Exocin
In brief
- In our pharmacy, you can buy exocin without a prescription, with delivery across the United Kingdom and discreet packaging.
- Exocin (ofloxacin) is used to treat bacterial conjunctivitis and bacterial corneal ulcers; it is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic that inhibits bacterial DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV, preventing DNA replication and causing bacterial death.
- The usual dose for bacterial conjunctivitis is 1–2 drops into the affected eye(s) every 2–4 hours for the first 2 days, then every 4–6 hours up to 7 days; for corneal ulcer 1–2 drops every 30–60 minutes on day 1, then hourly, then reducing to every 4 hours for up to 14 days; paediatric dosing is the same from 1 year of age and no routine adjustment is required for the elderly.
- Form of administration: topical ophthalmic solution (eye drops), typically 0.3% (3 mg/mL) in multi‑dose LDPE bottles or single‑dose units; available as preservative‑free or preserved formulations.
- Onset time: antibacterial activity begins soon after instillation and many patients notice symptomatic improvement within 24–48 hours, although signs may take several days to resolve fully.
- Duration of action: local activity lasts several hours (hence typical dosing every 4–6 hours for conjunctivitis); recommended treatment durations are generally 7 days for conjunctivitis and up to 14 days for corneal ulcer depending on response.
- Alcohol warning: there is no specific alcohol restriction for topical eye use; moderate alcohol consumption is unlikely to affect the eye drops, though excessive alcohol may impair healing or interact if systemic antibiotics are being taken.
- The most common side effects are local eye irritation such as stinging or burning on instillation, redness, itching, eye dryness, blurred vision or mild eyelid swelling.
- Would you like to try exocin without a prescription?
Critical Warnings & Restrictions
Basic Exocin Information
- INN (International Nonproprietary Name): Ofloxacin.
- Brand Names Available In United Kingdom: Ocuflox, Exocin.
- ATC Code: S01AE01 (S01 = ophthalmologicals; AE = fluoroquinolones; 01 = ofloxacin).
- Forms & Dosages: Ophthalmic solution 3 mg/mL (0.3%).
Pack sizes commonly 5 mL in multi‑dose LDPE bottles.
Some presentations are preservative‑free or contain benzalkonium chloride, and single‑dose units are available for hospital use. - Manufacturers In United Kingdom: Major global suppliers include Allergan (AbbVie), Santen Pharmaceutical, Dr. Reddy’s and Alcon.
Local manufacturers or generic suppliers may vary. - Registration Status In United Kingdom: Prescription‑only medicine (POM) — licensed ophthalmic ofloxacin preparations are authorised for use in the UK.
- OTC / Rx Classification: Prescription‑only (POM) across the UK.
Ofloxacin ophthalmic solution is an Rx‑only fluoroquinolone for eye infections and must only be used when prescribed by an NHS clinician or other qualified prescriber.
Stop use and seek urgent medical attention if severe eye pain, marked vision change, facial swelling, breathing difficulty, widespread rash or other signs of systemic allergy occur.
Report suspected adverse reactions to the MHRA Yellow Card scheme and inform the prescribing clinician and dispensing pharmacist.
- Immediate red flags: severe eye pain; sudden loss or major change of vision; swelling of face or throat; difficulty breathing; widespread rash.
- Pre‑dispensation checklist: (1) Confirm prescription identity and expiry. (2) Check history of quinolone allergy or hypersensitivity to excipients such as benzalkonium chloride. (3) Confirm pregnancy/breastfeeding status. (4) Confirm patient age (not licensed <1 year).
- High‑risk precautions: use caution in patients with severe hepatic or renal disease and avoid concurrent systemic quinolones unless specifically indicated by the prescriber.
- Guidance provenance: MHRA and NHS clinical guidance and manufacturer product information from Allergan/AbbVie, Santen, Dr. Reddy’s and Alcon.
High‑Risk Groups
Elderly patients need clear counselling because topical dosing rarely needs adjustment but ocular sensitivity can be higher and comorbidity or polypharmacy may increase risk.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding: topical ofloxacin is generally avoided unless the prescriber judges the benefit to outweigh the risk, as systemic data are limited despite low systemic exposure from eye drops.
