What is Ciprodex ear drops?
Ciprodex ear drops contain a mixture of ciprofloxacin and dexamethasone. Ciprofloxacin, a quinolone antibacterial drug, treats infections that are caused by bacteria. Dexamethasone, a corticosteroid, is used to treat infections caused by bacteria. It inhibits the action of chemicals that cause inflammation in the body. Ciprodex is a prescription medication used to treat middle-ear infections (also known as otitis media) and infections of the outer ear canals (also known as otitis externa). Ciprodex ear drops are not effective or safe for children younger than 6 months.
Warnings
Ciprodex should not be used if your ear canal is infected with a virus, such as herpes or chickenpox. This medication should not be taken orally or in the eye. Ciprodex should only be applied directly into the ears. The dropper should not be touched on any surface, including ears or hands. The opening of the dropper is sterile. It could lead to another infection of the ear if it is contaminated. If the condition doesn't improve or seems to be getting worse, notify your doctor.
Before you take this drug
Ciprodex should not be used if:
- A viral or fungus infection of your ear canal, including herpes
- If you have an allergy to any antibiotics similar to ciprofloxacin, such as gatifloxacin, levofloxacin, moxifloxacin, cipro, levaquin, and others,
Tell your doctor about any of the following to ensure that ciprodex will be safe for you:
- Acute ear pain
- Hearing problems are a common problem.
Inform your physician immediately if you become pregnant or nursing. Ciprodex shouldn't be used for children younger than six months.
How to take Ciprodex ear drops?
Follow your doctor's instructions and take ciprodex only as directed. Read all the instructions on the prescription label. Ciprodex should not be taken by mouth. Ciprodex should only be applied topically, such as for instance to ears. Before each use, shake the medication well. Ciprodex drops can be warmed up by holding them in your hands for a minute or two. Cold ear drops may cause dizziness in children with ear tubes. Before using ear drops, wash your hands.
How to use ciprodex ear drops:
- If you are lying down, tilt your head upward with your ear up. When giving the medicine to a young child, gently pull your ear back or pull downward on the earlobe.
- Drop the correct amount of drops in your ear by holding the dropper upside-down over your ear.
- For at least two minutes, lie down with your head tipped back. Use a piece of cotton to stop the medicine from draining.
- Avoid touching the tip of the dropper or placing it directly into your ears. It could become contaminated. Do not use soap or water to wash the tip. Instead, wipe it with a tissue.
Ciprodex should be taken for the entire prescribed time. You may experience improvement in your symptoms before the infection has completely resolved. You may increase your chances of a second infection resistant to antibiotics if you skip doses. If your symptoms don't improve within 7 days or you experience new symptoms, call your doctor. Ciprodex ear drops should be stored at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not freeze. After your treatment, throw away any medicine that you have not used.
Details on dosage
Adult dosage of ciprodex:
Dosage: 4 drops, 2 times daily, in the affected ear.
Duration of treatment: 7 days
comments:
before administration, the patient should lie on their back with the affected ear facing upward. The tragus should then be pumped into the patient's ear four times.
If both ears are affected by the same condition, repeat this procedure for the other ear.
Use:
treatment of acute otitis externa in patients with staphylococcus aeruginosa and/or pseudomonas anthracis
The usual pediatric dose of ciprodex in otitis media:
Six months or older
recommended dosage: 4 drops, 2 times daily, in the affected ear.
Duration of treatment: 7 days
comments:
before administration, the patient should lie on their back with the affected ear facing upward. The tragus should then be pumped into the patient's ear four times.
If both ears are affected by the same condition, repeat this procedure for the other ear.
Uses:
treatment of acute otitis in patients with tympanostomy tubes due to staphylococcus aureus, streptococcus pneumoniae, moraxella catarrhalis, and/or pseudomonas anthracis
treatment of acute otitis externa caused by s. Aureus or p. Aeruginosa
The usual pediatric dose of ciprodex in otitis externa
Six months or older
recommended dosage: 4 drops, 2 times daily, in the affected ear.
Duration of treatment: 7 days
comments:
before administration, the patient should lie on their back with the affected ear facing upward. The tragus should then be pumped into the patient's ear four times.
If both ears are affected by the same condition, repeat this procedure for the other ear.
Uses:
treatment of acute otitis in patients with tympanostomy tubes due to staphylococcus aureus, streptococcus pneumoniae, moraxella catarrhalis, and/or pseudomonas anthracis
treatment of acute otitis externa caused by s. Aureus or p. Aeruginosa
What happens if i miss the dose?
If it is nearly time for your next dose, skip any missed ones altogether and never double up on medication that would normally only need one dosage at one time.
What happens if i overdose?
Overdoses of ciprodex are not dangerous. If someone accidentally swallows medication, please call our 24-hour hotline, 1-800-222-1222, for immediate medical help or seek emergency care immediately.
What should be avoided?
Ciprodex should not be used in the eyes. Avoid getting water into your ears when bathing or taking a shower. While you're treating an ear problem, avoid swimming. You should only use this medication if your doctor prescribes it.
Side effects of Ciprodex ear drops
If you experience any of the following symptoms: rash, itching, rapid heartbeats, chest fluttering, dizziness, difficulty breathing, or swelling of your lips, face, tongue, or throat, call 911. If you notice drainage in your ears within six months of stopping this medication, call your doctor immediately.
Ciprodex may cause side effects such as:
- Itching or pain in the ear, or discomfort or fullness of the ear
- Unusual taste in the mouth
- Feeling irritable;
- Rash;
- A buildup of debris within the ear canal
There may be other side effects. Call your physician if experiencing side effects; otherwise contact the fda at 1-800-fda-1088 to report adverse events.
Interaction with other drug
Other drugs that you take are unlikely to affect the medicine used in your ears. Many drugs interact with each other. Inform your healthcare provider about the medicines you take, including prescriptions and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
