Patient leaflet - LEVOFLOXACIN 5 MG / ML EYE DROPS SOLUTION, OFTAQUIX 5 MG / ML EYE DROPS SOLUTION
Oftaquix
(levofloxacin)
Read all of this leaflet carefully before you start using this medicine because it contains important information for you.
- Keep this leaflet. You may need to read it again.
- If you have any further questions, ask your doctor, pharmacist or nurse.
- This medicine has been prescribed for you only. Do not pass it on to others. It may harm them, even if their signs of illness are the same as yours.
- If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse. This includes any possible side effects not listed in this leaflet. See section 4.
Your medicine is available using the above name but will be referred to as Oftaquix throughout this leaflet.
What is in this leaflet :
-
1. What Oftaquix is and what it is used for
-
2. What you need to know before you use Oftaquix
-
3. How to use Oftaquix
-
4. Possible side effects
-
5. How to store Oftaquix
-
6. Contents of the pack and other information
1. what oftaquix is and what it is used for
Levofloxacin is an antibiotic of the type called fluoroquinolones (sometimes shortened to quinolones).
It works by killing some types of bacteria that can cause infections.
When levofloxacin is given in eye drops, it is used in children aged 1 year or over and in adults to treat bacterial infections that affect the front surfaces of the eye.
One type of infection in this area is called bacterial conjunctivitis, which is an infection of the covering of the front of the eye (conjunctiva).
Oftaquix is not recommended to be used in children aged below 1 year.
You must talk to a doctor if you do not feel better or if you feel worse after 5 days.
2. what you need to know before you use oftaquixdo not use oftaquix if you are allergic to levofloxacin or other quinolones or any of the other ingredients of this medicine (listed in section 6).
If you are not sure, ask your doctor or pharmacist first.
Warnings and precautions
Talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse before using Oftaquix
- if an allergic reaction occurs even after a single dose stop using the medicine
- if you observe worsening of your eye symptoms during treatment, please contact your doctor as soon as possible
- if you do not see any sign of recovery within a certain treatment period agreed with your doctor, please contact your doctor as soon as possible
- generally, no types of contact lenses should be worn when the eye is infected.
- Oftaquix contains the preservative benzalkonium chloride, which may cause eye irritation.
Tendon swelling and rupture have happened in people taking oral or intravenous fluoroquinolones, particularly in older patients and in those treated concurrently with corticosteroids. Stop taking Oftaquix if you develop pain or swelling of the tendons (tendinitis).
Children and adolescents
The special warnings and precautions for using this medicine are the same in adults, adolescents and children aged > 1 year.
Other medicines and Oftaquix
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are using, have recently used or might use any other medicines.
In particular, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are applying any other type of eye drop or eye ointment before you start to use Oftaquix.
If you are using other eye drops, you should wait at least 15 minutes between applying Oftaquix and any other type of eye drop.
Pregnancy, breast-feeding and fertility
If you are pregnant or breast-feeding, think you may be pregnant or are planning to have a baby, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before taking this medicine.
Oftaquix eye drops should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the growing baby.
Although very small amounts of levofloxacin reach the blood and the breast milk, respectively, after instilling eye drops it is very unlikely that the eye drops would harm the growing baby. Your doctor is informed about the potential risk and will advise you whether to take Oftaquix eye drops in this case.
Your fertility (ability to become pregnant or to father a child) is not impaired when you apply Oftaquix following its instructions for use.
Driving and using machines
Oftaquix has minor influence on the ability to drive and use machines. If the eye drops cause blurring of your sight when you use them, you should wait until this clears before driving or operating machinery.
Oftaquix contains benzalkonium chloride
This medicine contains approximately 0.002 mg benzalkonium chloride in each drop which is equivalent to 0.05 mg/ml.
Benzalkonium chloride may be absorbed by soft contact lenses and may change the colour of the contact lenses. You should remove contact lenses before using this medicine and put them back 15 minutes afterwards.
