What is Ciloxan?
Ciprofloxacin is a fluoroquinolone. Ciloxan is used for treating bacterial infections in the eye. Ciloxan can also be used to treat an eye ulcer. Ciprofloxacin does not treat viral or fungus infections in the eye. Ciloxan can only be used to treat bacterial infections. Ciloxan can be used in other ways than those listed in the medication guide.
Side effects of Ciloxan
If you experience any of the following signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction: difficulty breathing, hives or swelling to lips, face or throat - please seek medical assistance immediately!
Ciloxan can cause serious side effects. If you experience:
- If you experience severe irritation, burning, stinging, or burning after taking this medication, discontinue use immediately.
- Eye swelling, redness, and discomfort may indicate infection.
Ciloxan side effects may include:
- Dry eyes or watery eyes
- Eye pain or discomfort
- Red or puffy eyelids
- Do You Feel As Though Something Is in Your Eyes? If yes, is something blocking it from showing, consider having your vision checked as soon as possible to prevent further irritation to occur.
- Blurred vision
- Mild itching or irritation.
There may be other side effects. Call your physician immediately if experiencing side effects; to report adverse events contact the FDA directly on 1-800-FDA-1088.
Warnings
Read and follow all instructions provided with your medication, as well as inform your healthcare provider of any medical conditions, allergies and current medicines you are taking.
Before you take this drug
Ciloxan should not be used if you have an allergy to ciprofloxacin (or other fluoroquinolones such as gemifloxacin, levofloxacin, moxifloxacin, ofloxacin, norfloxacin, and others). This medicine should not be used to treat viral or fungus infections in the eyes. Ciloxan can only be used to treat bacterial eye infections. This medication does not pose a risk to an unborn baby and should only be taken during a planned or existing pregnancy. Please notify your healthcare provider if pregnant, planning pregnancy or planning on becoming pregnant. There is no way to know if ciprofloxacin ophthalmic can pass into breast milk or if the drug could harm a nursing infant. Inform your doctor if breastfeeding is a possibility. Ciprofloxacin (eye drops) is not recommended for anyone under the age of one year. Ciprofloxacin is not recommended for anyone under the age of 2 years.
How to take Ciloxan?
Do not alter the instructions on your prescription. Use this medication only as directed. Do not exceed the prescribed dosage or use it for longer than indicated. You may notice that your eye is whitish after treating an ulcer. This is an indication that the medication works, not a side effect. This buildup should disappear within a few weeks or days of treatment. Remove your contact lenses before you apply Ciloxan. You can ask your doctor whether contact lenses may be reinserted following the application of Ciloxan. Before using eye medications, wash your hands.
How to apply eye drops
- To create a pocket, tilt your head back slightly and pull down on your lower eyelid with the dropper until its tip points in a downwards motion. Squeeze out a few drops by looking up and away.
- Close your eyes without blinking, squinting, or moving your head. Press your finger gently on the inside corner for 1 minute to prevent the liquid from draining down into your tear duct.
- Only use the drops prescribed by your doctor. Wait 5 minutes in between drops if you are using more than one drop.
- You should wait at least 10 minutes after using the eye drops prescribed by your doctor before you use any other eye drops.
How to apply the ointment
- Create a pocket by tilting your head slightly back and pulling down your lower eyelid. The tip of the tube should be pointing towards this pocket. Focus your attention upwards and away from the tip.
- Squeeze a small amount of ointment onto the lower eyelid without touching the tip of your eye. Blink gently, then close your eyes for a minute or two.
- Wipe off any excess ointment with a tissue.
- You may experience blurred vision after opening your eyes for a few seconds. Avoid driving and doing other activities that require you to have clear vision.
Avoid touching the tip of an eye dropper, ointment, or tube directly or placing it on your eye. Once contaminated, eye dropper or ointment tube tips may lead to serious vision impairment and affect vision health in a devastating manner. Ciloxan can be used for 5 to 14 consecutive days. This medicine should be taken for the entire prescribed time. You may experience some improvement in your symptoms before the infection has completely cleared. If the liquid is discolored or contains particles, do not use it. For new medication, call your pharmacist. Store away from moisture, light, and heat. Store at room temperature. Keep the tube or bottle securely closed when not in use.
What happens if I miss the dose?
As soon as you realize, take the dose that was missed; if your next scheduled dosage is quickly approaching, skip taking this missed dosage altogether. You should not take extra medicine to compensate for a missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Overdoses of Ciloxan are not considered dangerous. If anyone accidentally swallows the medication, seek emergency medical attention. Reach the Poison Help Line at 1-800-222-1222 if you suspect exposure.
What should be avoided?
Contact lenses should not be worn until all signs and symptoms of eye infection have subsided. Ciloxan can cause blurred vision, and it may affect your ability to think or react. Care should always be taken when driving or engaging in other tasks that require being alert and being able to clearly see. You should only use eye drops prescribed by your doctor.
Interaction with other drug
Ciprofloxacin in the eye is unlikely to interact with other drugs that you may take orally or by injection. Many drugs interact with each other. Inform your healthcare provider about any medicines you take, including vitamins and herbal supplements.
