Drug Class: Topical Ophthalmic Fluoroquinolone Antibiotic + Corticosteroid Combination | Form: Eye Drops (Ophthalmic Solution) | Prescription Status: Prescription Only (Rx) — DRAP Registered
What is Dexoflox Eye Drops 5ml?
Dexoflox Eye Drops 5ml is a combination eye drop medicine containing two active ingredients — Ofloxacin, a broad-spectrum fluoroquinolone antibiotic, and Dexamethasone, a potent corticosteroid (steroid). It is used to treat bacterial eye infections (آنکھ کا بیکٹیریل انفیکشن) where significant inflammation is also present. Ofloxacin kills the bacteria causing the infection while Dexamethasone simultaneously reduces the redness, swelling, itching, and pain caused by the body's inflammatory response. Most serious bacterial eye infections involve both active bacterial growth and a significant inflammatory reaction — treating only one without the other often leads to slower recovery and continued discomfort. Dexoflox addresses both problems together in a single preparation, making it effective for bacterial conjunctivitis, corneal ulcers, and inflammation following eye surgery. It must only be used as prescribed by your doctor and must never be used for longer than the prescribed duration — prolonged steroid eye drop use carries serious risks including raised eye pressure and cataract formation.
What is Dexoflox Eye Drops Used For?
Dexoflox Eye Drops 5ml is approved for the treatment of the following conditions:
- Bacterial Conjunctivitis with Inflammation — bacterial infection of the conjunctiva — the thin membrane covering the white of the eye — causing redness, discharge, swelling, and irritation (بیکٹیریل آشوب چشم)
- Bacterial Corneal Ulcer — open sore on the surface of the cornea caused by bacterial infection accompanied by significant inflammatory response (آنکھ کی سطح پر بیکٹیریل زخم)
- Bacterial Keratitis — bacterial infection of the cornea with associated inflammation causing pain, redness, and light sensitivity
- Post-Operative Ocular Inflammation with Infection Risk — inflammation following eye surgery — including cataract surgery — where preventing bacterial infection is simultaneously important (آپریشن کے بعد آنکھ کی سوزش)
- Blepharokeratoconjunctivitis — combined bacterial infection and inflammation of the eyelids, cornea, and conjunctiva together
- Steroid-Responsive Inflammatory Eye Conditions with Bacterial Infection — conditions where significant eye inflammation requires steroid treatment alongside antibiotic coverage
- Anterior Uveitis with Secondary Bacterial Infection — inflammation of the front structures of the eye complicated by bacterial infection
How Does Dexoflox Eye Drops Work?
Dexoflox Eye Drops combine two medicines working through different but highly complementary mechanisms to treat bacterial infection and control inflammation simultaneously:
Ofloxacin (Fluoroquinolone Antibiotic): Ofloxacin is a second-generation fluoroquinolone antibiotic that kills bacteria by targeting and inhibiting two essential bacterial enzymes — DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV. Both enzymes are critical for bacterial DNA replication and repair. DNA gyrase controls the unwinding and supercoiling of bacterial DNA during replication, while topoisomerase IV is responsible for separating newly copied DNA strands to allow new bacterial cells to form. By blocking both enzymes simultaneously, Ofloxacin completely halts bacterial DNA replication and repair. Without the ability to copy their genetic material, bacteria cannot reproduce, accumulate lethal DNA damage, and rapidly die. This bactericidal action — actively killing rather than merely inhibiting bacteria — means Ofloxacin clears the infection quickly and effectively. It is active against a broad range of bacteria commonly responsible for eye infections — including Gram-positive organisms such as Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Gram-negative organisms including Haemophilus influenzae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Moraxella catarrhalis. When applied directly to the eye as drops, Ofloxacin achieves high local concentrations in the tear film and corneal tissue — delivering a powerful antibacterial effect exactly where it is needed with minimal systemic absorption.
Dexamethasone (Corticosteroid — Steroid): When bacteria infect the eye or when the eye undergoes surgery, the body's immune system triggers a significant inflammatory response — releasing prostaglandins, histamines, cytokines, and other inflammatory mediators that cause redness, swelling, pain, light sensitivity, tearing, and discharge. While this inflammatory response is a natural defence mechanism, excessive or prolonged inflammation in the eye can damage delicate structures, impair visual clarity, slow healing, and cause significant patient distress. Dexamethasone is one of the most potent topical corticosteroids available for ophthalmic use. It works by suppressing the inflammatory response at its source — blocking the production and release of these inflammatory chemicals and preventing inflammatory cells from accumulating in the eye tissues. This rapidly reduces redness, swelling, pain, and light sensitivity — providing faster and more complete symptomatic relief than antibiotic treatment alone. By controlling inflammation, Dexamethasone also protects delicate eye structures from inflammatory tissue damage and creates a better healing environment. The combination with Ofloxacin ensures that while inflammation is being suppressed by the steroid, any bacterial infection is simultaneously being eliminated by the antibiotic — preventing the risk of a worsening infection that might otherwise be masked by the steroid's immunosuppressive effect.