Benzalkonium chloride may also cause eye irritation, especially if you have dry eyes or disorders of the cornea (the clear layer at the front of the eye). If you feel abnormal eye sensation, stinging or pain in the eye after using this medicine, talk to your doctor.
3. how to use oftaquix
Always use this medicine exactly as your doctor or pharmacist has told you. Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure.
Oftaquix eye drops are for ocular use and have to be applied to the outer surface of the eye.
For patients above 1 year of age, the recommended dose is as follows: DAYS 1 – 2
- Use one to two drops in the affected eye(s) every two hours.
- Use a maximum of 8 times per day.
DAYS 3 – 5
- Use one to two drops in the affected eye(s).
- Use a maximum of 4 times per day.
In elderly patients no adjustment of the recommended dose is required.
The usual total treatment course is five days. Your doctor will advise you how long to apply the drops.
If you are putting any other medicine in your eye, you should wait at least 15 minutes between applying the different types of drops.
Use in children and adolescents
No dosage modification is required in children > 1 year old and in adolescents. Oftaquix is not recommended to be used in children aged below 1 year.
Before applying the drops:
If possible, ask someone else to apply the drops for you. Ask them to read these instructions with you before applying the drops.
-
1) Wash your hands.
-
2) Open the bottle. Take special care that the tip of the dropper bottle does not touch your eye, the skin around your eye or your fingers.
3)Tilt your head backwards and hold the bottle upside down over the eye.
4) Pull the lower eyelid downwards and look up.
Gently squeeze the bottle and let one drop fall into the space between the lower eyelid and the eye
-
5) Close the eye and press the inner corner of the eye with your finger for about one minute.
Thus you can prevent the eye drop from draining down the tear duct.
-
6) Wipe off any excess solution from the skin around the eye.
-
7) Put the cap back on and close the bottle tightly.
If another drop is needed, and when both eyes are to be treated, repeat steps 3 to 7.
Oftaquix eye drops should not be injected into the interior part of the eyeball.
If you use more Oftaquix than you should
If you use more Oftaquix than you should, flush the eye(s) with water and tell your doctor or pharmacist.
If you forget to use Oftaquix
If you forget to use the eye drops, put in the next dose as soon as you remember. Do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten dose.
If you swallow Oftaquix by accident
The amount of levofloxacin in the provided bottle is too small to cause side-effects. However, if you are concerned, tell your doctor or pharmacist who will advise you on any necessary measures.
If you stop using Oftaquix earlier than instructed, it may delay the healing process.
If you have any further questions on the use of this medicine, ask your doctor, pharmacist or nurse.
4. possible side effects
Like all medicines, this medicine can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them.
About one in ten people have a side effect when using Oftaquix. Most of these affect only the eye and may not last very long. If you have any severe or persistent side effect you should stop using these eye drops and seek urgent advice from your doctor.
Very rarely this medicine can cause severe allergic reactions.
The following symptoms can occur even after just one dose of Oftaquix:
- swelling and tightness in the throat
- breathing difficulties.
In rare cases other allergic reactions can develop. Symptoms of such reactions are:
- worsening of redness and itching of the eyes
- increased or sudden swelling of eyelids.
Stop using Oftaquix and contact a doctor immediately if any of these symptoms occurs.
Common side effects (may affect up to 1 in 10 users)
- burning feeling in the eye
- decreased vision or mucus in the eye
Uncommon side effects (may affect up to 1 in 100 users)
- stinging or irritation of the eyes
- painful eyes
- dry or sore eyes
- swelling or redness (bloodshot eyes) of the conjunctivae (front covering of the eye) or eyelid
- sensitivity to light
- itchy eyes
- sticky eyelids
- headache
- rash around the eye
- stuffed or runny nose
Rare side effects (may affect up to 1 in 1,000 users)
- allergic reactions such as skin rash
Very rare side effects (may affect less than 1 10,000 users)
- swelling and tightness in the throat
- breathing difficulty
Additional side effects in children and adolescents
Frequency, type and severity of side effects in children and adolescents are expected to be the same as in adults.
