Ofloxacin compared with chloramphenicol in the management of external ocular infection.

The safety and efficacy of 0.3% ofloxacin in treating bacterial ocular infections was compared with that of 0.5% chloramphenicol in a parallel-group, randomised clinical trial at five sites. Clinical and microbiological improvement rates were studied in 84 culture-positive patients. Patients with suspected bacterial ocular infections were evaluated for clinical improvement and were included in drug safety and comfort analyses. Clinical improvement did not differ significantly between drug treatments. All patients completing the study (79 assigned ofloxacin, and 74 chloramphenicol) showed clinical improvement. Clinical improvement in the culture-positive groups was 100% (41/41) after ofloxacin treatment, and 95% (41/43) after chloramphenicol treatment. Microbiological improvement rates were similar for the two drugs: 85% (33/39) improved with ofloxacin, and 88% (38/43) improved with chloramphenicol. Both drugs were well tolerated. Adverse reactions possibly due to the study medication occurred in 1% (1/89) of those who received ofloxacin, and in 4% (4/93) of those who received chloramphenicol.