Focalin Drops 0.1%/0.3%

About Focalin Drops 0.1%/0.3%

Focalin Drops Uses

• Treats bacterial eye infections accompanied by inflammation, such as infective conjunctivitis
• Reduces redness, swelling, and irritation following eye surgery
• Manages blepharitis and other inflamed eyelid conditions with an infective component
• Used for corneal infections that involve both bacteria and inflammation, under specialist guidance
• Helps control post-traumatic eye inflammation with infection risk

Focalin Drops Benefits

• Combines an antibiotic and a steroid in one drop, treating infection and inflammation together
• Reduces the need for two separate eye drop bottles
• Ofloxacin covers a broad range of bacteria commonly seen in eye infections
• Dexamethasone brings faster relief from pain, redness, and swelling

What Experts Say

Ofloxacin is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic that stops bacteria from copying their DNA, which controls the infection driving eye redness and discharge. Dexamethasone is a corticosteroid that reduces the inflammatory response, easing swelling, itching, and pain. Combining the two treats the infection and the inflammation it causes in a single drop.

Ophthalmology guidance limits steroid-antibiotic combinations to short courses, usually five to seven days, since prolonged steroid exposure in the eye can raise intraocular pressure and increase cataract risk. It is not recommended for viral, fungal, or mycobacterial eye infections, as the steroid can worsen these by suppressing local immune defense.

Regular eye pressure checks are advised if treatment extends beyond ten days or repeats often. Contact lenses should be avoided during treatment, and the dropper tip should never touch the eye to prevent contamination. Anyone with glaucoma, herpes eye infection, or corneal thinning should use this combination only under close ophthalmic supervision.

Drug Class

• Corticosteroid and Fluoroquinolone Antibiotic Combination
• Ophthalmic Anti-Infective and Anti-Inflammatory

Focalin Drops 0.1%/0.3% formula

• Dexamethasone + Ofloxacin

Available forms

• Eye Drops

How to use Focalin Drops 0.1%/0.3%?

• Wash hands before using the eye drops
• Tilt the head back and pull down the lower eyelid to form a small pocket
• Instill 1 to 2 drops into the affected eye as directed by the doctor
• Close the eye gently for one to two minutes after instilling the drop
• Avoid touching the dropper tip to the eye or any surface
• Wait at least 5 minutes before using any other eye drop
• Do not wear contact lenses during treatment
• Use for the full course prescribed, usually not longer than 7 to 10 days

Drug Interactions

• Other Topical Ophthalmic Steroids: Using together increases the risk of raised eye pressure
• Other Eye Drops: Space other topical eye medications at least 5 minutes apart to avoid dilution
• Live Vaccines: High dose or prolonged steroid exposure may reduce vaccine response, though risk is low with topical eye use

Risks and warnings

• Prolonged Use: Extended use beyond 10 days may raise intraocular pressure and cause glaucoma
• Cataract Risk: Long term steroid exposure in the eye increases cataract risk
• Viral and Fungal Infections: Not suitable for herpes, fungal, or mycobacterial eye infections since the steroid can worsen them
• Delayed Healing: May slow corneal wound healing after injury or surgery
• Secondary Infection: Steroid component may mask or worsen an existing eye infection
• Contact Lenses: Avoid wearing contact lenses during treatment
• Children: Use only under pediatric ophthalmic supervision

Focalin Drops Side Effects

• Temporary burning or stinging on application
• Eye redness or irritation
• Blurred vision for a few moments after use
• Itching around the eye
• Watery eyes
• Increased intraocular pressure with prolonged use
• Cataract formation with long term use
• Delayed wound healing
• Secondary eye infection, including fungal infection
• Corneal thinning with extended use
• Allergic reaction such as eyelid swelling (seek medical care)

Storage Conditions

• Store below 25°C away from direct sunlight
• Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use
• Discard the bottle 4 weeks after opening even if drops remain
• Keep out of reach of children
• Avoid freezing the drops