Ofloxacin Is a Fluoroquinolone Antibiotic Used to Treat Bacterial Infections

Ofloxacin is a prescription fluoroquinolone antibiotic that kills bacteria by blocking the enzymes they need to copy their DNA. It's available as oral tablets, eye drops, and ear drops, and it's used to treat a wide range of infections — from urinary tract infections and pneumonia to conjunctivitis and ear infections.

Whether you've just been prescribed Ofloxacin or you're researching it before an appointment, this guide covers everything you need to know: what it treats, how to take it, who should avoid it, and what it costs in 2026.

What Is Ofloxacin?

Ofloxacin belongs to the fluoroquinolone class of antibiotics. It was originally sold under the brand names Floxin (oral and otic) and Ocuflox (ophthalmic), but both brands have been discontinued. Today, Ofloxacin is available only as a generic, manufactured by companies including Apotex, Teva, and Sandoz.

Key facts:

• Drug class: Fluoroquinolone antibiotic
• Generic name: Ofloxacin
• Former brand names: Floxin, Ocuflox, Floxin Otic
• Controlled substance: No — Ofloxacin is not a DEA-scheduled drug
• Available forms: Oral tablets (200 mg, 300 mg, 400 mg), ophthalmic solution 0.3%, otic solution 0.3%
• Generic available: Yes

For a plain-English explanation of how Ofloxacin works at the cellular level, see our guide on Ofloxacin's mechanism of action.

What Is Ofloxacin Used For?

Ofloxacin is FDA-approved for a wide range of bacterial infections. The specific formulation depends on the condition:

Oral Tablets

• Acute bacterial exacerbations of chronic bronchitis
• Community-acquired pneumonia
• Uncomplicated and complicated urinary tract infections (UTIs)
• Uncomplicated cystitis
• Prostatitis
• Urethritis and cervicitis
• Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
• Uncomplicated skin and skin structure infections

Ophthalmic Solution (Eye Drops)

• Bacterial conjunctivitis (pink eye)
• Corneal ulcers

Otic Solution (Ear Drops)

• Acute otitis media with tympanostomy tubes
• Otitis externa (swimmer's ear)
• Chronic suppurative otitis media

Ofloxacin is also sometimes used off-label for traveler's diarrhea, epididymitis, and as a second-line agent in multidrug regimens for leprosy and tuberculosis.

Important: Because of the FDA boxed warning on fluoroquinolones, Ofloxacin should generally not be used as a first choice for uncomplicated UTIs or acute bronchitis when other antibiotic options are available.

How Is Ofloxacin Taken?

Oral Tablets

The typical oral dose is 200 to 400 mg every 12 hours, depending on the infection being treated. Treatment duration ranges from 3 days (for uncomplicated cystitis) to 6 weeks (for prostatitis).

How to take oral Ofloxacin:

• Take with a full glass of water
• Can be taken with or without food
• Do NOT take within 2 hours of antacids (aluminum, magnesium, calcium), iron supplements, zinc supplements, or Sucralfate — these block absorption
• Stay well hydrated throughout treatment
• Complete the full course, even if you feel better before it's finished

Eye Drops (Ophthalmic)

For conjunctivitis: typically 1-2 drops every 2-4 hours for the first 2 days, then 4 times daily for up to 5 more days. For corneal ulcers, dosing is more frequent initially.

Tilt your head back, pull down the lower eyelid, and apply the drops. Avoid touching the dropper tip to your eye or any surface.

Ear Drops (Otic)

Typically 5-10 drops once or twice daily, depending on the condition. Warm the drops to body temperature by holding the bottle in your hand for a few minutes. Lie on your side with the affected ear up for 5 minutes after applying.

Who Should Not Take Ofloxacin?

Ofloxacin is not safe for everyone. You should not take it if you:

• Are allergic to Ofloxacin or any fluoroquinolone (Ciprofloxacin, Levofloxacin, Moxifloxacin)
• Have myasthenia gravis — Ofloxacin can worsen muscle weakness and cause life-threatening breathing problems
• Have a history of tendon problems caused by fluoroquinolones

Use with caution if you:

• Are pregnant (Category C) or breastfeeding
• Are under 18 years old (oral form — risk of joint/cartilage damage)
• Are over 60 (higher risk of tendon rupture)
• Take corticosteroids
• Have kidney problems (dose adjustment may be needed)
• Have a history of seizures

Always tell your doctor about all medications you take. Ofloxacin has several important drug interactions to be aware of.

For a full breakdown of potential side effects, see our Ofloxacin side effects guide.

How Much Does Ofloxacin Cost?

Because Ofloxacin is available as a generic, it's one of the more affordable antibiotics:

• Oral tablets: $10-$60 without insurance; as low as $2.27 with a GoodRx coupon
• Ophthalmic solution: $5-$57 without insurance; as low as $4.77 with coupons
• Otic solution: $15-$80 without insurance; as low as $8-$15 with coupons

Most insurance plans cover generic Ofloxacin on Tier 1 or Tier 2. Prior authorization is generally not required, though some insurers may ask for documentation of step therapy for oral tablets (due to the boxed warning).

For more ways to lower your out-of-pocket cost, see our guide on how to save money on Ofloxacin.

Final Thoughts

Ofloxacin is a versatile, effective antibiotic available in oral, eye drop, and ear drop forms. It treats a wide range of bacterial infections and is affordable as a generic. However, it carries an FDA boxed warning for serious risks including tendon damage, nerve damage, and CNS effects — so it's important to use it only when prescribed and to follow your doctor's instructions carefully.

If you're having trouble finding Ofloxacin at your pharmacy — especially the ophthalmic or otic formulations — use Medfinder to locate a pharmacy with it in stock near you.