Lomefloxacin (Eye Drop)

Lomefloxacin is an antibiotic eye drop used to treat bacterial conjunctivitis, though it is a legacy agent with limited current use.

Drug class	Antibiotic (Fluoroquinolone)
Type	Single
Forms	Eye Drop
Common strength	0.3%
Common Indian brands	Lomef, Okacin (abroad)
Prescription status	Prescription

What Lomefloxacin is used for

Lomefloxacin eye drops are an anti-infective medicine primarily used to treat certain eye conditions caused by bacterial infections. Specifically, it has been used for:

• Bacterial conjunctivitis (an infection of the conjunctiva, the clear membrane that covers the white part of your eye and lines the inside of your eyelids).

Bacterial conjunctivitis is a common eye infection that can cause redness, itching, discharge, and discomfort. This medication works by targeting the bacteria responsible for the infection, helping to clear it up and relieve symptoms.

How it works

Lomefloxacin belongs to a class of antibiotics called fluoroquinolones. These antibiotics work by interfering with the essential processes that bacteria need to grow and multiply. Specifically, Lomefloxacin inhibits an enzyme called bacterial DNA gyrase. This enzyme is crucial for bacterial DNA replication, repair, and recombination. By blocking DNA gyrase, Lomefloxacin prevents the bacteria from properly maintaining their genetic material, which ultimately leads to the death of the bacterial cells. This action helps to eliminate the infection and allow your eye to heal.

How it’s used

Lomefloxacin is available as an eye drop and should be used exactly as prescribed by your ophthalmologist. The typical dosing involves:

• Instilling 1 drop into the affected eye(s) 2-3 times a day.

It is crucial to follow your doctor’s specific instructions regarding the frequency and duration of use. Do not stop using the eye drops even if your symptoms improve, unless advised by your doctor, as stopping too early can lead to the infection returning or becoming more resistant. Always wash your hands thoroughly before and after applying eye drops to prevent contamination.

Always follow your ophthalmologist’s exact instructions.

Brands available in India

• Lomef
• Okacin (abroad)

Brand availability and pricing vary; confirm with your pharmacist.

Precautions & side effects

When using Lomefloxacin eye drops, it’s important to be aware of certain precautions:

• Prescription Only: This is a prescription eye medicine and should only be used as directed by a qualified ophthalmologist. Do not self-medicate or reuse an old prescription.
• Legacy Agent: Lomefloxacin is considered a legacy agent, meaning it has limited current use in clinical practice. It is not currently approved or routinely available in India. This information is provided for reference. Your ophthalmologist will discuss approved and appropriate alternatives for your condition.
• Professional Medical Advice: This page provides general education and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or a prescription. Always consult your doctor for any eye concerns.
• Contamination: Avoid touching the tip of the dropper to your eye or any other surface to prevent contamination of the solution.
• Storage: Store the eye drops as directed by the manufacturer, typically in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and out of reach of children.
• Allergies: Inform your doctor if you have any known allergies to Lomefloxacin or other fluoroquinolone antibiotics.
• Other Medications: Tell your doctor about all other medications you are using, including over-the-counter drugs, supplements, and other eye drops, to avoid potential interactions.
• Vision Changes: If you experience any new or worsening vision changes, severe eye pain, or persistent irritation, contact your ophthalmologist immediately.

Understanding Bacterial Conjunctivitis

Bacterial conjunctivitis, often simply called ‘pink eye’, is a common eye infection that affects the conjunctiva. The conjunctiva is the clear, thin membrane that covers the white part of your eye (sclera) and lines the inside of your eyelids. When bacteria infect this membrane, it becomes inflamed, leading to a range of uncomfortable symptoms. Common signs of bacterial conjunctivitis include redness in one or both eyes, a gritty feeling in the eye, itching, and a discharge that can be watery, thick, or pus-like. This discharge often causes the eyelids to stick together, especially after sleeping. You might also experience mild pain or discomfort, increased sensitivity to light (photophobia), and swollen eyelids. Bacterial conjunctivitis is highly contagious and can spread easily from person to person through direct contact with eye secretions or contaminated objects. It’s important to practice good hygiene to prevent its spread. While uncomfortable, bacterial conjunctivitis is usually not serious and typically resolves with appropriate antibiotic treatment, such as eye drops. However, it’s crucial to get a proper diagnosis from an ophthalmologist to ensure it’s indeed bacterial and not another type of conjunctivitis (like viral or allergic) or a more serious eye condition that might require different treatment.

