- have an ear canal infection and are less than 6 months of age because no data were collected from this population
- have a middle ear infection and have a tube in the eardrum and are less than one year of age because no data were collected from this population
- have a middle ear infection and have a hole in the eardrum and are less than 12 years of age because no data were collected from this population.
How should ofloxacin otic solution be given?
1. Wash hands
The person giving ofloxacin otic solution should wash his/her hands with soap and water.
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2. Clean ear & warm bottle
Gently clean any discharge that can be removed easily from the outer ear.
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DO NOT INSERT ANY OBJECT OR SWAB INTO THE EAR CANAL.
Hold the bottle of ofloxacin otic solution in the hand for one or two minutes to warm the solution.
3. Add drops
For a
Middle Ear Infection:
The person receiving ofloxacin otic solution should lie on his/her side with the infected ear up. Patients (12 and older) should have
10 dropsof ofloxacin otic solution put into the infected ear. Pediatric patients under 12 should have
5 dropsput into the infected ear. The tip of the bottle should not touch the fingers or the ear or any other surfaces.
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For an
Ear Canal Infection ("Swimmer's Ear"):
The person receiving ofloxacin otic solution should lie on his/her side with the infected ear up. Patients (13 and older) should have
10 dropsof ofloxacin otic solution put into the infected ear. Pediatric patients under 13 should have
5 dropsput into the infected ear. The tip of the bottle should not touch the fingers or the ear or any other surfaces.
BE SURE TO FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS BELOW FOR THE PATIENT'S SPECIFIC EAR INFECTION.
4. Press ear or pull ear
For a
Middle Ear Infection:
While the person receiving ofloxacin otic solution lies on his/her side, the person giving the drops should gently press the
TRAGUS(see diagram) 4 times in a pumping motion. This will allow the drops to pass through the hole or tube in the eardrum and into the middle ear.
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For an
Ear Canal Infection ("Swimmer's Ear"):
While the person receiving the drops lies on his/her side, the person giving the drops should gently pull the outer ear upward and backward. This will allow the ear drops to flow down into the ear canal.
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The person who received the ear drops should remain on his/her side for at least 5 minutes.
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Repeat Steps 2-5 for the other ear if both ears are infected.
How often should ofloxacin otic solution
be given?
In patients with an Ear Canal Infection ("Swimmer's Ear"), ofloxacin otic solution ear drops should be given once daily at about the same time each day (for example, 8 AM or 8 PM) in each infected ear unless the doctor has instructed otherwise.
In patients with a Middle Ear Infection, ofloxacin otic solution ear drops should be given 2 times each day (about 12 hours apart, for example 8 AM and 8 PM) in each infected ear unless the doctor has instructed otherwise. The best times to use the ear drops are in the morning and at night.
It is very important to use the ear drops for as long as the doctor has instructed,
even if the symptoms improve. If ofloxacin otic solution ear drops are not used for as long as the doctor has instructed, the infection may be more likely to return.
What if a dose is missed?
In patients with an Ear Canal Infection ("Swimmer's Ear"), it is important that you take the drops every day. If you miss a dose which may have been scheduled for earlier in the day, (for example, 8:00 AM), you should take that day's dose as soon as possible and then go back to your regular daily dosing schedule.
In patients with a Middle Ear Infection, if a dose of ofloxacin otic solution is missed, it should be given as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to the regular dosing schedule.
Do not use a double dose unless the doctor has instructed you to do so. If the infection is not improved after one week, you should consult your doctor. If you have two or more episodes of drainage within six months, it is recommended that you see your doctor for further evaluation.
What activities should be avoided while using ofloxacin otic solution?
It is important that the infected ear(s) remain clean and dry. When bathing, avoid getting the infected ear(s) wet. Avoid swimming unless the doctor has instructed otherwise.
What are some of the possible side effects of ofloxacin otic solution?
During the testing of ofloxacin otic solution in external ear infections, the most common side effect was discomfort upon application which happened in 7% of patients. If the pain is severe, the medication should be stopped and you should contact your doctor. Other side effects were: itching (1%), earache (0.8%), and dizziness (0.4%).
During the testing of ofloxacin otic solution in middle ear infections, the most common side effect was a bitter taste which happened in 7% of patients with a middle ear infection. This may occur when some of the medication passes from the middle ear to the back of the mouth. This side effect is not serious and there is no need to stop the medicine if this should happen. Other side effects which were found in 1% of the patients were: earache, itching, abnormal sensation, rash, and dizziness.
Call your doctor about these or other side effects if they occur.
If a rash or an allergic reaction to ofloxacin otic solution occurs, stop using the product and contact your doctor.
DO NOT TAKE OFLOXACIN OTIC SOLUTION BY MOUTH.
If ofloxacin otic solution is accidentally swallowed or an overdose occurs, call the doctor immediately. This medicine is available only with a doctor's prescription. Use only as directed. Do not use this medicine if outdated.
If you wish to learn more about ofloxacin otic solution, ask the doctor or pharmacist. Complete prescribing information is printed on the reverse side.
HOW SUPPLIED.
Plastic dropper bottles containing 5 mL and 10 mL
Storage Conditions:Store at 25°C (77°F), excursions permitted to 15-30°C (59-86°F). Protect from light.
This Patient Information has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Manufactured for:
Somerset Therapeutics, LLC
Somerset, NJ 08873
Revised: October, 2024