Optiflox 0.3% Drops

Ofloxacin is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic that treats certain infections caused by bacteria.

It does not work against viruses, so it will not help colds or flu.

Take it exactly as your doctor or pharmacist tells you, at about the same times each day.

• You can take it with or without food. Drink plenty of fluids while taking it.
• Take antacids, sucralfate, or supplements with aluminium, calcium, magnesium, iron or zinc at least 2 hours before or 2 hours after ofloxacin, as they stop it working well.
• Finish the whole course, even if you feel better, unless your doctor tells you to stop because of side effects.
• If you miss a dose, take it when you remember, unless your next dose is nearly due. Never take two doses together.

Common side effects include:

• feeling or being sick, diarrhoea, tummy pain
• changes in taste, dry mouth, loss of appetite
• tiredness
• vaginal itching or discharge

Stop taking it and get medical help straight away if you have:

• pain, swelling or a snapping feeling in a tendon, or you cannot put weight on a limb
• numbness, tingling, burning or weakness in the arms or legs
• fits, shaking, confusion, hallucinations, or changes in mood or thoughts of self-harm
• new muscle weakness or breathing trouble
• rash, swelling of the face or throat, or difficulty breathing
• watery or bloody diarrhoea, even up to 2 months after finishing
• yellow skin or eyes, fainting, or a fast or uneven heartbeat
• sudden severe pain in the chest, tummy or back

Check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking it if you:

• have myasthenia gravis
• have had tendon problems, or have kidney disease or an organ transplant, or take steroid medicines
• are over 60
• have heart rhythm problems (long QT), low potassium or magnesium, or an aortic aneurysm
• have diabetes, liver disease, epilepsy or Marfan or Ehlers-Danlos syndrome
• are pregnant or breastfeeding
• take NSAID painkillers or other medicines

It is not usually given to people under 18.

Store at room temperature in the original, tightly closed container, away from heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Keep out of the reach of children.

Serious side effects: fluoroquinolones can rarely cause tendon rupture, nerve damage and mental health effects, which may start soon after the first dose and can last. Stop and contact your doctor if these occur.

Sunlight: it can make your skin burn more easily. Avoid strong sun and sunbeds and use sunscreen.

Driving: it may cause dizziness. Do not drive until you know how it affects you.