Reporting of side effects
If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse. This includes any possible side effects not listed in this leaflet. You can also report side effects directly via Yellow Card Scheme Website: or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store. By reporting side effects, you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.
5. how to store oftaquix
-
– Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children.
-
– Do not use this medicine after the expiry date which is stated on the bottle label and carton after “EXP”. The expiry date refers to the last day of that month.
-
– Do not use this medicine if you notice that the plastic film around the cap and neck is missing or broken before you start a new bottle.
-
– Keep the bottle tightly closed.
-
- To prevent infections, you must throw away the bottle 28 days after you first opened it, and use a new bottle.
-
– If your medicine shows any signs of deterioration or discolouration, you should seek the advice of your pharmacist who will tell you what to do.
-
– Do not throw away any medicines via wastewater or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to throw away medicines you no longer use. These measures will help protect the environment.
6. contents of the pack and other informationwhat oftaquix contains the active substance is levofloxacin.
Each ml contains 5mg of levofloxacin (as hemihydrate).
- The other ingredients are benzalkonium chloride (0.05 mg in 1 ml eye drops, solution; preservative), sodium chloride, sodium hydroxide or hydrochloric acid and water for injections.
What Oftaquix looks like and contents of the pack
- Oftaquix is a clear, light yellow to light greenish-yellow solution, free of visible particulate matter.
- It is supplied in a pack containing 1 white plastic bottle with 5 ml solution. The plastic bottle is closed with a beige coloured screw cap.
Manufacturer and product licence holder
Manufactured by Santen Oy, Niittyhaankatu 20, Tampere, Fl-33720, Finland.
Procured from the EU by product licence holder Star Pharmaceuticals Ltd, 5 Sandridge Close, Harrow, Middlesex HA1 1XD. Repackaged by Servipharm Ltd.
| POM | PL 20636/3197 |
Leaflet revision and issue date (Ref.) 29.11.21 [5]
Oftaquix is a trademark of Daiichi Sankyo Company, Limited.
Blind or partially sighted?
Is this leaflet hard to see or read? Call 020 8423 2111 to obtain the leaflet in a format suitable for you.
PATIENT INFORMATION LEAFLET 3197
29.11.21[5]
Levofloxacin 5 mg/ml eye drops, solution
Read all of this leaflet carefully before you start using this medicine because it contains important information for you.
- Keep this leaflet. You may need to read it again.
- If you have any further questions, ask your doctor, pharmacist or nurse.
- This medicine has been prescribed for you only. Do not pass it on to others. It may harm them, even if their signs of illness are the same as yours.
- If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse. This includes any possible side effects not listed in this leaflet. See section 4.
Your medicine is available using the above name but will be referred to as Levofloxacin throughout this leaflet.
What is in this leaflet :
-
1. What Levofloxacin is and what it is used for
-
2. What you need to know before you use Levofloxacin
-
3. How to use Levofloxacin
-
4. Possible side effects
-
5. How to store Levofloxacin
-
6. Contents of the pack and other information
1. what levofloxacin is and what it is used for
Levofloxacin is an antibiotic of the type called fluoroquinolones (sometimes shortened to quinolones).
It works by killing some types of bacteria that can cause infections.
When levofloxacin is given in eye drops, it is used in children aged 1 year or over and in adults to treat bacterial infections that affect the front surfaces of the eye.
One type of infection in this area is called bacterial conjunctivitis, which is an infection of the covering of the front of the eye (conjunctiva).
Levofloxacin is not recommended to be used in children aged below 1 year.
You must talk to a doctor if you do not feel better or if you feel worse after 5 days.
2. what you need to know before you use levofloxacindo not use levofloxacin if you are allergic to levofloxacin or other quinolones or any of the other ingredients of this medicine (listed in section 6).
If you are not sure, ask your doctor or pharmacist first.
Warnings and precautions
Talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse before using Levofloxacin
- if an allergic reaction occurs even after a single dose stop using the medicine
- if you observe worsening of your eye symptoms during treatment, please contact your doctor as soon as possible
- if you do not see any sign of recovery within a certain treatment period agreed with your doctor, please contact your doctor as soon as possible
- generally, no types of contact lenses should be worn when the eye is infected.