Dosage and Administration
⚠️ For use in the eye only — never use in the ear. Never swallow eye drops. Always wash hands before applying. Do not allow the dropper tip to touch the eye, eyelids, or any surface — this prevents contamination of the bottle. Always follow your doctor's prescribed dose and duration exactly. Never use for longer than prescribed — prolonged steroid eye drops can cause serious and permanent eye damage.
| Indication | Usual Adult Dose | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Bacterial Conjunctivitis with Inflammation | 1 to 2 drops into the affected eye | Every 4 to 6 hours — or as prescribed |
| Bacterial Keratitis / Corneal Ulcer | 1 to 2 drops into the affected eye | Every 2 hours while awake for first 2 days — then reduce as directed |
| Post-Operative Inflammation | 1 to 2 drops into the affected eye | 4 times daily — or as directed by eye surgeon |
| Severe Initial Treatment | 1 to 2 drops | Every 1 to 2 hours during first 24 to 48 hours — then taper as directed by doctor |
| Children (over 2 years) | 1 drop into the affected eye | As prescribed by doctor — typically 3 to 4 times daily |
How to Apply Dexoflox Eye Drops Correctly:
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before handling the bottle
- If the product is a suspension — shake gently before use. If it is a clear solution — no shaking is needed. Check the label
- Remove the cap carefully
- Tilt your head backward and look upward toward the ceiling
- Gently pull the lower eyelid downward with a clean finger to create a small pocket between the eyelid and the eye
- Hold the bottle upside down just above the eye — do not let the dropper tip touch the eye, eyelashes, or any surface
- Squeeze the bottle gently to release exactly 1 drop into the lower eyelid pocket — do not blink immediately
- Close the eye gently and press the inner corner of the eye near the nose (nasolacrimal punctum) with a clean finger for 1 to 2 minutes — this is called nasolacrimal occlusion and significantly reduces drainage of drops into the throat and minimises systemic absorption
- Gently wipe away any excess drops from around the eye with a clean tissue — use a separate tissue for each eye to prevent cross-contamination
- If a second drop is prescribed, wait at least 5 minutes before applying it
- If using other eye drops at the same time, always wait at least 5 minutes between different preparations
- Replace the cap tightly after every use
- Complete the full prescribed course even if the eye looks and feels completely normal — stopping early risks the infection or inflammation returning
- Do not wear contact lenses during treatment — consult your doctor before resuming lens wear after completing the course
- Treatment duration is usually 7 to 14 days depending on the condition — never extend without doctor review
- Your doctor may monitor your intraocular pressure (eye pressure) during treatment with steroid eye drops
Active Ingredients
| Ingredient | Strength | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Ofloxacin | 0.3% (3mg per ml) | Second-generation fluoroquinolone antibiotic — kills bacteria causing eye infection |
| Dexamethasone | 0.1% (1mg per ml) | Potent corticosteroid — reduces ocular inflammation, redness, swelling, pain, and light sensitivity |
Who Should NOT Use Dexoflox Eye Drops?
Do not use these drops if you:
- Are allergic to Ofloxacin, Dexamethasone, any other fluoroquinolone antibiotic (e.g., Ciprofloxacin, Moxifloxacin, Levofloxacin), or any corticosteroid medicine
- Have a viral eye infection — including Herpes simplex keratitis (dendritic ulcer), vaccinia, varicella, or adenoviral eye infections. Dexamethasone steroid can cause viral infections to spread rapidly and cause serious — potentially permanent — eye damage
- Have a fungal eye infection — the steroid Dexamethasone worsens fungal infections — antifungal eye treatment is required instead
- Have mycobacterial eye infections — including tuberculosis of the eye — steroids will worsen these conditions
- Have glaucoma or a personal or family history of steroid-induced raised eye pressure — Dexamethasone can raise intraocular pressure and significantly worsen glaucoma
- Have a known corneal ulcer without confirmed bacterial cause — steroids can worsen and deepen corneal ulceration
- Are wearing soft contact lenses at the time of application — lenses must be removed before applying drops
- Are under 2 years of age — safety in very young children has not been established — consult a specialist
Tell your doctor before use if you have:
- A personal or family history of glaucoma — steroid eye drops can raise intraocular pressure even in people who do not have glaucoma
- A history of Herpes simplex infection of the eye — even apparently inactive — steroid drops can reactivate the virus and cause severe recurrence
- Diabetes — diabetic patients are more susceptible to steroid-induced raised eye pressure and accelerated cataract formation
- A history of cataract — prolonged steroid eye drop use can significantly accelerate cataract development
- Had recent eye surgery — confirm with your eye surgeon before using any steroid-containing eye preparation
- If you are pregnant or breastfeeding — your doctor will carefully assess safety before prescribing
Side Effects
Like all medicines, Dexoflox Eye Drops can cause side effects. Not everyone will experience them. Most side effects are related to the Dexamethasone steroid component and are more likely with prolonged or frequent use.
