Apo-Ofloxacin: Uses, Side Effects and Dosage

What is APO-OFLOXACIN used for?

• APO-OFLOXACIN is a treatment for outer eye infections such as conjunctivitis (pink eye).

Antibacterial drugs like APO-OFLOXACIN treat only bacterial infections. They do not treat viral infections. Although you may feel better early in treatment, APO-OFLOXACIN should be taken exactly as directed. Misuse or overuse of APO-OFLOXACIN could lead to the growth of bacteria that will not be killed by APO-OFLOXACIN (resistance). This means that APO-OFLOXACIN may not work for you in the future. Do not share your medicine.

How does APO-OFLOXACIN work?

APO-OFLOXACIN interferes with the bacterial growth and division. This helps stop the infection.

What are the ingredients in APO-OFLOXACIN?

Medicinal ingredient: Ofloxacin

Non-medicinal ingredients: Benzalkonium chloride 0.005% w/v (as preservative), hydrochloric acid and/or sodium hydroxide (to adjust the pH), sodium chloride, and water for injection.

APO-OFLOXACIN comes in the following dosage forms:

Ophthalmic solution, 0.3% w/v

Do not use APO-OFLOXACIN if:

• You have a history of allergy to ofloxacin or to any of the ingredients of this drug. (See section What are the ingredients in APO-OFLOXACIN?).
• You have a history of allergy to other quinolones.

To help avoid side effects and ensure proper use, talk to your healthcare professional before you take APO-OFLOXACIN. Talk about any health conditions or problems you may have, including if you:

• wear soft contact lenses.

• are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.

• are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed.
• have a defect or damage to the surface of the eye.

Other warnings you should know about:

If you develop pain or swelling in your tendons, stop using APO-OFLOXACIN and get immediate medical help. This is more likely to happen if you are elderly or taking corticosteroids at the same time as APO-OFLOXACIN.

Changes in Vision:

Using APO-OFLOXACIN may temporarily blur your vision. Do not drive or use machines until your vision has cleared.

Tell your healthcare professional about all the medicines you take, including any drugs, vitamins, minerals, natural supplements or alternative medicines.

There are no known relevant interactions at this time.

How to take APO-OFLOXACIN:

• APO-OFLOXACIN contains a preservative called benzalkonium chloride which may discolor soft contact lenses. If you wear contact lenses, remove them before using APO-OFLOXACIN. Wait 15 minutes after using the drops before you put your lenses back in.
• To help prevent infections and eye injury, do not let the tip of the bottle touch your eye or anything else. Put the cap back on and close the bottle immediately after you have used it.
• Always use APO-OFLOXACIN exactly as your healthcare professional has instructed you.

Follow these steps to use APO-OFLOXACIN properly:

• Wash your hands. Tilt your head back and look at the ceiling. (See Illustration 1)
• Gently pull down the lower eyelid to create a small pocket. (See Illustration 2)
• Turn the bottle upside down and squeeze it gently to release one drop into the eyelid pocket. If a drop misses your eye, try again. (See Illustration 3)
• Let go of the lower lid, and close your eye for 30 seconds. (See Illustration 4)

• Repeat steps 1 – 4 in the other eye if both eyes need treatment.

Usual dose:

One to two drops every two to four hours for the first two days. Then four times daily in the affected eye(s) for 8 days.

Overdose:

If you have placed too many drops in your eye(s), wash the eye(s) with clean water. Apply your next dose at the normal time.

Missed dose:

If you forget to apply your eye drops at your normal time, simply apply them as soon as you remember. Then go back to the original schedule as directed by your healthcare professional. Don’t try to catch up on missed drops by applying more than one dose at a time.

What are possible side effects from using APO-OFLOXACIN?

These are not all the possible side effects you may have when taking APO-OFLOXACIN. If you experience any side effects not listed here, tell your healthcare professional.

You should talk to your healthcare professional if any of the following side effects that affect the eye(s) prove troublesome or if they are long lasting:

• a feeling that something is in your eye
• blurred vision
• dryness
• eye pain
• eye/eyelid swelling
• irritation
• itchy eye/eyelid
• light sensitivity
• redness
• stinging
• tearing
• temporary burning or discomfort

You should talk to your healthcare professional if any of the following side effects that affect the body prove troublesome or if they are long-lasting:

• dizziness
• nausea
• swelling of the face

Serious side effects and what to do about them

If you have a troublesome symptom or side effect that is not listed here or becomes bad enough to interfere with your daily activities, tell your healthcare professional.

Reporting Side Effects

Storage:

APO-OFLOXACIN should be stored at room temperature 15°C to 30°C. The bottle should be tightly closed when not in use. Discard 28 days after opening.

Keep out of reach and sight of children.

If you want more information about APO-OFLOXACIN:

• Talk to your healthcare professional.
• Find the full product monograph that is prepared for healthcare professionals and includes this Patient Medication Information by visiting the Health Canada website (https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/drugs-health-products/drug-products/drug-product-database.html); the manufacturer’s website http://www.apotex.ca/products, or by calling 1-800-667-4708.

Last Revised: MAR 12, 2024