Ofloxacin is an antimicrobial drug in the fluoroquinolone family that is effective in treating a wide variety of bacterial infections. It received FDA approval in 1990 as a "1C" drug, categorizing it as a new molecular entity offering little or no therapeutic advantage over existing therapies, namely, ciprofloxacin. Yet, despite its insignificant therapeutic benefit, ofloxacin earned support for its improved oral bioavailability, longer half-life, and expanded applications to certain sexually transmitted infections compared to its counterpart, ciprofloxacin. 

The following are FDA-approved indications for ofloxacin use: 

• Otitis externa from infection with Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, or Staphylococcus aureus
• Chronic suppurative otitis media due to Proteus mirabilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, or Staphylococcus aureus
• Acute otitis media from Haemophilus influenzae, Moraxella catarrhalis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa Staphylococcus aureus, or Streptococcus pneumonia
• Conjunctivitis due to Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Enterobacter cloacae, Haemophilus influenzae, Proteus mirabilis, or Pseudomonas aeruginosa
• Corneal ulcers due to infection with Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Enterobacter cloacae, Haemophilus influenzae, Proteus mirabilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Serratia marcescens, or Cutibacterium acnes
• Acute bacterial exacerbations of chronic bronchitis resulting from Haemophilus influenzae or Streptococcus pneumoniae
• Community-acquired pneumonia due to Haemophilus influenzae or Streptococcus pneumoniae
• Uncomplicated skin and skin structure infection due to methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes, or Proteus mirabilis
• Acute, uncomplicated urethral and cervical gonorrhea from Neisseria gonorrhoeae infection
• Nongonococcal urethritis and cervicitis due to Chlamydia trachomatis
• Mixed infections of the urethra and cervix with Chlamydia trachomatis or Neisseria gonorrhoeae
• Acute pelvic inflammatory disease (includes severe infection) due to Chlamydia trachomatis or Neisseria gonorrhoeae
• Uncomplicated cystitis as a result of Citrobacter diversus, Enterobacter aerogenes, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Proteus mirabilis, or Pseudomonas aeruginosa
• Complicated urinary tract infections from infection with Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Proteus mirabilis, Citrobacter diversus, or Pseudomonas aeruginosa
• Prostatitis resulting from Escherichia coli

Additionally, traveler's diarrhea, leprosy, epididymitis, and spontaneous bacterial peritonitis are non-FDA approved indications for ofloxacin use.[1][2][3]

As with other second-generation fluoroquinolone drugs, ofloxacin is a broad-spectrum antimicrobial that exhibits a bactericidal effect. It works by binding to and inhibiting bacterial topoisomerase II (DNA gyrase), an enzyme that relaxes supercoiled DNA, and topoisomerase IV, an enzyme that separates linked daughter chromosomes following replication. These inhibitory effects interrupt DNA replication, transcription, and repair, thereby preventing cell division in bacterial cells.[4]  

Ofloxacin administration can be in oral, intravenous, or topical forms. General infections receive oral or intravenous ofloxacin. In instances of severe infection, intravenous administration is preferable as it allows higher dosing that leads to higher drug concentrations, ultimately leading to an increase in clinical cure rates.[5]

Topical preparations exist for specific cases. For otitis externa and otitis media, patients have treatment with an ofloxacin otic drop solution. Topical ofloxacin penetrates the tympanic membrane, achieving similar middle ear concentrations through topical or by systemic administration.[6]  For bacterial conjunctivitis and corneal ulcers, patients can receive an ofloxacin ophthalmic drop solution. An animal study demonstrated that topical ofloxacin permeates the cornea, achieving therapeutic concentrations in the anterior and posterior chambers of the eye while sparing the retina from any toxic effects.[7]

Fluoroquinolones chelate di- and trivalent metal cations, thus antacids or vitamins containing calcium, magnesium, aluminum, iron, and zinc should be avoided during ofloxacin therapy, as these reduce the amount of drug that gets absorbed.[8] 

The most characteristic adverse effect of ofloxacin treatment, along with other fluoroquinolone treatments, is tendinopathy, typically presenting as pain or swelling along a tendon’s path. Such injury has been observed both during drug administration and up to several months after. In patients receiving corticosteroid therapy or engaging in strenuous physical activity with concurrent ofloxacin administration, there is a particularly high risk of tendon rupture. This injury primarily affects the Achilles tendon and necessitates surgical repair.  

It is also possible for ofloxacin treatment to cause increased intracranial pressure and toxic psychosis.[9] As ofloxacin may stimulate the central nervous system, neurological effects such as seizures, lightheadedness, hallucinations, restlessness, tremors, anxiety, depression, confusion, difficulty sleeping, nightmares, paranoia, or suicidal thoughts or acts may also occur. These effects may develop after as little as one dose and call for immediate termination of treatment. Caution is necessary when considering therapy for patients with preexisting conditions or risk factors that predispose to seizures or other CNS effects.  

Hypersensitivity reactions are another adverse effect occasionally observed with ofloxacin treatment, most frequently following the initial dose. This Type I hypersensitivity reaction is the result of some patients possessing preformed serum IgE against ofloxacin.[10] Reported signs of a hypersensitivity reaction include seizure, cardiovascular collapse, shock, loss of consciousness, airway obstruction, dyspnea, tingling, angioedema, urticaria, itching, and other allergic skin manifestations.  On a rare occasion and following multiple doses, other serious and sometimes fatal hypersensitivity-associated events have been observed, involving fever, rash, severe dermatologic reactions, vasculitis, serum sickness, arthralgia, myalgia, allergic pneumonitis, interstitial nephritis, acute renal insufficiency or failure, acute hepatic necrosis or failure, hepatitis, jaundice, hemolytic or aplastic anemia, thrombocytopenia, leukopenia, agranulocytosis, pancytopenia, and other hematologic disorders. As with other hypersensitivity reactions, the earliest indication of these clinical manifestations calls for immediate discontinuation of treatment. 

Though uncommon, ofloxacin treatment has also led to reports of peripheral neuropathy, as manifest by pain, burning, tingling, numbness, weakness, and altered sensation. Exacerbation of muscle weakness in a patient with myasthenia gravis is a dangerous possibility. The earliest indication of these clinical manifestations calls for immediate discontinuation of treatment. 

Other rare and serious adverse effects include prolongation of the QTc interval and aortic aneurysm.

Ofloxacin use is contraindicated in patients with a history of quinolone-associated hypersensitivity reactions, myasthenia gravis, and prolonged QTc interval. Unless there is no other option, it is also contraindicated in patients with a history of or at increased risk for aortic aneurysm, Marfan syndrome, or Ehlers-Danlos syndrome.