What It Is
Ofloxacin belongs to a class of antibiotics called fluoroquinolones. It is available as tablets, an injection, eye drops, and ear drops.
What It's Used For
Ofloxacin is generally used for bacterial infections of the urinary tract, respiratory tract, skin, and reproductive organs. Ofloxacin eye drops are used for bacterial conjunctivitis and corneal infections, and ear drops are used for ear infections, including infections with a perforated eardrum. It is also used against leprosy and, as a second-line drug, tuberculosis.
How It Works
Ofloxacin blocks bacterial enzymes called DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV, which are needed to copy and repair bacterial DNA. This stops the bacteria from multiplying and kills them. Levofloxacin, another widely used antibiotic, is the active half of the ofloxacin molecule.
History and Regulatory Status
Ofloxacin was developed in Japan in the 1980s and came into medical use around 1990. It is a prescription medicine. As with other fluoroquinolones, tablets are used carefully because of rare but serious side effects, while eye and ear drops are considered much safer.