Ciprodex Ophthalmic Solution

Common use

Ciprodex ear drops used to treat middle ear infections inside the ear (also called otitis media), and infections of the outer ear canal (also called otitis externa). Ciprodex ear drops contain a combination of ciprofloxacin and dexamethasone. Ciprofloxacin is a quinolone antibiotic that treats infections caused by bacteria. Dexamethasone is a corticosteroid. It reduces the actions of chemicals in the body that cause inflammation. Ciprodex ear drops contain a combination of ciprofloxacin and dexamethasone. Ciprofloxacin is a quinolone antibiotic that treats infections caused by bacteria. Dexamethasone is a corticosteroid. It reduces the actions of chemicals in the body that cause inflammation.

Dosage and direction

Take Ciprodex exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take by mouth. Ciprodex is for use only in the ears. Shake the medicine well just before each use. You may warm Ciprodex ear drops before use by holding the bottle in your hand for 1 or 2 minutes. Wash your hands before using ear drops. Usual Adult Dose of Ciprodex for Otitis Externa: 4 drops in the affected ear(s) 2 times a day; Duration of therapy: 7 days.
To use the Ciprodex ear drops: Lie down or tilt your head with your ear facing upward. Open the ear canal by gently pulling your ear back, or pulling downward on the earlobe when giving this medicine to a child. Hold the dropper upside down over your ear and drop the correct number of drops into the ear. Stay lying down or with your head tilted for at least 2 minutes. You may use a small piece of cotton to plug the ear and keep the medicine from draining out. Do not touch the dropper tip or place it directly in your ear. It may become contaminated. Wipe the tip with a clean tissue but do not wash with water or soap.

Precautions

To make sure Ciprodex is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have: severe ear pain; or hearing problems.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Avoid getting water in your ears while bathing or showering. Avoid swimming while you are treating an ear infection.
Do not use other ear medications unless your doctor tells you to.

Contraindications

Do not use this medication in the eyes or take it by mouth. Ciprodex is intended for use in the ears only. Do not touch the dropper opening to any surface, including the ears or hands. The dropper opening is sterile. If it becomes contaminated, it could cause another infection in the ear.
You should not use Ciprodex if you are allergic to ciprofloxacin or dexamethasone, or if you have: a viral or fungal infection affecting your ear canal, including herpes or chickenpox; or if you are allergic to any antibiotic similar to ciprofloxacin, such as gatifloxacin, levofloxacin, moxifloxacin, Cipro, Levaquin, and others.
Ciprodex should not be used on a child younger than 6 months old.

Possible side effect

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to Ciprodex: rash, hives, itching; dizziness, fast heartbeats, fluttering in your chest; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have drainage from your ears after you stop using this medicine, especially if it occurs 2 or more times within 6 months after you stop.
Common Ciprodex side effects may include: ear itching or pain, ear discomfort or fullness; unusual taste in your mouth; feeling irritable; rash; or a buildup of debris in the ear canal.

Drug interaction

Medicine used in the ears is not likely to be affected by other drugs you use. But many drugs can interact with each other. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all medicines you use, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Missed dose

Use the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not use two doses at one time.

Overdose

An overdose of Ciprodex ear drops is not expected to be dangerous. Seek emergency medical attention if anyone has accidentally swallowed the medication.

Storage

Store Ciprodex ear drops at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light. Do not freeze. Throw away any unused medicine after your treatment is finished.