Drug

Floxal

introduction

Floxal is the trade name of a drug that contains the active substance ofloxacin. Ofloxacin belongs to the group of antibiotics, more precisely the fluoroquinolones. Floxal is for use on the eye and is available in the form of eye drops and eye ointment. It is used for different types of eye infections. The drug requires a prescription.

indication

Floxal is used to treat infections of the eye caused by bacteria. Typical indications are conjunctivitis (Conjunctivitis), corneal inflammation (Keratitis) as well as inflammation of the tear sac (Dacrocystitis) and eyelid margin (Blepharitis). The group of eyelid inflammation also includes the relatively common stye (Hordeolum).

Conjunctivitis is shown by reddening of one or both eyes, itching and a foreign body sensation are often added. One eye or both eyes can be affected. Corneal inflammation also shows itself as a foreign body sensation and redness of the eyes, but is usually accompanied by severe pain - in contrast to conjunctivitis. Also deterioration in visual acuity and photophobia (Photophobia) can occur.

An inflammation of the lacrimal sac shows itself as swelling and redness in the area of the inner corner of the eye, which is painful on pressure, as well as an increased secretion of tear fluid or pus. The affected eye may also be reddened. As a rule, only one eye is affected by tear sack inflammation.

An inflammation of the eyelid margin is accompanied by redness and swelling of the eyelid margin, a foreign body sensation in the eye and sticky eyelids and eyelashes after sleep. Lashes may fall out. The stye belongs to the group of eyelid inflammation.

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Conjunctivitis

Conjunctivitis (Conjunctivitis) can have various causes. Most often, allergic reactions, such as hay fever, lead to such inflammation. Then both eyes are usually affected. Infectious pathogens such as viruses or bacteria can be triggers less often. In most cases, bacteria can be treated well with the antibiotic Floxal. However, since the eye cannot tell whether the pathogen is bacterial or viral, the eye drops are often prescribed even when it is not entirely clear what kind of pathogen it is. For treatment, a drop is given into the affected eye several times a day. In the case of pathogens that are sensitive to ofloxacin, the symptoms usually subside significantly after a few days.

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eye drop

Floxal is available in different dosage forms. The eye drops are most often prescribed. There are two different versions of this: a vial that contains a certain milliliter amount of eye drops and is used over and over again, and the so-called EDO eye drops. EDO is an abbreviation for one dose of ophthalmic. These are therefore several very small bottles for single use that only contain a very small amount, which is enough for a few drops.

The advantage of EDO eye drops is that their use is less hygienic. Especially in the case of bacterial or viral inflammation, the vial for multiple use has the disadvantage that it can come into direct contact with the infected eye and is then itself contaminated, i.e. bacteria have been transferred to the vial. The EDO variant is therefore preferable, but it is also more expensive.

Get more information about Floxal eye drops.

Floxal eye ointment

Floxal is not only available in the form of eye drops but also as an eye ointment. The active ingredient is the same: the antibiotic ofloxacin. So both the ointment and the eye drops work in the same way. Whether the eye ointment or the eye drops are used depends on what the treating doctor has prescribed and what the patient prefers.

The ointment should also be used several times a day. The ointment can be beneficial, especially before going to bed, as it covers the eye as a film for longer when the eyes are closed. If both drops and ointment are used, there should be a period of at least 15 minutes between the two applications. In addition, the ointment should always be applied after the drops, otherwise the drops can rinse the ointment out of the eye and thus reduce the effect.

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Is Foxal available without a prescription?

No. Floxal is a drug that contains an antibiotic as its active ingredient. Even if these are not tablets but eye drops for local use, the drug is only available on prescription, so it can only be purchased at the pharmacy after presenting a prescription.

Read more on the topic: Home remedies for conjunctivitis, red eyes - what helps?

