Ofloxacin Ophthalmic Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Sep 7, 2023.

Applies to ofloxacin ophthalmic: ophthalmic solution.

Precautions

If your eye infection does not improve within 7 days, or if it becomes worse, check with your doctor.

Discontinue using these eye drops immediately and contact your physician at the first sign of a rash or an allergic reaction.

This medicine may cause your eyes to become more sensitive to light than they are normally. Wearing sunglasses and avoiding too much exposure to bright light may help lessen the discomfort.

Other side effects

Some side effects of ofloxacin ophthalmic may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

Serious side effects

Along with its needed effects, ofloxacin ophthalmic may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking ofloxacin ophthalmic:

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur while taking ofloxacin ophthalmic:

For healthcare professionals

Applies to ofloxacin ophthalmic: ophthalmic solution.

Ocular adverse events

• Common (1% to 10%): Eye irritation, ocular discomfort
• Frequency not reported: Transient ocular burning/discomfort, keratitis, conjunctivitis, eye edema, periorbital edema, foreign body sensation in eyes, dry eyes, ocular hyperemia, eye pruritus, eyelid pruritus, burning/stinging, redness, itching, chemical conjunctivitis/keratitis, ocular/periocular/facial edema, eye pain, photophobia, tearing, blurred vision, dryness
• Postmarketing reports: Hypersensitivity, increased lacrimation^[Ref]

Burning/stinging, tearing, and eye pain were reported in up to 14%, up to 11%, and up to 5% of treated eyes, respectively.

Burning/stinging, tearing, photophobia, and foreign body sensation were reported more often in patients treated for corneal ulcer.^[Ref]

Hypersensitivity

Systemic ofloxacin:

• Frequency not reported: Hypersensitivity (anaphylactic/anaphylactoid) reactions

Serious and occasionally fatal hypersensitivity (anaphylactic/anaphylactoid) reactions (some after first dose) have been reported with systemic ofloxacin.

Very rare (less than 0.01%)/Postmarketing reports: Hypersensitivity (including angioedema, dyspnea, anaphylactic reaction/shock, oropharyngeal swelling, swollen tongue)

Cardiovascular

• Frequency not reported: Ventricular arrhythmia, torsades de pointes, prolonged ECG QT

Ventricular arrhythmia and torsades de pointes were reported mainly in patients with risk factors for QT prolongation.

Nervous system

• Frequency not reported: Dizziness^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

• Frequency not reported: Nausea^[Ref]

Other

• Frequency not reported: Facial edema

See also:

Further information

Ofloxacin ophthalmic side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.

Medical Disclaimer