Introduction About OFLOWIN 0.3% OPHTHALMIC SOLUTION

OFLOWIN 0.3% OPHTHALMIC SOLUTION contains Ofloxacin, which belongs to the group of medicines called Antibiotics. It is used to manage external eye infections like certain types of conjunctivitis. It can also be used to manage ulcers of the cornea. Conjunctivitis is also known as pink eye due to its major complaint of eye redness, with or without pain, itching and discharge.

A corneal ulcer is an open lesion on the cornea (transparent layer of the eye), characterized by eye redness, severe pain, tearing, soreness, pus or other discharge, a feeling of having something in your eye, blurred eyesight, sensitivity to light or swelling of the eyelids.

Avoid exposure to the sun while using OFLOWIN 0.3% OPHTHALMIC SOLUTION. Before using OFLOWIN 0.3% OPHTHALMIC SOLUTION, inform your doctor if you wear contact lenses, have defects of the eye surface or have any heart problems. OFLOWIN 0.3% OPHTHALMIC SOLUTION should be used with caution in pregnant and breastfeeding women only if advised by your doctor. OFLOWIN 0.3% OPHTHALMIC SOLUTION should be used with caution in children.

The most common side effects of using OFLOWIN 0.3% OPHTHALMIC SOLUTION are eye irritation, ocular burning or discomfort. Contact your doctor if any of the symptoms worsen.

Uses Of OFLOWIN 0.3% OPHTHALMIC SOLUTION

It is used to manage:

• external eye infections like certain types of conjunctivitis
• corneal ulcers

How OFLOWIN 0.3% OPHTHALMIC SOLUTION Works

OFLOWIN 0.3% OPHTHALMIC SOLUTION works by binding to and inhibiting bacterial enzymes required in DNA synthesis, thus interrupting DNA replication and managing bacterial cell multiplication.

How to use OFLOWIN 0.3% OPHTHALMIC SOLUTION

Use OFLOWIN 0.3% OPHTHALMIC SOLUTION as advised by your physician. It is for ophthalmic use only. Wash your hands before use and do not let the tip of the container touch your eye or anything else. Your doctor will decide the correct dose and duration for you depending upon your age, body weight and disease condition.

Side Effects Of OFLOWIN 0.3% OPHTHALMIC SOLUTION

How To Manage Side Effects

Eye irritation or itching:

Wash your eyes with plain cold water. Place an ice pack on your eye to ease the irritation. Avoid straining your eyes by looking at mobile phones, laptops or television. Wear protective eyeglasses while going outdoors.

Warning & Precautions

Pregnancy

OFLOWIN 0.3% OPHTHALMIC SOLUTION should be used with caution by pregnant women only if specifically directed by your doctor. Consult your doctor before using it.

Breastfeeding

OFLOWIN 0.3% OPHTHALMIC SOLUTION should be used with caution by breastfeeding women only if specifically directed by your doctor. Consult your doctor before using it.

Driving and Using Machines

Do not drive or operate any machines if you experience blurred eyesight or other visual disturbances after using OFLOWIN 0.3% OPHTHALMIC SOLUTION until you can see again.

Allergy

Do not use OFLOWIN 0.3% OPHTHALMIC SOLUTION if you are allergic to Ofloxacin or any of the other ingredients of this medicine or previously had an allergic reaction to any quinolone antibiotics.

Heart Disease

OFLOWIN 0.3% OPHTHALMIC SOLUTION should be used with caution in patients with a personal family history of the prolonged QT interval, a very slow heart rhythm, a weak heart or a history of a heart attack. Consult your doctor before using it.

Interactions

A. Drug-Drug interactions:

Before using OFLOWIN 0.3% OPHTHALMIC SOLUTION, inform your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines:

• medicines used to manage irregular heartbeat (Ex. disopyramide, amiodarone, sotalol quinidine, hydroquinidine, dofetilide, ibutilide, procainamide)
• other medicines used to manage bacterial infections (Ex. erythromycin, clarithromycin, azithromycin)
• medicines used to manage depression (Ex. amitriptyline, clomipramine, imipramine)
• medicines used to manage psychiatric disorders (Ex. risperidone, quetiapine)

Overdosage:

If you or anyone else accidentally take too much of OFLOWIN 0.3% OPHTHALMIC SOLUTION, rinse it with water and consult your doctor or visit the nearby hospital.

Synopsis

More Information

• Keep OFLOWIN 0.3% OPHTHALMIC SOLUTION out of reach from children
• Store below 25°C

FAQs About OFLOWIN 0.3% OPHTHALMIC SOLUTION

Can OFLOWIN 0.3% OPHTHALMIC SOLUTION make me sun-sensitive?

Yes. Sun or UV exposure should be avoided during OFLOWIN 0.3% OPHTHALMIC SOLUTION management as it can increase sensitivity to sunlight. Wear protective eyeglasses while going outdoors.

Can OFLOWIN 0.3% OPHTHALMIC SOLUTION be used on infants?

