Instillation of Ofloxacin Otic Drops for an Ear Infection

 

Brand name: Floxacin (Glaxo Smith Kline): 0.3% solution

 

Storage of solution: 15 - 25° C (59° to 77°F, or room temperature in a temperate zone)

 

Types of infections:

(1) middle ear (otitis media)

(2) external ear canal (otitis externa, or "swimmer's ear")

 

Dosing schedule: every 12 hours

 

Preparation and administration:

(1) The person administering the drops should wash his or her hands with soap and water then dry them with a clean, dry towel.

(2) Clean the external meatus of any discharge with an absorbent dressing. Do not insert anything into the ear canal.

(3) The bottle containing the otic solution should be warmed by holding it in a clenched hand for 1-2 minutes.

(4) The person being treated should lie down on his/her side with the ear to be treated pointed straight up.

(5) Administer the proper number of drops into the ear canal based on the age of the patient:

Age of the Patient	Number of Drops
< 12 years of age	5 drops
>= 12 years of age	10 drops

 

(6) Maneuver the outer ear to optimize drug penetration to the infected area,

 

Type of Infection	Maneuver
Otitis Media	Press the tragus (the small anterior flap) 4 times to pump the solution into the inner ear.
Otitis Externa	Pull the helix of the ear upwards and backwards relative to the patient's head.

 

(7) The patient should stay on his/her side for at least 5 minutes.

(8) The person should keep the ear clean and dry. The patient should avoid swimming unless instructed to do so by the patient's physician.