep the bottle from getting contaminated, do not touch the tip of the dropper with your fingers. Also do not let the dropper tip touch your animal’s eye or touch any other surface.
- Put the drops into the eye(s) that need treatment, following your veterinarian’s directions.
- If you need to use more than one eye medicine, leave 5 minutes between each one. Use eye drops first, and use eye ointments after.
Side effects
Common – contact your veterinarian if any of these signs are severe, continue to occur, or worsen over time:
- Mild eye squeezing (squinting), rubbing/itching, discomfort, or redness in the eyes
- You may notice crystals in the treated eye(s) for a few days after starting the medicine. These are not harmful and will go away on their own.
Severe – stop the medication and contact your veterinarian immediately if you notice any of these signs:
- Trouble breathing or loud/noisy breathing. This can be a sign of a serious allergic reaction.
How will I know it's working?
- Your animal should begin to feel better in 1 to 2 days.
- If your animal’s symptoms get worse or do not get better, contact your veterinary clinic.
How long will the medication effects last?
After the final dose, this medicine will no longer work within 24 hours.
How long do I give it for?
- The length of treatment can vary. Keep giving it for the full time your veterinarian instructs.
- It is important to complete the entire treatment course, even if your animal seems to be feeling better.
Overdose
When used as eye drops, giving too much is not likely. However, problems or poisoning can happen if the medicine is swallowed. If this occurs, call your veterinarian or an animal poison control service for guidance (a consultation fee applies):
- Have the product or label with you if possible.
Missed dose
In most situations, if you forget a dose:
- Give the dose as soon as you remember, and then go back to the usual schedule.
If it is almost time for the next dose:
- Do not give the missed dose.
- Give the next dose at the regular scheduled time.
- Continue with the normal dosing plan.
If you are not sure what to do, call your veterinary clinic. Do not give two doses at once and do not give extra doses.
Storage
- Keep the medicine in its original container at room temperature.
- Keep it away from light.
- Store it where children and animals cannot reach it.
Disposal
Do not pour this medicine into the sink and do not flush it down the toilet. Ways to get rid of unused or expired medicine include:
- Do not keep leftover medicine and do not give it to anyone else to use.
- Drug take-back sites: This is the best option when available. To locate a nearby site, contact your local law enforcement or your waste management office.
- Home disposal: Combine the medicine with used coffee grounds or kitty litter, put it into a sealed plastic bag, and place it in the household trash.
Questions? Ofloxacin, Ophthalmic
Speak with your veterinarian.
“Disclaimer: The information on this page is provided as general educational material only. Every animal’s health situation is unique, and treatment decisions must be based on a full veterinary assessment. Always follow the specific instructions given during your consultation, and contact the prescribing veterinarian if you have any concerns.”
Related Medication Information
- Azithromycin, Ophthalmic
- Chloramphenicol, Ophthalmic
- Ciprofloxacin, Ophthalmic
- Erythromycin, Ophthalmic
- Gentamicin Sulfate, Ophthalmic