What is Ciprofloxacin and hydrocortisone (otic)?
Ciprofloxacin treats infections that are caused by bacteria with an antibacterial. Hydrocortisone is a type of steroid. It inhibits the action of chemicals that cause inflammation in the body. Ciprofloxacin and hydrocortisone (for the ears) are combination medications used to treat infections of the ear canal. The combination of ciprofloxacin with hydrocortisone is not effective in treating an inner ear disease, also known as otitis media. This medication guide does not list all possible uses of hydrocortisone and ciprofloxacin.
Side effects of Ciprofloxacin and hydrocortisone (otic)
If you experience symptoms indicative of an allergic reaction, such as hives, difficulty breathing or swelling to lips, face, tongue or throat - seek medical assistance immediately!
This medicine can cause serious side effects. If you experience:
- Redness around or in your ears;
- Feeling of fullness in the ear
- Hearing problems;
- The first sign of any skin rash, no matter how mild it may be,
- After using the ear drops, you may experience severe burning or irritation.
Some of the common side effects associated with ciprofloxacin or hydrocortisone include:
- Headache;
- Mild itching may occur after using ear drops.
There may be other side effects. Call your physician if experiencing side effects; alternatively, the FDA can be reached at 1-800-FDA-1088 if reporting them is needed.
Warnings
If you have a ruptured eardrum, then you should avoid using ciprofloxacin.
Before you take this drug
If you are allergic or have any of the following:
- A hole in the eardrum (eardrum rupture);
- A virus that affects your ear canal. This includes herpes and chickenpox.
If you have an allergy to any of the antibiotics that are similar to ciprofloxacin, such as gatifloxacin or levofloxacin,
Always inform your physician of any of the following to ensure that any medications prescribed to you are suitable:
- Severe ear pain
- A latex allergy;
- Hearing problems or other hearing disorders
This medicine is not known to harm a baby in utero.Inform your physician as soon as you become pregnant or plan on becoming pregnant. This medicine has never been known to pass into breast milk. It is also unknown if this medication could harm a nursing infant. This medicine should not be taken while breastfeeding. Children younger than one year of age should not receive hydrocortisone or ciprofloxacin.
How to take Ciprofloxacin and hydrocortisone (otic)?
Do not alter the instructions on your prescription. Use this medication only as directed. Do not exceed the recommended dosage or use it for longer than prescribed. Remove any earwax or other debris prior to using this medication. Ask your doctor for safe ways to remove earwax. Before each use, shake the medication well. Holding the bottle for 1 to 2 minutes will warm up the medicine. Cold ear drops may cause dizziness.
How to use the eardrops:
- 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 30–60 seconds, lie down with your head tipped back. Use a piece of cotton to block the ear canal and prevent the medication 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. Do not stop taking the medicine before it is completely cleared. You may experience improvement in your symptoms before the infection has completely resolved. You may increase your chances of a second infection resistant to anti-biotics if you skip doses. If your symptoms don't improve within 7 days or you experience new symptoms, call your doctor. Store away from heat, moisture, and light. After your treatment, throw away any medicine that you have not used.
Details on dosage
Adult dose for acute otitis externa:
Ciprofloxacin, Hydrocortisone, and 10 mg of Otic Suspension: Instill three drops in the affected ear or ears twice a day.
Duration of treatment: 7 days
Comments:
Before administration, patients should lie on their backs with the affected ear facing upward. After the instillation, the patient must remain in this position for at least 30–60 seconds.
If both ears are affected by the same condition, repeat this procedure for the other ear.
Use: Treatment for acute external otitis caused by susceptible strains Pseudomonas, Staphylococcus, and Proteus.
The usual paediatric dose for acute otitis externa is:
One year old and older
Ciprofloxacin, Hydrocortisone, and 10 mg of Otic Suspension: Instill three drops in the affected ear or ears twice a day.
Duration of treatment: 7 days
Comments:
Based on these data, the efficacy and safety of this drug were determined in patients aged 2 years or older.
Before administration, patients should lie on their backs with the affected ear facing upward. After the instillation, the patient must remain in this position for at least 30–60 seconds.
If both ears are affected by the same condition, repeat this procedure for the other ear.
Use: Treatment for acute otitis externala caused by susceptible strains S. Aureus and P. Mirabilis
What happens if I miss the dose?
As soon as you recall, take the missed dose. If your next scheduled dosage is approaching, skip the missed dose. You should not take extra medicine to compensate for a missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Overdoses of ciprofloxacin or hydrocortisone are not dangerous. If anyone accidentally swallows the medication, seek emergency medical care or call Poison Help at 1-800-222-1222.
What should be avoided?
The medicine should only be used in the ears. Avoid getting the medication in your mouth, nose, eyes, or lips. If this medicine has gotten into or on any of these areas, rinse with water. You should only use this medication unless you have been prescribed it by your doctor.
Interaction with other drug
Other drugs that you may take orally or even inject are unlikely to have any effect on the ciprofloxacin or hydrocortisone injected in your ears. Many drugs interact with each other. Inform your healthcare provider about any medicines you are taking, including over-the-counter and prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