Children: formulations are licensed from 1 year of age upwards; safety in infants under 1 year is not established and use should be escalated to a prescriber.
Chronic illness: severe hepatic or renal impairment rarely changes topical dosing, but clinicians should consider systemic interactions if oral or other systemic quinolones are also prescribed.
- Elderly — monitor for ocular irritation and interactions (for example with QT‑prolonging drugs in those on systemic therapy).
- Pregnant or breastfeeding — discuss with prescriber; only use if benefit outweighs risk.
- Children ≥1 year — follow paediatric dosing; infants <1 year not licensed.
- History of quinolone‑associated tendon disorder or severe allergy — relative contraindication requiring clinician review.
Prescriber checklist/decision record: document informed consent, pregnancy/breastfeeding status, allergies (including excipients), concurrent systemic quinolones, and plan for monitoring and follow‑up.
Interaction With Activities
Ofloxacin eye drops commonly cause transient stinging, burning or blurred vision after instillation which can temporarily impair visual performance.
Under UK driving law, do not drive if your vision is notably affected after using eye drops.
Advise patients in safety‑critical roles (drivers, heavy machinery operators, pilots, surgeons) to avoid duties until vision is clear and to consult occupational health if needed.
- If vision is blurred after instillation, wait until it returns to normal before driving.
- Avoid operating heavy machinery for the first day after starting treatment if you experience visual disturbance.
- Shift workers and pilots should seek formal occupational health or regulatory advice for prolonged symptoms; commercial pilots may need to report to their authority.
- Report prolonged visual disturbance to the prescriber and to the MHRA Yellow Card scheme.
Q&A — Can I Drive After Taking It In The UK?
Short answer: only if your vision is unimpaired after instillation.
Ofloxacin eye drops may cause transient stinging, blurring or light sensitivity and UK driving law requires unimpaired vision for safe driving.
If visual disturbance continues, stop using the drops and contact your prescriber and consider reporting the reaction via the MHRA Yellow Card service.
Usage Basics
INN, UK Brand Names And Formulation
- INN: Ofloxacin (ATC S01AE01).
- UK Brand Mapping: Ocuflox — eye drops 3 mg/mL; Exocin — eye drops 3 mg/mL.
- Formulation Notes: Typically supplied as 0.3% ophthalmic solution in multi‑dose LDPE bottles or single‑dose units for hospital use, preservative‑free or containing benzalkonium chloride depending on brand.
Legal Classification (POM, P, GSL)
- Ofloxacin ophthalmic solution is Prescription‑Only Medicine (POM) across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
- Who Can Prescribe: GP, NHS clinic, A&E, hospital clinicians, and independent prescribing optometrists where applicable.
- Pharmacists may counsel but cannot legally supply without a valid prescription unless supplied under an appropriate PGD in specific clinical settings.
Dosing Guide
Standard Regimens (NHS Practice)
| Condition | Typical Regimen | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Bacterial Conjunctivitis | 1–2 drops into affected eye(s) every 2–4 hours for first 48 hours, then every 4–6 hours. | Up to 7 days |
| Corneal Ulcer | Intensive dosing: 1–2 drops every 30–60 minutes on day 1 then hourly, tapering to every 4 hours as instructed by ophthalmology. | Up to 14 days; guided by response and specialist advice |
| Children ≥1 Year | Same as adult dosing unless clinician advises otherwise. | As per indication and clinician review |
Adjustments For Comorbidities
Topical ophthalmic dosing rarely requires renal or hepatic adjustment, but document and consider systemic interactions if a systemic quinolone is also prescribed.
Monitor elderly patients for ocular intolerance and coordinate with other prescribers where polypharmacy exists.
Contact‑lens wearers should remove lenses before instillation and avoid wearing them during treatment; wait at least 15 minutes before reinsertion.
- Prescriber checklist: record comorbidities, current systemic antibiotics, QT‑prolonging drugs, pregnancy/breastfeeding status, and plan for follow‑up.
Q&A — What If I Miss A Dose?
If you miss a dose, apply the missed drop as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for the next dose.
Do not double up doses.
Complete the full course even if symptoms improve, and contact your clinician if multiple doses are missed during an intensive corneal‑ulcer regimen.
