Comprehensive medication guide to Ofloxacin including estimated pricing, availability information, side effects, and how to find it in stock at your local pharmacy.
Estimated Insurance Pricing
$0–$15 copay; Tier 1–2 generic on most formularies, prior authorization generally not required.
Estimated Cash Pricing
$10–$60 for oral tablets; ophthalmic from $5–$57; as low as $2.27 with GoodRx or SingleCare coupons.
Medfinder Findability Score
60/100
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Ofloxacin is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic used to treat a wide range of bacterial infections. It is available in oral, ophthalmic (eye drop), and otic (ear drop) formulations. Common uses include urinary tract infections, respiratory infections, skin infections, bacterial conjunctivitis, corneal ulcers, otitis externa, and chronic suppurative otitis media.
The brand names Floxin (oral/otic) and Ocuflox (ophthalmic) have been discontinued, but generic Ofloxacin remains available from multiple manufacturers including Apotex, Teva, and Sandoz.
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Ofloxacin works by inhibiting bacterial DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV, two enzymes essential for bacterial DNA replication, transcription, and repair. It has roughly 100 times greater affinity for bacterial enzymes than mammalian ones, which gives it selectivity against bacteria while sparing human cells. This mechanism makes it effective against a broad spectrum of gram-negative and some gram-positive bacteria.
Oral tablets
200 mg, 300 mg, 400 mg
Ophthalmic solution — ophthalmic
0.3%
Otic solution — solution
0.3%
Ofloxacin receives a findability score of 60 out of 100, meaning it can be intermittently difficult to locate depending on the formulation. Oral tablets are generally available from multiple generic manufacturers. However, Ofloxacin ophthalmic solution has been on the ASHP drug shortage list since 2022 due to manufacturing issues and a limited number of producers. The otic solution is also intermittently limited. If you're having trouble finding Ofloxacin in stock, Medfinder can help you locate pharmacies near you that have it available.
Ofloxacin can be prescribed by a variety of healthcare providers depending on the formulation and indication:
Ofloxacin is also available via telehealth consultations for appropriate indications.
No. Ofloxacin is not a controlled substance and has no DEA schedule. It is a prescription-only antibiotic but does not carry the restrictions associated with controlled medications. However, Ofloxacin does carry an FDA boxed warning about serious adverse reactions including tendinitis, tendon rupture, peripheral neuropathy, and CNS effects associated with fluoroquinolones.
Serious side effects to watch for include tendinitis or tendon rupture, peripheral neuropathy (numbness or tingling), seizures, QT prolongation, severe allergic reactions, and Clostridioides difficile-associated diarrhea. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience tendon pain, muscle weakness, numbness, or irregular heartbeat.
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Levofloxacin (Levaquin)
The L-isomer of Ofloxacin, twice as potent with once-daily dosing
Ciprofloxacin (Cipro)
The most widely used fluoroquinolone with broader gram-negative coverage
Moxifloxacin (Avelox)
Better gram-positive and anaerobic coverage, often used for respiratory infections
Trimethoprim-Sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim)
A non-fluoroquinolone alternative for urinary tract infections
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Antacids (aluminum, magnesium, calcium)
moderateReduce absorption; take Ofloxacin 2 hours before or after
Sucralfate
moderateSignificantly reduces Ofloxacin absorption
Iron and zinc supplements
moderateChelation reduces absorption
Warfarin
moderateIncreased bleeding risk; monitor INR closely
Theophylline
moderateIncreased Theophylline levels and toxicity risk
NSAIDs
moderateIncreased risk of CNS stimulation and seizures
Corticosteroids
moderateIncreased risk of tendon rupture
QT-prolonging drugs (Amiodarone, Sotalol)
moderateAdditive QT prolongation risk
Insulin and sulfonylureas
moderateIncreased risk of hypoglycemia
Ofloxacin is an effective fluoroquinolone antibiotic available in oral, ophthalmic, and otic formulations. While oral tablets are generally accessible, the ophthalmic and otic solutions can be harder to find due to ongoing manufacturing limitations and shortages. Generic Ofloxacin is very affordable, often under $5 with discount coupons. If you're struggling to find Ofloxacin at your local pharmacy, try Medfinder to search real-time inventory at pharmacies near you. Be sure to discuss the FDA boxed warning risks with your prescriber, especially if you have alternative treatment options.
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Our medication guides are researched and written to help patients make informed decisions. All content is reviewed for accuracy and updated regularly. Learn more about our standards
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