Red, itchy, and maybe a little swollen eyes... It's very uncomfortable when you have an eye infection like this? Your doctor may prescribe an eye drop called Ofloxacin for this type of 'eye infection'. So today, let's talk about what this eye drop is, how to use it exactly, and what we need to be careful about when using it.
Simply put, what is Ofloxacin?
Ofloxacin is a type of antibiotic. To be precise, it belongs to the class of drugs called quinolone antibiotics . Its main function is to control bacterial infections that occur inside the eye, and to cure the infection by destroying those bacteria.
The most important thing is that these medications only work for bacterial infections . They do not work for eye infections caused by viruses (such as the red eyes that come with some types of colds). Therefore, it is not a good idea to use these medications without a doctor's prescription.
You may commonly see this medication under brand names like Ocuflox.
Things to tell your doctor before using this medicine
It is very important that your doctor has a complete picture of your health before prescribing this medication. Therefore, if any of the following apply to you, be sure to mention it.
- Allergies: Have you ever had an allergy to Ofloxacin or any other fluoroquinolone antibiotic? Also, tell us if you have any allergies to any other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives.
- Pregnancy: Tell us if you are pregnant or expecting a baby soon.
- If you are a breastfeeding mother: If you are a breastfeeding mother, you should also inform the doctor.
Based on this information, it will be easier for your doctor to decide whether this medication is right for you or not.
How do you apply this ointment correctly?
To get the full benefit of the drug, it is essential to use it correctly. Let's look at those steps.
1. Wash your hands: Wash your hands thoroughly with soap before and after applying eye drops.
2. Preparation: Tilt your head back slightly and gently pull down your lower eyelid with your index finger. This will create a small pouch-like space.
3. Applying the medicine: Never let the dropper tip touch your eyes, fingertips, or any other surface . Doing so can introduce germs into the bottle and make the medicine dirty. Now, let the number of drops prescribed by the doctor fall into the prepared bag.
4. Then: Slowly close your eyes and let the eye drops spread throughout your eyes. Your vision may be slightly blurry for a few minutes after the drops are applied. This is normal.
5. Use according to schedule: Use the medicine at the prescribed time and at the prescribed intervals as prescribed by your doctor.
6. Complete the course: This is a mistake that many people make. Even if your eyes feel a little better, be sure to complete the course for the number of days your doctor told you to use it . Otherwise, the infection may not be completely cured and may recur.
Young children may require special care when using this medicine. Therefore, always follow your doctor's instructions exactly when giving this medicine to your child.
What if I use too much medicine or miss a dose?
If you accidentally overdose on this eye drops or if someone drinks it, immediately go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) . If necessary, you can also call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice.
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next dose at the scheduled time. Never take a double dose to make up for a forgotten dose.
Other things to be aware of when using betel nut
- Pay attention to symptoms: If your symptoms do not improve after two or three days of using the drug, or if they get worse, tell your doctor.
- Contact Lenses: Do not wear contact lenses for any reason if you have an eye infection. Ask your doctor when the best day to start wearing contact lenses again is after the infection has completely cleared.
- Sensitivity to light: This medication may cause some people to experience sensitivity to light. If this happens, wearing sunglasses when going outside can help.
- Sharing Medicines: This is very important. The doctor prescribed this medicine only for you. Do not give it to anyone else in the house who has the same eye condition. Not all eye conditions are the same, so using the wrong medicine can make the condition worse.
Side effects that may occur due to this drug
Like any medicine, this one can cause side effects in some people. But not everyone gets them. Let's take a look at what they are, and what to do if they do.
| Side effect | Description and what to do |
|---|---|
| Side effects that require immediate medical attention | |
| Serious Allergic Reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. Stop taking the medicine immediately and see a doctor or go to the emergency room. |
| Worsening of eye condition | New or worsening eye pain, redness, burning, or discharge. Notify your doctor immediately. |
| Blistering or peeling of the skin | Redness, blistering, or peeling of the skin, including inside the mouth. This is a very rare and serious condition. Seek immediate medical attention. |
| Side effects that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Blurred vision | This may last for a few minutes after the injection. If it persists, tell your doctor. |
| Eye dryness, itching, or inflammation | This usually goes away after a while. If it persists, tell your doctor. |
| Excessive tears | Tears may occur after the injection. |
How to store betel nut?
To maintain the quality of the betel, it is also important to store it correctly.
- Keep away from children.
- Store at room temperature , between 15 and 25 degrees Celsius. Simply put, do not put it in the fridge or leave it in direct sunlight.
- Do not use expired eye drops. Generally, it is safest to throw away a bottle of eye drops 28 days (about a month) after opening , even if there is still some medicine left in it.
Take-Home Message
- Be sure to use the eye drops for the number of days prescribed by the doctor. Don't stop halfway just because your eye has healed.
- Do not let the mouth of the medicine bottle touch your eyes, hands, or anywhere else.
- Never wear contact lenses when you have an eye infection.
- Tell your doctor about any other allergies you have and if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
- If you are not feeling better after 2-3 days of using the medicine or if you develop symptoms of an allergy, see a doctor immediately.
- This is yours only. Never share it with anyone else.


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