- Levofloxacin contains the preservative benzalkonium chloride, which may cause eye irritation.
Tendon swelling and rupture have happened in people taking oral or intravenous fluoroquinolones, particularly in older patients and in those treated concurrently with corticosteroids. Stop taking Levofloxacin if you develop pain or swelling of the tendons (tendinitis).
Children and adolescents
The special warnings and precautions for using this medicine are the same in adults, adolescents and children aged > 1 year.
Other medicines and Levofloxacin
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are using, have recently used or might use any other medicines.
In particular, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are applying any other type of eye drop or eye ointment before you start to use Levofloxacin.
If you are using other eye drops, you should wait at least 15 minutes between applying Levofloxacin and any other type of eye drop.
Pregnancy, breast-feeding and fertility
If you are pregnant or breast-feeding, think you may be pregnant or are planning to have a baby, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before taking this medicine.
Levofloxacin eye drops should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the growing baby.
Although very small amounts of levofloxacin reach the blood and the breast milk, respectively, after instilling eye drops it is very unlikely that the eye drops would harm the growing baby. Your doctor is informed about the potential risk and will advise you whether to take Levofloxacin eye drops in this case.
Your fertility (ability to become pregnant or to father a child) is not impaired when you apply Levofloxacin following its instructions for use.
Driving and using machines
Levofloxacin has minor influence on the ability to drive and use machines. If the eye drops cause blurring of your sight when you use them, you should wait until this clears before driving or operating machinery.
Levofloxacin contains benzalkonium chloride
This medicine contains approximately 0.002 mg benzalkonium chloride in each drop which is equivalent to 0.05 mg/ml.
Benzalkonium chloride may be absorbed by soft contact lenses and may change the colour of the contact lenses. You should remove contact lenses before using this medicine and put them back 15 minutes afterwards.
Benzalkonium chloride may also cause eye irritation, especially if you have dry eyes or disorders of the cornea (the clear layer at the front of the eye). If you feel abnormal eye sensation, stinging or pain in the eye after using this medicine, talk to your doctor.
3. how to use levofloxacin
Always use this medicine exactly as your doctor or pharmacist has told you. Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure.
Levofloxacin eye drops are for ocular use and have to be applied to the outer surface of the eye.
For patients above 1 year of age, the recommended dose is as follows: DAYS 1 – 2
- Use one to two drops in the affected eye(s) every two hours.
- Use a maximum of 8 times per day.
DAYS 3 – 5
- Use one to two drops in the affected eye(s).
- Use a maximum of 4 times per day.
In elderly patients no adjustment of the recommended dose is required.
The usual total treatment course is five days. Your doctor will advise you how long to apply the drops.
If you are putting any other medicine in your eye, you should wait at least 15 minutes between applying the different types of drops.
Use in children and adolescents
No dosage modification is required in children > 1 year old and in adolescents. Levofloxacin is not recommended to be used in children aged below 1 year.
Before applying the drops:
If possible, ask someone else to apply the drops for you. Ask them to read these instructions with you before applying the drops.
-
1) Wash your hands.
-
2) Open the bottle. Take special care that the tip of the dropper bottle does not touch your eye, the skin around your eye or your fingers.
3)Tilt your head backwards and hold the bottle upside down over the eye.
4) Pull the lower eyelid downwards and look up. Gently squeeze the bottle and let one drop fall into the space between the lower eyelid and the eye.
5) Close the eye and press the inner corner of the eye with your finger for about one minute.
Thus you can prevent the eye drop from draining down the tear duct.
-
6) Wipe off any excess solution from the skin around the eye.
-
7) Put the cap back on and close the bottle tightly.
If another drop is needed, and when both eyes are to be treated, repeat steps 3 to 7.
Levofloxacin eye drops should not be injected into the interior part of the eyeball.
If you use more Levofloxacin than you should
If you use more Levofloxacin than you should, flush the eye(s) with water and tell your doctor or pharmacist.
