From the Guidelines
For bacterial conjunctivitis and keratitis, the recommended dosage of ofloxacin ophthalmic solution 0.3% is 1-2 drops in the affected eye(s) every 2-4 hours for the first two days, then reducing to 1-2 drops four times daily for an additional 5 days, as supported by the most recent study 1. The treatment duration for bacterial keratitis is typically more aggressive, with an initial dosage of 1-2 drops in the affected eye every 30 minutes while awake and every 4-6 hours during sleep for the first two days, then 1-2 drops hourly while awake for days 3-7, followed by 1-2 drops four times daily until the condition resolves (typically 7-10 days total) 1. Key considerations for treatment include:
- Completing the full course of treatment even if symptoms improve earlier to prevent recurrence and antibiotic resistance
- Washing hands thoroughly before each application and avoiding touching the dropper tip to prevent contamination
- Removing contact lenses during the infection period and discarding or thoroughly disinfecting them before reuse
- Being aware of the potential for increasing resistance to fluoroquinolones, including ofloxacin, as reported in studies 1
- Considering alternative treatments, such as fortified topical antibiotics, for large and/or visually significant corneal infiltrates or in cases of suspected resistance to fluoroquinolones 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
DOSAGE & ADMINISTRATION The recommended dosage regimen for the treatment of bacterial conjunctivitisis: Days 1 and 2 Instill one to two drops every two to four hours in the affected eye(s) Days 3 through 7 Instill one to two drops four times daily. The recommended dosage regimen for the treatment of bacterial corneal ulceris: Days 1 and 2 Instill one to two drops into the affected eye every 30 minutes, while awake. Awaken at approximately four and six hours after retiring and instill one to two drops. Days 3 through 7 to 9 Instill one to two drops hourly, while awake. Days 7 to 9 through treatment completion Instill one to two drops, four times daily.
The recommended dosage of Ofloxacin ophthalmic solution for conjunctivitis is:
- Days 1 and 2: one to two drops every two to four hours
- Days 3 through 7: one to two drops four times daily For keratitis (bacterial corneal ulcer), the dosage is:
- Days 1 and 2: one to two drops every 30 minutes, while awake
- Days 3 through 7 to 9: one to two drops hourly, while awake
- Days 7 to 9 through treatment completion: one to two drops, four times daily 2
From the Research
Ofloxacin Ophthalmic Presentation and Dose
- The recommended dosage of Ofloxacin ophthalmic solution for conjunctivitis is 0.3% solution, with a treatment duration of 5 days 3.
- For keratitis, the recommended dosage is also 0.3% solution, with a treatment duration that may vary but is typically around 7-21 days 4, 5.
- The dosing schedule for keratitis may involve frequent administration, such as every half-hour on the first day, every hour on days 2-4, and every 2 hours on days 5-21 4.
Efficacy and Safety
- Ofloxacin 0.3% ophthalmic solution has been shown to be effective in treating bacterial conjunctivitis and keratitis, with microbial eradication rates and clinical cure rates comparable to or superior to other antibiotics 3, 4, 5.
- Ofloxacin has been found to be well-tolerated, with a low incidence of adverse events, and may cause less ocular discomfort and chemical conjunctivitis compared to other antibiotics 3, 6, 5.
Comparison to Other Antibiotics
- Ofloxacin has been compared to other antibiotics, such as ciprofloxacin and levofloxacin, in the treatment of bacterial conjunctivitis and keratitis, with varying results 3, 4, 6, 7.
- The choice of antibiotic may depend on factors such as the specific causative organism, the severity of the infection, and the patient's individual needs and medical history 6, 7.