Active ingredient, effect

The active ingredient contained in Floxal is Ofloxacin. This is an antibiotic from the group of fluoroquinolones. Ofloxacin is used to treat various bacterial infections.

These include bacterial infections of the respiratory tract (bronchitis, pneumonia), skin and soft tissues, bones, abdomen, kidneys, urinary tract and reproductive organs. For all these indications it is administered in tablet form. It is used in the form of eye drops or eye 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 interferes with the reproduction mechanism of bacteria by inhibiting an essential step in this process. The bacteria can no longer multiply and die.

This mode of action is known as bactericidal. Ofloxacin is mainly excreted via the kidneys. This means that if the patient’s kidney function is impaired, the dose of Ofloxacin must be reduced. However, the dose adjustment in renal failure only refers to the systemic use of the drug, i.e. use as a tablet. Since the eye drops only act locally, no dose adjustment is necessary.

Side effects

The side effects that the active ingredient Ofloxacin can have occur mainly when it is taken systemically, i.e. tablets. The eye drops have relatively few, but not insignificant, side effects due to their local application. A hypersensitivity reaction in the sense of an allergic reaction may occur.

This can be shown by an increase in eye complaints, itching, reddening of the surrounding skin and tears in the eye. A swelling of the tongue with shortness of breath may also occur. The maximum form of the allergic reaction is life-threatening anaphylactic shock which must be treated immediately with medication.

In rare cases, the use of Floxal may cause life-threatening skin rashes such as Steven-Johnson syndrome or toxic epidermal necrolysis (Lyell syndrome). Severe rashes with blistering in the area of the skin and mucous membranes may occur, up to large-scale detachment of the skin. The general condition is more clearly impaired with fever up to sepsis.

Therapeutically, intensive medical measures are often necessary. It is necessary to stop the medication immediately. or