Common Side Effects (relatively frequent):
- Mild temporary stinging or burning sensation immediately after applying the drops — usually settles within a few minutes
- Mild temporary blurring of vision immediately after application — wait for vision to fully clear before driving or operating any machinery
- Mild eye redness or irritation — usually temporary and improves as infection and inflammation clear
- Increased sensitivity to bright light (photophobia) — wear sunglasses outdoors if this occurs
- Watery eyes or increased tearing — usually temporary
- Mild headache associated with eye use
Serious Side Effects (less common — seek medical help immediately):
- Raised intraocular pressure (IOP) — one of the most critical risks of Dexamethasone eye drops. Raised eye pressure can develop gradually and silently without any noticeable symptoms. If undetected and untreated, it damages the optic nerve and causes permanent vision loss and glaucoma. Your doctor will monitor your eye pressure regularly during treatment — report any eye pain, persistent headache, halos around lights, or visual changes immediately
- Posterior Subcapsular Cataract — prolonged use of Dexamethasone eye drops can cause a specific type of cataract to form at the back of the eye lens. This risk increases significantly with long-term or repeated steroid courses — another critical reason these drops must never be used beyond the prescribed duration
- Steroid-Induced Glaucoma — a serious and potentially permanent condition caused by prolonged steroid use raising eye pressure to damaging levels — requires regular intraocular pressure monitoring throughout treatment
- Worsening or spreading of viral infection — if Herpes simplex or another viral infection is present or reactivates under steroid cover, the infection can spread rapidly across the cornea causing severe ulceration and potentially permanent vision loss — stop drops and seek urgent eye specialist care immediately
- Corneal perforation — in patients with pre-existing corneal disease, thinning, or deep ulceration, prolonged steroid use can rarely lead to corneal perforation — report any sudden severe eye pain immediately
- Fungal superinfection — prolonged antibiotic-steroid treatment can allow fungi to overgrow on the eye surface. Signs include new discharge, increasing pain, or deteriorating vision after initial improvement — inform your doctor promptly
- Allergic reaction to Ofloxacin — worsening eye redness, intense itching, eyelid swelling, or increasing discharge after starting treatment — stop drops and consult your doctor
- Severe allergic reaction — sudden widespread rash, swelling of face or throat, difficulty breathing — seek emergency help immediately
- Delayed wound healing — steroid use after eye injury or surgery can slow the natural healing process
If you notice any serious side effects, stop using the drops immediately and seek urgent medical attention from an eye specialist or go to the nearest hospital emergency.
Drug Interactions
Dexoflox Eye Drops are applied directly to the eye surface and systemic absorption is minimal with correct use. However the following interactions and considerations are important:
| Consideration | Details |
|---|---|
| Other eye drops | Always wait at least 5 minutes between applying different eye drops — never apply two preparations simultaneously into the same eye |
| Eye ointments | Always apply drops first — wait at least 10 minutes — then apply ointment last as ointments create a barrier that blocks drop absorption |
| Systemic fluoroquinolone antibiotics (e.g., oral Ofloxacin or Ciprofloxacin) | If the patient is also taking fluoroquinolone antibiotics by mouth, inform your doctor — combined fluoroquinolone exposure should be discussed |
| Systemic corticosteroids (e.g., oral Prednisolone or Dexamethasone injections) | Combined steroid use from multiple sources should be discussed with your doctor — including effects on eye pressure and immune suppression |
| Medicines for glaucoma (e.g., Timolol, Latanoprost, Dorzolamide) | Dexamethasone may counteract the eye pressure-lowering effect of glaucoma medicines — close monitoring of intraocular pressure is essential |
| Immunosuppressant medicines | Dexamethasone may further reduce local immune defence in the eye — inform your doctor if taking any immunosuppressant medicines |
| Antacids containing aluminium or magnesium | Reduce absorption of systemic Ofloxacin — not relevant for eye drops but inform doctor if taking systemic Ofloxacin simultaneously |
| Soft contact lenses | Must be removed before applying drops — preservatives or drug components can be absorbed into lens material and cause eye irritation or damage lenses |
Always inform your doctor and eye specialist about all medicines, eye preparations, vitamins, or supplements currently being used.
