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Oftaquix are eye drops available from prescription pharmacies. The active substance in Oftaquix is levofloxacin, which is a synthetic antibacterial medicine. Oftaquix are drops that are used in cases of bacterial eye infections. How correctly to use and dose Oftaquix? Can eye drops with Oftaquix cause side effects?
Oftaquix – the composition and action of eye drops
Oftaquix is a chemotherapeutic drug belonging to the fluoroquinolones. This drug is applied topically to the eyes to fight bacterial infection. The active substance of Oftaquix is levofloxacin, a compound that has a very strong antibacterial effect. Levofloxacin is the third generation fluoroquinolone. Drugs from this group are characterized by high activity against gram-positive bacteria, mainly staphylococci and streptococci. On the other hand, they show very low activity against gram-negative bacteria. Oftaquix works by blocking the activity of a bacterial enzyme, which is essential for the production of the normal DNA structure of the bacteria. As a result of the action of this drug, bacterial DNA is destabilized, which results in inhibition of division and death of the bacterial cell. The active substance in Oftaquix is effective against many strains of bacteria that cause eye infections. Levofloxacin crosses the cornea and is present in high concentration in the aqueous humor of the eye.
Oftaquix – indications and contraindications for use
Oftaquix is indicated for the local treatment of bacterial eye infections caused by bacteria sensitive to levofloxacin. Unfortunately, not every patient who struggles with eye infection can reach for Oftaquix drops. Hypersensitivity to any of the ingredients of the drug is a contraindication to the use of Oftaquix drops. In addition, the preparation should not be used by pregnant and breastfeeding women. Oftaquix is a preparation that is not used in children under 1 year of age.
How to correctly dose Oftaquix drops?
Oftaquix is available from pharmacies as eye drops. It should be used according to the doctor’s instructions. As recommended in the package leaflet, Oftaquix is applied to the conjunctival sac. For the first two days of treatment, one or two drops of the drug is instilled into the eye every two hours up to 8 times a day. In the following days, the activity is repeated less frequently, 4 times a day. Treatment for a bacterial eye infection usually takes about 5 days.
Oftaquix – possible side effects
The use of Oftaquix can cause side effects, but these will not occur in every patient who uses it in the eye. Side effects are usually local and transient and include burning eyes, visual impairment, and mucus discharge in the conjunctival sac. Less common symptoms may include: burning of the eyelids, swelling of the conjunctiva, swelling of the eyelids, eye pain, conjunctival hyperaemia, dry eyes, photophobia or tearing. Rhinitis, nausea, headache and hypersensitivity reactions have also been reported with the use of Oftaquix.
Before use, read the leaflet, which contains indications, contraindications, data on side effects and dosage as well as information on the use of the medicinal product, or consult your doctor or pharmacist, as each drug used improperly is a threat to your life or health.