What is the recommended dosage of ofloxacin (generic name: ofloxacin) ear drops for treating ear infections?

Ofloxacin Ear Drop Dosage for Ear Infections

For treating ear infections, ofloxacin otic solution should be administered as 5 drops once daily for 7 days in children under 13 years and 10 drops once daily for 7 days in patients 13 years and older. 1, 2

Dosage by Age and Type of Infection

Ear Canal Infection (Otitis Externa/"Swimmer's Ear")

• Children 6 months to <13 years: 5 drops once daily for 7 days 1, 2
• Patients ≥13 years and adults: 10 drops once daily for 7 days 1, 2

Middle Ear Infection with Tympanostomy Tubes

• Children 1-12 years: 5 drops twice daily for 7 days 1
• Patients ≥12 years and adults: 10 drops twice daily for 7 days 1

Middle Ear Infection with Perforated Eardrum

• Patients ≥12 years and adults: 10 drops twice daily for 7 days 1
• Not recommended for children <12 years with perforated eardrums 1

Administration Instructions

Proper administration is critical for treatment success:

1. Warm the solution: Hold the bottle in hand for 1-2 minutes to warm the solution 1
2. Position the patient: Have patient lie on their side with the affected ear facing up 1
3. For ear canal infections: Gently pull the outer ear upward and backward while administering drops 1
4. For middle ear infections: After instilling drops, gently press the tragus (the small projection in front of the ear canal) 4 times in a pumping motion to help medication pass through the tube or perforation 1
5. Maintain position: Patient should remain lying on their side for at least 5 minutes after administration 1

Duration of Treatment

Although patients typically feel better within 48-72 hours, it's essential to complete the full treatment course:

• Use eardrops for at least 7 days, even if symptoms improve sooner, to prevent relapse 3
• If symptoms persist beyond 7 days, continue drops until symptoms resolve, for a maximum of 7 additional days (14 days total) 3

Clinical Efficacy

Ofloxacin otic solution has demonstrated excellent clinical efficacy:

• 91% overall cure rate for otitis externa (95% in children, 88% in adults) 2
• 96% bacterial eradication rate 2
• Particularly effective against common ear pathogens including Pseudomonas aeruginosa (98% eradication) and Staphylococcus aureus 4, 5

Important Precautions

• Cleaning before application: Gently clean any discharge from the outer ear before applying drops 1
• Avoid water exposure: Cover the ear canal with an earplug or petroleum jelly-coated cotton during bathing or hair washing 3
• No cotton swabs: Avoid inserting anything into the ear canal, including cotton-tipped swabs 3
• Contraindications: Do not use in patients allergic to ofloxacin or other quinolone antibiotics 1

Potential Side Effects

Side effects are generally mild and uncommon:

• Bitter taste (7% in middle ear infections) - occurs when drops pass through the eardrum 1
• Pruritus/itching (1-2%) 3, 1
• Application site discomfort (3-7%) 3, 2
• Earache (0.8%) 3
• Dizziness (0.4%) 3

Advantages Over Alternative Treatments

Ofloxacin otic solution offers several advantages:

• No ototoxicity risk (unlike neomycin-containing products) 4, 5
• Once-daily dosing improves patient compliance compared to multiple daily dosing regimens 2, 4
• Safe for use with perforated eardrums or tympanostomy tubes (in appropriate age groups) 1, 6
• Minimal systemic absorption, avoiding adverse events associated with oral antibiotics 6, 5

Remember that proper administration technique and completing the full course of treatment are essential for optimal outcomes in treating ear infections with ofloxacin otic solution.