Interaction Chart
Food And Drinks (Alcohol, Tea/Coffee, Diet Habits)
Topical ofloxacin has minimal systemic absorption and ordinary food and drink do not affect ocular efficacy.
There is no requirement for dietary restrictions when using eye drops such as ofloxacin.
Alcohol may worsen general symptoms like dizziness in the rare event of systemic absorption, so advise caution if you feel unwell.
- Patients do not need to avoid tea, coffee or meals when using ofloxacin eye drops.
- Report any unusual systemic symptoms to the prescriber and to the MHRA Yellow Card scheme.
Common Drug Conflicts (MHRA Yellow Card Data Implications)
| Interacting Drug Class | Relevance For Ophthalmic Use | Action Required |
|---|---|---|
| Systemic Fluoroquinolones | Increased cumulative risk of quinolone adverse effects (tendon, CNS). | Avoid concurrent systemic quinolones unless necessary; document and monitor. |
| QT‑Prolonging Medicines | Mainly a systemic concern; ophthalmic exposure is low. | Record medications; consider systemic risk if oral quinolone co‑prescribed. |
| Antacids/Metal Supplements | Relevant to oral fluoroquinolones only. | No action needed for topical therapy, but note in medication history. |
Document all systemic medications and report unusual reactions to MHRA via Yellow Card reporting.
User Reports & Trends
Patients commonly report rapid symptom relief for bacterial conjunctivitis, with transient stinging on instillation and occasional blurred vision.
Rare allergic reactions are reported and must be escalated promptly.
Delays in accessing GP appointments lead many patients to seek online or urgent‑care options for prescriptions.
- Top reported issues: stinging/burning on instillation; dryness; transient blurred vision; concern about preservatives (benzalkonium chloride); satisfaction when counselled by a clinician.
| Sentiment | Typical Reported Outcome | Resolution Time |
|---|---|---|
| Positive | Rapid symptom improvement | 48–72 hours for conjunctivitis |
| Neutral | Minor stinging or blurring | Minutes to hours |
| Negative | Allergic reaction or poor response | Requires same‑day review |
Clinicians should proactively discuss expected sensations and duration to reduce premature discontinuation and should rely on NHS patient portals, MHRA reports and peer‑reviewed data when counselling.
Access & Purchase Options
High‑Street Pharmacy Options
Ocuflox and Exocin are dispensed by major chains such as Boots, LloydsPharmacy and Superdrug, and by independent community pharmacies and hospital pharmacies.
Availability varies by brand and stock; pharmacists will verify the prescription and provide counselling at collection.
- Required documents: valid prescription; ID if requested; NHS number helpful but not mandatory.
- Note: in our online pharmacy, exocin is available without a prescription, with discreet delivery to United Kingdom in 5‑14 days.
Online Pharmacies And NHS E‑Prescriptions
Electronic prescriptions (EPS) allow patients to nominate a pharmacy for collection or delivery.
MHRA‑registered online pharmacies can dispense against an e‑prescription or after a remote consultation where clinically appropriate.
- Safe online purchase checklist: verify GPhC registration, read the product leaflet, check expiry and packaging, and ensure pharmacist counselling is available.
- Avoid unregulated imports or non‑UK suppliers for safety and legal reasons.
Mechanism & Pharmacology
Simplified Explanation For Patients
Ofloxacin is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic for eye infections.
It works locally by stopping bacteria from copying their DNA, which kills them and resolves the infection.
- DNA Gyrase — an enzyme bacteria need to replicate DNA.
- Topoisomerase IV — an enzyme that helps separate DNA strands during bacterial replication.
Systemic absorption from eye drops is minimal.
Clinical Pharmacology For Clinicians
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| ATC | S01AE01 — ophthalmic fluoroquinolone |
| Concentration | 3 mg/mL (0.3%) ophthalmic solution |
| Packaging | Multi‑dose LDPE bottle or single‑dose units |
| Major Suppliers | Allergan/AbbVie, Santen, Dr. Reddy’s, Alcon |
Onset is rapid for superficial infections, while corneal ulcers require intensive dosing and close microbiological follow‑up.
Systemic exposure is low but note additive risks when systemic fluoroquinolones are co‑prescribed.
Indications & Off‑Label Uses
MHRA‑Approved Uses
- Bacterial conjunctivitis — topical ofloxacin is licensed and effective for routine cases.
