Ofloxacin: Brands, Price & Uses in Bangladesh

Ofloxacin is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic used to treat infections caused by susceptible strains of bacteria. Because fluoroquinolones carry serious risks (see Precautions and Warnings), Ofloxacin is generally reserved for infections without a suitable alternative treatment option.

Established / FDA-approved uses

• Acute bacterial exacerbation of chronic bronchitis
• Community-acquired pneumonia (mild to moderate, due to susceptible organisms)
• Uncomplicated and complicated urinary tract infections (UTI), including acute pyelonephritis
• Uncomplicated skin and skin structure infections
• Acute, uncomplicated urethritis and cervicitis due to Chlamydia trachomatis or Neisseria gonorrhoeae (where local susceptibility is confirmed)
• Mixed infections of the urethra and cervix
• Chronic bacterial prostatitis due to Escherichia coli
• Ophthalmic solution: bacterial conjunctivitis and corneal ulcers caused by susceptible organisms
• Otic solution: acute otitis externa, chronic suppurative otitis media with perforated tympanic membrane, and acute otitis media in children with tympanostomy tubes

Important note on gonorrhea

Due to widespread resistance, fluoroquinolones including Ofloxacin are no longer recommended by public health authorities (e.g. CDC) as first-line therapy for gonorrhea in most regions; use should be guided by local susceptibility testing and current treatment guidelines.

Ofloxacin dosing depends on the site and severity of infection and must be individualized by a physician. Below is general guidance; always follow the prescribing physician's instructions.

Ophthalmic use

Bacterial conjunctivitis: 1-2 drops in the affected eye(s) every 2-4 hours while awake for the first 2 days, then 4 times daily for up to 5 more days (dosing may vary by product).

Otic use

Acute otitis externa/otitis media: typically 5-10 drops in the affected ear once or twice daily for 7-14 days, as directed by the prescribing physician.

Renal impairment

Dose or dosing interval adjustment is required in patients with reduced kidney function (creatinine clearance below 50 mL/min); consult a physician for individualized adjustment.

Important stewardship note

Take Ofloxacin exactly as prescribed by your physician; do not stop, extend, skip doses, or share this medicine with others without medical advice. Complete the full course even if symptoms improve early, to reduce the risk of antibiotic resistance and treatment failure.

Side effects of Ofloxacin vary by route of administration.

Systemic (oral/IV) use — common

• Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain
• Headache, dizziness, insomnia
• Vaginitis

Systemic use — serious (require prompt medical attention)

• Tendinitis and tendon rupture (see Precautions and Warnings)
• Peripheral neuropathy, which may be irreversible
• Central nervous system effects: seizures, increased intracranial pressure, confusion, hallucinations, psychiatric disturbances
• QT interval prolongation and risk of serious cardiac arrhythmia
• Hypersensitivity reactions, including severe skin reactions and anaphylaxis
• Clostridioides difficile-associated diarrhea (can range from mild to life-threatening colitis)
• Photosensitivity/phototoxic skin reactions
• Hepatotoxicity (rare)
• Disturbances in blood glucose

Ophthalmic/otic use

Local irritation, burning, itching, or discomfort at the site of application; bitter taste (with otic use) is possible. Systemic absorption and systemic side effects are much less likely with these routes compared to oral or intravenous use.