What is "ofloxacin"

n. A fluoroquinolone antibiotic.

Ofloxacin is a synthetic antibiotic of the fluoroquinolone drug class considered to be a second-generation fluoroquinolone.

Ofloxacin was first patented in 1982 (European Patent Daiichi) and received approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on December 28, 1990. Ofloxacin is sold under a wide variety of brand names as well as generic drug equivalents, for oral and intravenous administration. Ofloxacin is also available for topical use, as eye drops and ear drops (marketed as Ocuflox and Floxin Otic respectively in the United States and marketed as Optiflox, eylox respectively in Jordan and Saudi Arabia).

Ofloxacin is a racemic mixture, which consists of 50% levofloxacin (the biologically active component) and 50% of its “mirror image” or enantiomer dextrofloxacin.

Ofloxacin has been associated with adverse drug reactions, such as tendon damage (including spontaneous tendon ruptures) and peripheral neuropathy (which may be irreversible); tendon damage may manifest long after therapy had been completed, and, in severe cases, may result in lifelong disabilities.

It is on the WHO Model List of Essential Medicines, the most important medications needed in a basic health system.