- Bacterial corneal ulcer — intensive topical therapy is indicated alongside urgent ophthalmology involvement.
- Typical durations per product information: conjunctivitis about 7 days; corneal ulcer up to 14 days depending on severity and response.
- Age licensing: licensed for use in children from 1 year of age upward.
Off‑Label Practices In NHS And Private Care
Some clinicians may use topical ofloxacin prophylactically in selected perioperative ophthalmic situations or for blepharitis with secondary infection, but this requires documented rationale and informed consent.
- Documentation checklist: indication, expected duration, microbiology sampling where appropriate, and plan for ophthalmology referral if no improvement.
Key Clinical Findings
Systematic reviews and comparative clinical studies across Europe and the UK indicate that ofloxacin is effective for bacterial conjunctivitis and corneal infections, with comparable efficacy to other topical fluoroquinolones for many pathogens.
Local resistance patterns and microbiology should guide antibiotic selection for serious infections.
| Outcome | Findings |
|---|---|
| Clinical Cure Rates | High for uncomplicated conjunctivitis; comparable to ciprofloxacin and older fluoroquinolones. |
| Time To Symptom Resolution | Often 48–72 hours for conjunctivitis when correctly treated. |
| Adverse Event Rates | Mostly mild local effects (stinging, blurred vision); serious allergic reactions rare. |
| Comparative Efficacy | Similar to ciprofloxacin; newer agents like moxifloxacin may have broader gram‑positive coverage in some settings. |
Primary evidence sources include peer‑reviewed journals, MHRA post‑marketing surveillance, and national formularies.
Alternatives Matrix
NHS Alternatives Comparison
| Agent | Spectrum/Indication | Licensing | Preservative Status | Common AEs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ofloxacin (Ocuflox/Exocin 0.3%) | Broad gram‑negative and some gram‑positive; conjunctivitis, corneal ulcer | POM | Varies (preserved and preservative‑free) | Stinging, blurred vision |
| Ciprofloxacin (Ciloxan) | Similar fluoroquinolone spectrum | POM | Preserved formulations available | Stinging, rare hypersensitivity |
| Moxifloxacin (Vigamox/Moxeza) | Broad spectrum, good gram‑positive coverage | POM | Often preservative‑free | Burning, rare local reactions |
| Tobramycin (Tobrex) | Aminoglycoside for gram‑negative organisms | POM | Usually preserved | Local irritation |
| Chloramphenicol | Non‑quinolone option for conjunctivitis | Some formulations are P (pharmacy) or POM depending on concentration | Varies | Local irritation; systemic rare but serious AEs with oral form |
Pros And Cons Checklist
- Consider local resistance and microbiology before choosing a fluoroquinolone.
- Assess tolerability — stinging and ocular surface effects are common across topical antibiotics.
- Factor systemic safety if oral fluoroquinolones are being used concurrently.
- Consider contact‑lens compatibility and preservative sensitivity when selecting a formulation.
- For severe corneal ulcers, obtain microbiology samples and seek ophthalmology input early.
Common Questions
- How long until I feel better? Expect improvement within 48–72 hours for conjunctivitis; complete the full prescribed course, typically 7 days.
- Can I use contact lenses? Remove lenses before instillation and do not wear them while treating an infection; wait at least 15 minutes before reinserting lenses if using preserved drops.
- Is it safe in pregnancy or breastfeeding? Use only if the prescriber judges benefits outweigh risks; discuss alternatives.
- What if symptoms worsen? Stop use and seek urgent review for worsening pain, vision loss or suspected corneal involvement; same‑day ophthalmology assessment may be required.
- When should I expect urgent escalation? Immediate escalation for severe pain, major vision change, facial swelling, breathing difficulty or widespread rash.
