Ofloxacin

Ofloxacin is a fluoroquinolone antibacterial used extra-label in veterinary ophthalmology. Its principal role is local treatment of susceptible bacterial conjunctival and corneal infections. Ophthalmic preparations provide direct ocular exposure against selected gram-positive and gram-negative organisms, including some Pseudomonas isolates. Suitability depends on the pathogen and the ocular disease involved.

Group

Fluoroquinolone antibacterial

Mechanism of Action

Ofloxacin inhibits bacterial DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV, interrupting DNA supercoiling, replication and chromosome separation. Stabilization of enzyme-associated DNA breaks produces bactericidal activity in susceptible organisms. Topical ophthalmic delivery supplies drug to the ocular surface and corneal tissues. Target mutations, efflux and other resistance mechanisms determine the susceptibility of individual isolates.

Dose Rates

Dogs

Use / stage	Dose	Route	Schedule	Instructions
Bacterial ocular infection	Reference only	TOPICAL		Use sterile 0.3% eye solution with an examination-directed instillation schedule. The retrieved human conjunctivitis/ulcer schedules are not adopted as universal veterinary schedules.

Cats

Use / stage	Dose	Route	Schedule	Instructions
Bacterial ocular infection	Reference only	TOPICAL		Use sterile 0.3% eye solution with an examination-directed instillation schedule. The retrieved human conjunctivitis/ulcer schedules are not adopted as universal veterinary schedules.

Indications

Local treatment of susceptible bacterial conjunctivitis in dogs, cats or other veterinary patients.
Treatment of susceptible bacterial keratitis or infected corneal ulcers with an ophthalmic preparation.
Treatment of selected susceptible Pseudomonas ocular-surface infections within an appropriate ophthalmic treatment plan.

Contraindications

Quinolone hypersensitivity

Adverse effects

Local irritation
Hypersensitivity
Possible epithelial toxicity with intensive exposure

Toxicity

Ophthalmic solutions must not be injected or introduced into the anterior chamber.

Preparations

Preparation	Form	Strength	Route
Ofloxacin ophthalmic solution 0.3% Micro Labs Limited Sterile solution; not for injection or intraocular administration. Store 15–25°C.	Other	3 mg / mL	TOPICAL
Ocuflox ofloxacin ophthalmic drops 0.3% Sterile ophthalmic product; use diagnosis-directed instillation, not a systemic regimen.	Other	3 mg / mL	TOPICAL

Monitoring and Administration

Use sterile ophthalmic solution. Severe ulcers require close examination, cytology and culture where appropriate.

Systemic regimens of other fluoroquinolones are not interchangeable with ofloxacin.

Use for established susceptible ocular bacterial infection rather than routine prophylaxis. Resistance patterns vary; a fluoroquinolone does not guarantee activity against Pseudomonas. Reassess clinical response and culture serious lesions.

Topical ophthalmic administration is distinct from systemic enrofloxacin exposure; feline retinal-toxicity thresholds for the latter are not adopted as eye-drop limits.