Active ingredient, effect

The active substance in Floxal is ofloxacin. This is an antibiotic from the group of fluoroquinolones. Ofloxacin is used to treat various infections caused by bacteria. These include bacterial infections of the respiratory tract (bronchitis, pneumonia), the skin and soft tissues, the bones, the abdomen, as well as the kidneys and the lower urinary tract and genital organs. In all of these indications, it is administered in tablet form.

It is used in the form of eye drops or ointment to treat bacterial infections in the eye area. Ofloxacin is effective against the following bacterial pathogens, among others: Staphylococcus aureus, Chlamydia trachomatis, Enterobacter aerogenes and cloacae, Haemophilus influenzae, Klebsiella oxytoca, Proteus mirabilis and vulgaris and Serratia marcescens.

Ofloxacin intervenes in the reproduction mechanism of bacteria by inhibiting an essential step here. The bacteria can no longer multiply and die. This mode of action is called bactericidal.

Ofloxacin is mainly eliminated through the kidneys. This means that if the patient has impaired kidney function, the dose of ofloxacin must be reduced. The dose adjustment in case of renal insufficiency relates only to the systemic use of the drug, i.e. the use as a tablet. Since the eye drops only have a local effect, there is no need to adjust the dose here.

Side effects

The side effects that the active ingredient ofloxacin can have mainly occur with systemic intake, i.e. tablet administration. Because of their local application, the eye drops have relatively few, but not insignificant, side effects.

A hypersensitivity reaction in the sense of an allergic reaction can occur. This may show up as an increase in eye discomfort, itching, redness of the surrounding skin and tearing of the eye. Swelling of the tongue with difficulty breathing can also occur. The maximum form of the allergic reaction is the life-threatening anaphylactic shock, which must be treated with medication immediately.

In rare cases, the use of Floxal can lead to life-threatening skin rashes such as Steven-Johnson syndrome or toxic epidermal necrolysis (Lyell's syndrome). There are severe rashes with blistering in the area of the skin and mucous membranes up to extensive detachment of the skin. The general condition is more clearly impaired with fever up to sepsis. In terms of therapy, intensive medical measures are often necessary. The triggering drug must be discontinued immediately.

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Other possible side effects are:

blurred vision
increased tear production
dry eyes, eye pain
increased sensitivity to light
Foreign body sensation in the eye
and
Dizziness.

Inflammation of the conjunctiva and cornea can also occur as a side effect.

Read more on the topic: Side effects of antibiotics

Interactions

When ofloxacin is applied externally in the form of eye drops or eye ointment, there is no interaction with other drugs. Interactions can occur when ofloxacin is taken in tablet form.

Contraindications

There is only one contraindication for the use of the eye drops: If you are already hypersensitive to the active ingredient or the other ingredients, the eye drops / eye ointment should not be used. Further contraindications exist only with systemic intake of ofloxacin as a tablet.

dosage

The dose in the eye drops and ointment is the same. Only the amount contained differs in the various preparations. The dosage is therefore only controlled by the amount used, i.e. how often the eye drops / ointment is used daily.

How many times a day

Unless otherwise prescribed by the ophthalmologist, one drop of the eye drops should be put into the corresponding eye 4 times a day. If both eyes are affected, one drop should be put in both eyes 4 times a day. The attending ophthalmologist may recommend a higher frequency of use in the first few days, for example the 2-hour drop on the first day. However, this differs from patient to patient and should be decided individually by the attending physician.

The eye ointment should be applied 3 times a day - unless otherwise prescribed by the doctor. The duration of use for both the eye drops and the eye ointment should not exceed 14 days. Usually one application for 5-7 days is sufficient.

Correct application

Before drops or ointment are put into the eyes, hands should be washed so that no dirt gets into the eyes. To drop the eyes, the head should be tilted back slightly. The vial is taken in one hand and the lower eyelid is pulled down slightly with the other hand. You should look up. The vial should be held as close as possible to the eye, but without touching it. Now a drop is placed in the conjunctival sac that is pulled down. You can then blink a few times to better distribute the drops. It can also help to close your eyes completely for a few seconds afterwards.