Correctly Using Eye Drops

Using eye drops correctly is vital for their effectiveness and to prevent contamination. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Wash Your Hands: Always start by washing your hands thoroughly with soap and water. This is the most important step to prevent introducing germs into your eye.
2. Prepare the Drop: If the bottle has a cap, remove it and place it on a clean surface, making sure the inside of the cap doesn’t touch anything. Do not touch the dropper tip with your fingers or any other surface.
3. Position Yourself: Tilt your head back slightly or lie down. You can also use a mirror to help guide you.
4. Create a Pouch: Gently pull down your lower eyelid with one finger to create a small pouch.
5. Instill the Drop: Hold the eye drop bottle upside down with your other hand, positioning the tip directly over the pouch you’ve created. Look upwards, and gently squeeze the bottle to release a single drop into the pouch. Try not to blink immediately.
6. Close Your Eye: Gently close your eye for 1-2 minutes. Avoid squeezing your eyes shut tightly, as this can push the medicine out.
7. Apply Pressure (Optional): You can gently press your finger against the inner corner of your eye (near your nose) for a minute or two. This helps prevent the medicine from draining into your tear duct and throat, keeping more of it in your eye.
8. Wipe Excess: If any excess liquid runs down your cheek, gently wipe it away with a clean tissue.
9. Replace Cap: Put the cap back on the bottle immediately, ensuring it’s sealed tightly.
10. Wash Hands Again: Wash your hands again to remove any medicine.

If you need to use more than one type of eye drop, wait at least 5-10 minutes between different medications to allow each drop to be absorbed properly. If you are using both drops and an eye ointment, use the drops first, wait 10 minutes, and then apply the ointment.

General Hygiene and Storage for Eye Medicines

Maintaining good hygiene and proper storage for your eye medicines is crucial for your eye health and the effectiveness of the treatment. Always store your eye drops according to the instructions on the packaging or as advised by your pharmacist. Typically, most eye drops should be stored in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. Never freeze eye drops unless specifically instructed. Keep all medicines out of the reach of children and pets. It’s important to note the expiry date on the bottle; never use expired eye drops. Additionally, once an eye drop bottle is opened, it usually has a limited shelf life, often around 28 days, even if the official expiry date is further away. This is because once opened, the sterility of the solution can be compromised. Always check the manufacturer’s instructions or ask your pharmacist about the discard date after opening. To prevent contamination, never share your eye drops with anyone else, even if they have similar symptoms. Each bottle should be used by only one person. Avoid touching the tip of the dropper to your eye, eyelid, or any other surface, as this can introduce bacteria into the solution, making it ineffective or even harmful. If the tip does touch something, it’s best to discard the bottle and get a new one. If you notice any change in the appearance of the eye drops (e.g., cloudiness, discoloration, particles), do not use them and consult your pharmacist or ophthalmologist. Practicing these simple hygiene and storage habits will help ensure your eye treatment is safe and effective.

Frequently asked questions

What is Lomefloxacin used for?

Lomefloxacin is an antibiotic eye drop primarily used to treat bacterial conjunctivitis, which is a bacterial infection of the clear membrane covering the white part of your eye and lining your eyelids.

How does Lomefloxacin work?

Lomefloxacin is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic. It works by inhibiting bacterial DNA gyrase, an enzyme essential for bacteria to grow and multiply. By blocking this enzyme, it prevents bacteria from maintaining their genetic material, leading to their death and clearing the infection.

What are the common Indian brands for Lomefloxacin?

In India, Lomefloxacin was previously available under the brand name Lomef. However, it is a legacy agent and not currently approved or routinely available in India. Okacin is a brand that was available abroad. Your ophthalmologist will recommend approved alternatives.

How should I use Lomefloxacin eye drops?

Lomefloxacin eye drops are typically prescribed as 1 drop in the affected eye(s) 2-3 times a day. Always follow your ophthalmologist's specific instructions regarding the dosage and duration of treatment. Remember to wash your hands before and after use and avoid touching the dropper tip to your eye or any surface.

Do I need a prescription for Lomefloxacin?

Yes, Lomefloxacin is a prescription eye medicine. It should only be used as directed by a qualified ophthalmologist. Do not self-medicate or reuse an old prescription.

What are the key precautions I should take when using Lomefloxacin?

Key precautions include using it only as prescribed by an ophthalmologist, understanding that it is a legacy agent with limited current use and not routinely available in India, and not self-medicating. Always inform your doctor about other medications you are taking and report any new or worsening eye symptoms immediately.

References

1. Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis) – American Academy of Ophthalmology
2. Conjunctivitis – MedlinePlus
3. Learn about eye health – National Eye Institute (NIH)
4. Blindness and vision impairment – World Health Organization
5. StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf

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Medically reviewed by Dr. C Jagadesh Reddy, Chief Surgeon: Cornea, Cataract and Refractive Surgery — last reviewed 2026-07-28.

This page is for general education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Never self-medicate or reuse an old prescription. Always consult a qualified ophthalmologist before starting, changing or stopping any eye medicine.