What is Ciprofloxacin ophthalmic?
Ciprofloxacin is a fluoroquinolone.Ciprofloxacin (for use in the eyes) is used for treating bacterial infections.Ciprofloxacin ophthalmic can also be used to treat an eye ulcer.Ciprofloxacin does not treat viral or fungus infections in the eye. The ciprofloxacin eye drops are only used to treat bacterial infections.Ciprofloxacin ophthalmic can be used in other ways not mentioned in this guide.
Side effects of Ciprofloxacin ophthalmic
If you experience any of the following symptoms of an allergic reaction, seek immediate medical attention: difficulty breathing, hives, swelling of the face, lips, or throat.
Ciprofloxacin can cause serious side effects. If you experience:
- If you experience severe irritation, burning, stinging, or tingling after taking this medication, discontinue use immediately.
- Eye swelling, redness, and discomfort may indicate infection.
Some of the most common side effects associated with ciprofloxacin eye drops include:
- Dry eyes or watery eyes
- Eye pain or discomfort
- Red or puffy eyelids
- Do You Suspect an Issue in Your Eyes? If yes, is something in the eyes? If yes then the following could be symptoms that your vision could be impaired
- Blurred vision
- Mild itching or irritation.
There may be other side effects. Call your physician if experiencing side effects; otherwise contact the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 to report side effects.
Warnings
Please read all instructions included with your medication before beginning to take it. Also inform your healthcare provider of any existing medical conditions, allergies and current medicines being used by you.
Before you take this drug
If you have an allergy to ciprofloxacin (or other fluoroquinolones such as gemifloxacin and others), then do not use the ciprofloxacin eye drops.This medicine should not be used to treat viral or fungus infections in the eye. Ciprofloxacin is only used to treat bacterial eye infections.It hasn't been demonstrated to harm an unborn baby; therefore, inform your physician immediately if you become pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are expecting.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 (solution) eye drops are 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 Ciprofloxacin ophthalmic?
Do not alter the instructions on your prescription. Use this medication only as directed. Do not exceed the prescribed dosage and do not use for longer than recommended.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 will disappear within a few weeks or days of treatment.Remove your contact lenses before you apply ciprofloxacin. You can ask your doctor whether contact lenses may be reinserted following the application of the drug.
Before using eye medications, wash your hands.
How to apply eye drops
- To create a pocket, tilt your head slightly back and pull down on your lower eyelid to open it a small bit - the tip of your dropper should point downwards at this stage. 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 eyedrops.
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 slowly, then close your eyelid for 1 to 2 minutes to relax your eye muscles and relieve any strain or inflammation in the eyeballs.
- 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 or placing directly onto your eye the tip of an eye dropper or ointment tube if possible; contamination from its use could result in vision problems if its contents come in direct contact with it. Most commonly, ophthalmic Ciprofloxacin is used for 5–14 days consecutively. 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 discoloured 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 tightly sealed when not in use.
What happens if I miss the dose?
As soon as you remember a missed dose, take it immediately; otherwise if your next scheduled dosage is nearing, skip this missed dosage altogether. You should not take extra medicine to compensate for a missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Overdoses of ciprofloxacin are not dangerous. If anyone accidentally swallows the medication, seek emergency medical attention. Poison Help may also be reached at 1-800-222-1222.
What should be avoided?
Contact lenses should not be worn until all symptoms associated with an eye infection have subsided. It can cause blurred vision and affect your ability to think or react. You should be careful when driving or doing anything else that requires you to be alert and to see clearly. 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 the medicines you take, including vitamins and herbal remedies.
