Lomefloxacin ophthalmic preparation is indicated for the treatment of bacterial eye infections caused by lomefloxacin-susceptible organisms, including conjunctivitis, blepharitis, and blepharoconjunctivitis. It is also indicated for corneal ulcers caused by Staphylococcus aureus.

Lomefloxacin is a difluorinated quinolone derivative with bactericidal activity against a broad range of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. It acts by inhibiting bacterial DNA gyrase (topoisomerase II), an essential enzyme involved in DNA replication, transcription, repair, recombination, supercoiling, and relaxation. By forming a stable complex with the bacterial gyrase enzyme, lomefloxacin disrupts critical DNA-related processes, leading to rapid death of susceptible bacteria.

The acute toxicity of lomefloxacin following systemic or topical ophthalmic administration is low. Cross-resistance has been reported with other quinolones, but not with unrelated classes of antibiotics. Clinical studies on its efficacy against chlamydial infections are not available.

Adults and children above 1 year of age: Instill 1 drop into the lower conjunctival sac 2–3 times daily. At the beginning of treatment, more frequent administration is recommended, such as 5 drops within 20 minutes or 1 drop every hour for 6–10 hours. The usual duration of treatment is 7 to 9 days.

Lomefloxacin may be administered with or without food.

To avoid reduced efficacy, ophthalmic preparations containing heavy metals, such as zinc, should not be used within 15 minutes before or after the administration of lomefloxacin. Bacteriostatic ophthalmic antibiotics should not be used concomitantly with lomefloxacin eye drops.

Lomefloxacin is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to the active ingredient, any of the excipients, or other quinolones. Prolonged use of antibiotics may promote the development of secondary fungal infections or encourage the overgrowth of non-susceptible organisms.

A slight and transient burning sensation immediately after instillation has been reported in approximately 4.7% of users. Although phototoxicity has not been reported following ophthalmic use, photosensitization remains a possibility. As allergic reactions have been reported with systemic use of lomefloxacin, similar reactions cannot be excluded with topical ophthalmic administration. These may include allergic reactions, asthma, dyspnoea, urticaria, erythema, pruritus, and hypersensitivity.

Animal studies have shown that, following systemic administration at a dose of 20 mg/kg, lomefloxacin crosses the placental barrier and is excreted into maternal milk. Adequate clinical data on the use of lomefloxacin eye drops during pregnancy and lactation in humans are not available. Therefore, lomefloxacin should be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding only when the expected benefit outweighs the potential risk to the fetus or infant.

Although isolated cases of phototoxicity have been reported following systemic use of lomefloxacin, such reactions have not been reported with topical ophthalmic use. Nevertheless, patients are advised to avoid excessive exposure to sunlight or ultraviolet (UV) radiation during treatment with lomefloxacin.

Accidental oral ingestion of lomefloxacin eye drops is unlikely to cause significant adverse effects. A 5 mL bottle of the eye drop solution contains only 15 mg of lomefloxacin, which is approximately 3.75% of the recommended adult oral daily dose of 400 mg.

4-Quinolone preparation; ophthalmic antibacterial drug.

Store at a temperature between 15°C and 25°C.