Effexin Otic Solution (ear drop) 0.3%

Effexin Otic Solution contains ofloxacin 0.3%, an antibiotic that treats ear infections caused by bacteria.

Used for

• Outer ear infection (otitis externa)
• Long-lasting middle ear infection with a hole in the eardrum (chronic suppurative otitis media)
• Middle ear infection in people with ear tubes (tympanostomy tubes)

It works against ofloxacin-sensitive strains of bacteria such as Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, Proteus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Haemophilus influenzae.

• Outer ear infection (otitis externa): adults and children over 13, 10 drops into the affected ear once a day for 7 days. Children 6 months to 13 years, 5 drops once a day for 7 days.
• Middle ear infection with a perforated eardrum: adults and children 12 and over, 10 drops twice a day for 14 days.
• Warm the bottle in your hand first. Lie with the affected ear up and stay still for about 5 minutes after the drops.

Good to know: tell the doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Use as prescribed.

Most people have no problems. Possible side effects include:

• Itching or discomfort in the ear
• Ear pain
• Dizziness, especially if the drops are cold
• A bitter taste in the mouth (if you have a hole in the eardrum)
• Skin rash

Stop and see a doctor if you get a rash, swelling of the face or throat, or difficulty breathing, or if the infection is not better after 7 days.

• Do not use if you are allergic to ofloxacin or other quinolone antibiotics (such as ciprofloxacin or levofloxacin).
• For use in the ear only. Do not swallow it or put it in the eyes.
• Do not let the dropper tip touch the ear or your fingers, to keep the drops clean.
• Using it for longer than prescribed can lead to fungal or other infections that do not respond to it.
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding: very little of the medicine reaches the blood when used in the ear, but tell our doctor before using it.