OFLOWIN 0.3% OPHTHALMIC SOLUTION is not recommended for use in infants below the age of 1 year. OFLOWIN 0.3% OPHTHALMIC SOLUTION should be used with caution in children as there is limited experience in this population. Your doctor will decide the correct dose or select a suitable alternative therapy for your child.

How long can I use OFLOWIN 0.3% OPHTHALMIC SOLUTION?

Your doctor will decide the correct dose and duration for you depending upon your age, body weight and disease condition. OFLOWIN 0.3% OPHTHALMIC SOLUTION management should not exceed more than ten days.

What if I forget to use a dose of OFLOWIN 0.3% OPHTHALMIC SOLUTION?

OFLOWIN 0.3% OPHTHALMIC SOLUTION must be taken regularly. If you forget to use a dose of OFLOWIN 0.3% OPHTHALMIC SOLUTION, apply it as soon as you remember. However, omit the missed dose if it is almost time for the next dose. Do not use it twice to make up for a forgotten dose.

Can I wear contact lenses during OFLOWIN 0.3% OPHTHALMIC SOLUTION management?

Usually, it is not recommended to wear contact lenses whilst being managed with OFLOWIN 0.3% OPHTHALMIC SOLUTION. However, there may be situations where you cannot avoid using contact lenses. In these situations, remove the lenses before using OFLOWIN 0.3% OPHTHALMIC SOLUTION, wait at least 15 minutes after using the medicine and then put your lenses back in your eyes.

Can OFLOWIN 0.3% OPHTHALMIC SOLUTION be stopped?

Continue using OFLOWIN 0.3% OPHTHALMIC SOLUTION until your doctor tells you to stop, unless you experience any unwanted effects, worsening of your condition or any new symptoms. In such a case, contact your doctor right away.

What precautions do I need to follow while using OFLOWIN 0.3% OPHTHALMIC SOLUTION?

Patients using OFLOWIN 0.3% OPHTHALMIC SOLUTION must inform their doctor if they wear contact lenses, have defects on the eye surface or have any heart problems. Patients should also inform if they are pregnant, breastfeeding or have any allergies. Wash your hands before use and do not let the tip of the container touch your eye or anything else. Consult your doctor if you experience anything different.

What if OFLOWIN 0.3% OPHTHALMIC SOLUTION accidentally goes into someone’s mouth?

If someone accidentally consumes OFLOWIN 0.3% OPHTHALMIC SOLUTION, immediately contact your doctor or go to the nearest hospital.

Can OFLOWIN 0.3% OPHTHALMIC SOLUTION be used in pregnancy?

OFLOWIN 0.3% OPHTHALMIC SOLUTION should be used in pregnant women only if specifically directed by your doctor. If you are pregnant, think you may be pregnant or are planning to get pregnant, consult your doctor before using this medicine. Inform your doctor immediately if you become pregnant during management with OFLOWIN 0.3% OPHTHALMIC SOLUTION.

Can I use other medicines with OFLOWIN 0.3% OPHTHALMIC SOLUTION?

Before using OFLOWIN 0.3% OPHTHALMIC SOLUTION, inform your doctor if you are using, have used or might use any other medicine, including prescription, non-prescription or herbal medicine, as these might interact with each other and cause serious side effects.

Can I drive a car after using OFLOWIN 0.3% OPHTHALMIC SOLUTION?

Do not drive if you experience blurred vision or other visual disturbances after using OFLOWIN 0.3% OPHTHALMIC SOLUTION until you can see again. Consult your doctor if you feel any side effects during management with OFLOWIN 0.3% OPHTHALMIC SOLUTION that may stop you from driving or using machines.

References

1. K D Tripathi. Sulfonamides, Cotrimoxazole and Quinolones. Essentials of Medical Pharmacology. Seventh edition. 2013. Page – 713.

2. Prajna NV, George C, Selvaraj S, Lu KL, McDonnell PJ, Srinivasan M. Bacteriologic and clinical efficacy of ofloxacin 0.3% versus ciprofloxacin 0.3% ophthalmic solutions in the treatment of patients with culture-positive bacterial keratitis. NIH National Library of Medicine, National center for biotechnology information. Pubmed.gov. March 2001. [Accessed on 11th July 2022] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11248824/

3. Micah M. Pippin, Jacqueline K. Le. Bacterial conjunctivitis. StatPearls [Internet]. StatPearls Publishing. November 2021. [Accessed on 11th July 2022] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK546683/

4. Derrick B. Graham; Jayson Tripp. Ofloxacin. StatPearls [Internet]. StatPearls Publishing. March 2022. [Accessed on 11th July 2022] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK549837/

5. Allergan Pharmaceuticals Ireland. Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC). [Revised in February 2022] [Accessed on 11th July 2022] https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.1353.pdf

6. Cipta Ltd. Ofloxacin. [Revised in December 2013] [Accessed on 11th July 2022] https://www.ciplamed.com/content/oflox-ointment

7. Cipta Ltd. Ofloxacin. [Revised in September 2019] [Accessed on 11th July 2022] https://www.ciplamed.com/content/oflox-eyeear-drops

Useful Diagnostic Tests

• Confocal microscopy
• Ophthalmoscopy