The application of eye ointment is also not always easy for the inexperienced patient. Again, it is important to wash your hands beforehand. Even with eye ointment, the tube should not touch the eye. To apply the ointment, the lower eyelid should be pulled down a little. The strip of ointment should now be placed in the conjunctival sac. So in the area of the inner lid that is pulled down. The strip should be about 1 cm for Floxal. It is best to apply it starting towards the nose and then pulling it towards the outside of the eye. After applying the ointment, the eyes should be closed for about a minute to ensure that the ointment is distributed over the entire eye. The excess ointment can be wiped away with a cotton pad, for example.

price

5 ml Floxal eye drops (vials for multiple use) cost around 16 euros in an online pharmacy. The product requires a prescription. If you present a prescription at the till, the additional costs amount to 5 euros per prescription. 3 grams of Floxal eye ointment also cost around 16 euros, with a prescription 5 euros. Floxal EDO eye drops for single use cost around 16 euros a pack of 10 ophthalmic ophthalmic drops, and a 30 ophthalmic pack cost around 22 euros. The additional payment on presentation of a receipt is 5 euros.

Alternatives to Floxal

There are cheaper alternatives to Floxal eye drops that contain the same active ingredient. Ofloxa eye drops are examples here. They are available as an EDO variant for single use in a pack size of 10 or 30 ophtiols. Ofloxa eye drops are also available as multiple-use vials. Both variants cost about 2 euros less than Floxal.Ofloxacin eye drops from Ratiopharm are another alternative.

The eye ointment is also available as an alternative under the name Ofloxacin eye ointment, but at the same price as the Floxal eye ointment. Overall, the price difference is therefore rather small. As soon as a prescription is available, there is only an additional fee of 5 euros for all of the products mentioned.

Read more on the topic: Home remedies for conjunctivitis

Can be used during pregnancy and breastfeeding

The eye drops can be used during pregnancy if absolutely necessary. So far there is no evidence that topical application as an eye drop harms the unborn child. Use during breastfeeding should be avoided as it cannot be ruled out with certainty that a small amount of locally applied ofloxacin will pass into breast milk.

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Will it affect the effectiveness of the pill?

No. Topical application as Floxal eye drops or eye ointment does not affect the effect of the hormonal contraceptive pill.

Can be used in babies and children?

There is limited experience with the use of Floxal eye drops and ointment in children and adolescents. There is therefore no general recommendation for use in children and adolescents. The treating pediatrician should be consulted. So far, no damage has become known from Floxal therapy in children so that careful use should generally be possible after consulting the treating pediatrician.

Duration of application

In most cases it is sufficient if Floxal eye drops are used for 5-7 days. In some cases, a shorter intake time is sufficient. The maximum duration of use should not exceed 14 days. In individual cases, however, it should be discussed with the attending ophthalmologist for how many days the application should take place.

Can you also use them as ear drops?

Fluoroquinolones such as ofloxacin, in addition to their use in eye infections, can also be used in infections of the external ear canal (External otitis) can be applied. There are certain antibiotics that are available in the form of ear drops. For example, ciprofloxacin ear drops. Ciprofloxacin is an antibiotic that belongs to the same group of active substances as ofloxacin (Floxal). Strictly speaking, however, Floxal is only approved for use in eye infections.

However, if no special eye drops are available, it can also be used to treat an acute infection of the external auditory canal.
This is often accompanied by pain, which usually disappears quickly under antibiotic therapy. To do this, one or two drops are placed in the affected ear with the head tilted. However, most patients do not have Floxal eye drops or antibiotic ear drops on hand at home. Then the treating family doctor should be seen. They can then prescribe specific ear drops. As an "emergency solution", however, Floxal eye drops can always be used for infections of the outer ear.

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