If you forget to use Levofloxacin
If you forget to use the eye drops, put in the next dose as soon as you remember. Do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten dose.
If you swallow Levofloxacin by accident
The amount of levofloxacin in the provided bottle is too small to cause side-effects. However, if you are concerned, tell your doctor or pharmacist who will advise you on any necessary measures.
If you stop using Levofloxacin earlier than instructed, it may delay the healing process.
If you have any further questions on the use of this medicine, ask your doctor, pharmacist or nurse.
4. possible side effects
Like all medicines, this medicine can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them.
About one in ten people have a side effect when using Levofloxacin. Most of these affect only the eye and may not last very long. If you have any severe or persistent side effect you should stop using these eye drops and seek urgent advice from your doctor.
Very rarely this medicine can cause severe allergic reactions.
The following symptoms can occur even after just one dose of Levofloxacin:
- swelling and tightness in the throat
- breathing difficulties.
In rare cases other allergic reactions can develop. Symptoms of such reactions are:
- worsening of redness and itching of the eyes
- increased or sudden swelling of eyelids.
Stop using Levofloxacin and contact a doctor immediately if any of these symptoms occurs.
Common side effects (may affect up to 1 in 10 users)
- burning feeling in the eye
- decreased vision or mucus in the eye
Uncommon side effects (may affect up to 1 in 100 users)
- stinging or irritation of the eyes
- painful eyes
- dry or sore eyes
- swelling or redness (bloodshot eyes) of the conjunctivae (front covering of the eye) or eyelid
- sensitivity to light
- itchy eyes
- sticky eyelids
- headache
- rash around the eye
- stuffed or runny nose
Rare side effects (may affect up to 1 in 1,000 users)
- allergic reactions such as skin rash
Very rare side effects (may affect less than 1 10,000 users)
- swelling and tightness in the throat
- breathing difficulty
Additional side effects in children and adolescents
Frequency, type and severity of side effects in children and adolescents are expected to be the same as in adults.
Reporting of side effects
If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse. This includes any possible side effects not listed in this leaflet. You can also report side effects directly via Yellow Card Scheme Website: or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store. By reporting side effects, you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.
5. how to store levofloxacin
-
– Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children.
-
– Do not use this medicine after the expiry date which is stated on the bottle label and carton after “EXP”. The expiry date refers to the last day of that month.
-
– Do not use this medicine if you notice that the plastic film around the cap and neck is missing or broken before you start a new bottle.
-
– Keep the bottle tightly closed.
-
- To prevent infections, you must throw away the bottle 28 days after you first opened it, and use a new bottle.
-
– If your medicine shows any signs of deterioration or discolouration, you should seek the advice of your pharmacist who will tell you what to do.
-
– Do not throw away any medicines via wastewater or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to throw away medicines you no longer use. These measures will help protect the environment.
6. contents of the pack and other informationwhat levofloxacin contains the active substance is levofloxacin.
Each ml contains 5mg of levofloxacin (as hemihydrate).
- The other ingredients are benzalkonium chloride (0.05 mg in 1 ml eye drops, solution; preservative), sodium chloride, sodium hydroxide or hydrochloric acid and water for injections.
What Levofloxacin looks like and contents of the pack
- Levofloxacin is a clear, light yellow to light greenish-yellow solution, free of visible particulate matter.
- It is supplied in a pack containing 1 white plastic bottle with 5 ml solution. The plastic bottle is closed with a beige coloured screw cap.
Manufacturer and product licence holder
Manufactured by Santen Oy, Niittyhaankatu 20, Tampere, Fl-33720, Finland.
Procured from the EU by product licence holder Star Pharmaceuticals Ltd, 5 Sandridge Close, Harrow, Middlesex HA1 1XD. Repackaged by Servipharm Ltd.
POM PL 20636/3197
Leaflet revision and issue date (Ref.) 29.11.21 [5]
Blind or partially sighted?
Is this leaflet hard to see or read? Call 020 8423 2111 to obtain the leaflet in a format suitable for you.