Comprehensive medication guide to {drug} including estimated pricing, availability information, side effects, and how to find it in stock at your local pharmacy.
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.
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 are typically dosed at 200–400 mg every 12 hours. Ophthalmic drops are applied 1–2 drops every 2–4 hours. Otic drops are 5–10 drops once or twice daily.
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.
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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.
If you cannot find or tolerate Ofloxacin, your doctor may consider these alternatives:
Always consult your prescriber before switching medications. Use Medfinder to check availability of alternatives near you.
Ofloxacin has several important drug interactions:
Always inform your doctor and pharmacist of all medications you are taking.
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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