Storage Instructions
- Store below 25°C in a cool, dry place
- Keep away from direct sunlight and excessive heat
- Do not refrigerate or freeze the eye drops
- Keep out of reach of children (بچوں کی پہنچ سے دور رکھیں)
- Do not use after the expiry date printed on the bottle or outer box
- Keep the bottle tightly closed after each use to prevent contamination
- Check the label — if this is a suspension, shake well before each use. If it is a clear solution, no shaking is needed
- Discard the bottle 4 weeks after first opening — do not use beyond this period even if liquid remains in the bottle
- Do not use if the solution appears unexpectedly cloudy, significantly discoloured, or contains visible particles
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Dexoflox Eye Drops used for?
Dexoflox Eye Drops are used to treat bacterial eye infections where significant inflammation is also present — including bacterial conjunctivitis, corneal ulcers, bacterial keratitis, and post-operative eye inflammation. Ofloxacin kills the bacteria responsible for the infection while Dexamethasone simultaneously reduces the redness, swelling, pain, and light sensitivity caused by the body's inflammatory response — treating both the infection and the inflammation together.
How is Dexoflox different from plain Ofloxacin eye drops?
Plain Ofloxacin eye drops contain only the antibiotic and treat the bacterial infection without addressing the inflammatory component. Dexoflox adds Dexamethasone — a potent steroid — which directly suppresses the inflammatory response in the eye. This provides faster and more complete relief from redness, swelling, pain, and light sensitivity, particularly in conditions where inflammation is a significant part of the problem alongside the infection. However the steroid component also means Dexoflox carries additional risks — including raised eye pressure and cataract formation — that plain Ofloxacin drops do not carry.
Can prolonged use of Dexoflox Eye Drops damage my eyesight?
Yes — prolonged or unsupervised use of steroid-containing eye drops is genuinely dangerous. Dexamethasone can cause raised intraocular pressure — which if undetected damages the optic nerve and leads to permanent vision loss and glaucoma. It can also accelerate cataract formation. Both of these complications are more likely with longer duration of use, repeated courses, or use without proper medical monitoring. This is why Dexoflox must only be used for exactly as long as your doctor prescribes — and never extended without review and eye pressure monitoring.
Why can Dexoflox not be used for viral eye infections?
Dexamethasone suppresses the eye's immune response — which is the body's main defence against viral infections. When a viral infection such as Herpes simplex keratitis is present, this immune suppression allows the virus to replicate and spread across the cornea unchecked — potentially causing extensive ulceration, deep corneal scarring, and in severe cases permanent vision loss. This is why your doctor must carefully examine your eye and rule out any viral infection before prescribing any steroid-containing eye drops. Never use Dexoflox without a confirmed diagnosis from a qualified eye doctor.
Can I use Dexoflox Eye Drops after cataract surgery?
Dexoflox is commonly prescribed after cataract surgery to control post-operative inflammation and prevent bacterial infection in the immediate recovery period. However it must only be used if specifically prescribed by your eye surgeon — your surgeon will determine the appropriate preparation, dose, and duration for your post-operative eye care. Do not use any eye drops after eye surgery without your surgeon's explicit guidance.
What should I do if my eye symptoms are getting worse after starting Dexoflox?
If your eye redness, pain, discharge, swelling, or vision becomes worse rather than better after 2 to 3 days of starting Dexoflox, stop the drops immediately and see your eye doctor as soon as possible. Worsening symptoms can indicate several serious possibilities — the infection may be viral rather than bacterial and worsening because of the steroid, the causative bacteria may be resistant to Ofloxacin, you may have a fungal infection being worsened by the steroid, or you may have developed an allergic reaction to one of the ingredients. Any deterioration in symptoms with steroid-containing eye drops must always be assessed urgently by an eye specialist.
⚕️ Medical Disclaimer: This product description is for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified doctor or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. This product is a prescription medicine — it must only be used under the supervision of a licensed healthcare professional — preferably a qualified eye specialist (ophthalmologist).
DRAP Registered | Prescription Required (Rx) | For external use in the eye only | Do not touch dropper tip to eye or any surface | Never use beyond prescribed duration
