Ofloxacin
Ofloxacin is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic sold as Floxin tablets in 100mg, 200mg and 400mg and as Ocuflox 0.3% eye drops for bacterial conjunctivitis.
Tablets or drops: two ways to take ofloxacin
Ofloxacin is the antibiotic itself, and the shop carries it in two shapes. Floxin is the tablet form, made in 100mg, 200mg and 400mg, for infections inside the body. Ocuflox is a 0.3% eye drop in a bottle, for infections sitting on the surface of the eye. Both belong to the antibiotics group, and the drops also sit under eye care.
What it is used for
The tablets treat urine infections, prostate infections, some skin and soft tissue infections and certain sexually transmitted infections such as chlamydia. The drops are for bacterial conjunctivitis, the red, gritty, sticky eye, and some corneal infections (infections of the clear front surface of the eye). Ofloxacin blocks two enzymes bacteria need to copy their DNA, which kills them instead of only holding them back, so the infection cannot grow or spread.
How it is taken
Swallow the tablets with water once or twice a day; food makes no difference. On a twice-daily course the doses sit about 12 hours apart. Courses run from a few days to a few weeks, and the whole course is worth finishing even after you feel better. Antacids, sucralfate and supplements of iron, calcium or zinc bind to ofloxacin and block much of its absorption, so the tablet goes down two hours before or two hours after any of those.
Drops go into the affected eye often at first — every two to four hours for the opening day or two — then about four times a day as the eye settles. Wash your hands, pull the lower lid into a pocket, place one or two drops inside, and close the eye briefly. Keep the bottle tip off the eye itself.
Side effects
On tablets, nausea, diarrhoea, headache, dizziness and broken sleep are the usual complaints. Tendon trouble is the one to respect: pain, swelling or stiffness around the ankle or shoulder can start during the course or months after it, and steroid tablets such as prednisone raise that risk. Tingling, numbness, burning or weakness in the hands and feet can appear early and may not fully clear. Mood changes, nightmares, confusion and, rarely, seizures have also been reported with this class. Drops are gentler: a passing sting, a gritty sensation, occasionally a bitter taste as they drain into the nose.
Sources
- Ofloxacin: MedlinePlus Drug Information — National Library of Medicine
- Bacterial infections - symptoms, causes and treatments - Healthdirect — Healthdirect Australia
Where can I buy Ofloxacin in Hong Kong?
Ofloxacin can be ordered online for delivery to Hong Kong. The range includes generic Floxin tablets in 100mg, 200mg and 400mg, plus generic Ocuflox bottles at 0.3%. Every order ships in plain, unbranded packaging with nothing on the outside about the contents.
What is the price of Ofloxacin?
It depends on the product, strength and pack size. Each of the two ofloxacin products listed here shows its current prices in HKD or the currency you select.
Do I need a prescription to order Ofloxacin?
PockDose does not ask you to upload a prescription when you order ofloxacin. See the ordering FAQ for details.
What is another name for ofloxacin?
Floxin and Ocuflox are brand names of ofloxacin, which is also sold as Exocin, Oflox, Tarivid, Zanocin and Oflocet. Here, ofloxacin can be bought online as generic Floxin and generic Ocuflox. These are generics, not the original brand.
How long does ofloxacin take to work?
Expect a first improvement after two or three days on tablets, and a similar wait for a sticky eye on drops. A bacterium count that has dropped is not a count of zero, so finish the full course even when you feel fine.
Can I drink alcohol with ofloxacin?
A glass of wine will not stop ofloxacin working. The catch is dizziness: the tablets can leave you light-headed or drowsy, and alcohol makes that worse, so keep drinking light until the course is over.
What is the difference between Floxin and Ocuflox?
They are the same medicine in different packaging. Floxin is a tablet for infections inside the body, with 100mg, 200mg and 400mg strengths; Ocuflox is a 0.3% solution dropped into the eye for conjunctivitis and similar surface infections, supplied as a bottle.
What should I do if I miss a dose of ofloxacin?
Take the missed tablet as soon as you remember and carry on as before. If the next dose is almost due, leave the missed one out and take only the next one — doubling up gains nothing.
Can ofloxacin treat a cold or flu?
No. Ofloxacin acts on bacteria, while colds, flu and most sore throats come from viruses, so the tablets will not shorten them. Using an antibiotic when it is not needed also makes later infections harder to treat.