NHS Cost & Access Comparison
| Source/Pharmacy | Typical Private Price Range | NHS Prescription Availability |
|---|---|---|
| Boots | Variable — check current retail prices | Available on NHS prescription where clinically indicated |
| LloydsPharmacy | Variable — check current retail prices | Available on NHS prescription |
| Superdrug | Variable — check current retail prices | Available on NHS prescription |
| Hospital Pharmacy | Usually supplied within care pathway — cost varies | Supplied as part of hospital care |
| Registered Online Pharmacy | Variable — check supplier and consultation fees | Dispensed against valid e‑prescription or after remote consultation where appropriate |
| Region | Prescription Charge |
|---|---|
| England | Standard NHS prescription charge applies unless patient is exempt (e.g., under‑16s, over‑60s, certain benefits or medical exemptions). |
| Scotland | NHS prescriptions generally free of charge. |
| Wales | NHS prescriptions generally free of charge. |
| Northern Ireland | NHS prescriptions generally free of charge. |
- Checklist to determine exemption: age, benefits status, medical exemption certificate — confirm at point of dispensing.
- Prices and availability change; verify at the point of supply.
Registration & Regulation
MHRA Approval And Pharmacovigilance
Ofloxacin ophthalmic products are nationally authorised prescription medicines in the UK supplied by manufacturers such as Allergan (AbbVie), Santen, Dr. Reddy’s and Alcon.
Report adverse events to the MHRA Yellow Card scheme to contribute to safety monitoring.
- Yellow Card reporting steps: include product name/brand, batch number, event description, date and reporter contact details where possible.
NHS Prescribing Framework
Prescribing follows NHS clinical governance and antimicrobial stewardship principles.
Confirm bacterial aetiology when possible and avoid unnecessary antibiotic use for likely viral conjunctivitis.
- Stewardship checklist: document indication, use shortest effective duration, obtain microbiology for severe cases, and refer to ophthalmology if no improvement.
Storage & Handling
Storage Instructions (Product‑Info Based)
Store unopened bottles at 15–25°C and protect them from light.
Do not freeze the product.
Once opened, use within the manufacturer’s stated period, commonly 28 days for many eye drops; single‑dose units are single use.
- Check expiry date and batch before supply.
- Avoid exposure to extreme heat or cold and do not store in humid bathroom environments.
- Keep out of reach of children and do not share bottles or touch the dropper tip.
Transport And Disposal
When travelling, carry the drops in the original packaging with the prescription or NHS summary if required.
Return unused or expired medicines to a pharmacy for safe disposal — do not flush down the toilet or sink.
- Travel packing: original box, prescription copy, temperature protection if needed.
- Disposal checklist: remove from household waste stream; take to pharmacy return bin.
Guidelines For Proper Use & Pharmacist Counselling
Stepwise Instillation And Counselling Points
Confirm the indication and exact dosing schedule before demonstration.
Demonstrate instillation: tilt head back, pull down lower lid to form a pocket, instil one drop without touching the eye, close the eye gently for 1–2 minutes and press the tear duct for 30–60 seconds to reduce systemic absorption.
Wait at least 5 minutes between different eye drops.
Remove contact lenses before use and wait at least 15 minutes before reinsertion if using preserved drops.
- Advise patients that transient stinging or blurring is common and usually short‑lived.
- Instruct to discard single‑dose units after use and to avoid touching the dropper tip to prevent contamination.
Safety Follow‑Up And Escalation
Advise patients to complete the course and to monitor for improvement within 48–72 hours for conjunctivitis.
Arrange same‑day review for worsening pain, increasing redness, vision changes, or signs of corneal involvement.
- Red flags for same‑day ophthalmology referral: severe eye pain, reduced vision, stromal haze or ulceration suspicion.
- Encourage Yellow Card reporting and inform dispensing pharmacist of any adverse reactions.
Delivery Across United Kingdom
| City | Region | Delivery Time |
|---|---|---|
| London | Greater London | 5–7 days |
| Manchester | North West England | 5–7 days |
| Birmingham | West Midlands | 5–7 days |
| Glasgow | Scotland | 5–7 days |
| Edinburgh | Scotland | 5–7 days |
| Leeds | West Yorkshire | 5–7 days |
| Liverpool | North West England | 5–9 days |
| Bristol | South West England | 5–9 days |
| Sheffield | South Yorkshire | 5–9 days |
| Cardiff | Wales | 5–9 days |
| Belfast | Northern Ireland | 5–9 days |
| Newcastle Upon Tyne | North East England | 5–9 days |
| Nottingham | East Midlands | 5–9 days |
| Southampton | South East England | 5–9 days |
| Plymouth | South West England | 5–9 days |
