Cipro Eye / Ear Drops (Ciprofloxacin)

Indications

Cipro Eye drops are used to treat infections of the eye, particularly conjunctivitis. It can be used to treat eye infections, including corneal ulcers and superficial infections of the eye and adnexa caused by susceptible strains of bacteria.

Cipro Eye drops contain an active ingredient called ciprofloxacin. Ciprofloxacin belongs to a class of drugs called quinolone antibiotics, which work by stopping the growth of bacteria that cause the infection.

Use and Dosage

The dosage for ciprofloxacin eye drops is usually 1 or 2 drops into the affected eye 4 times a day, while the dosage for ciprofloxacin ear drops can vary depending on the severity of the infection. Follow your doctor's instructions when using ciprofloxacin eye or ear drops.

To use Ciprofloxacin drops, you should first wash your hands thoroughly. Then, tilt your head back slightly and pull down your lower eyelid to create a small pocket. Hold the dropper close to your eye, avoiding contact with the eyelashes and any other surfaces, and place 1 or 2 drops into the pocket. Close your eye for a few seconds to allow the medication to spread. If using Ciprofloxacin drops in both eyes, repeat the process on the other eye. Be sure to follow your doctor's instructions for dosage and frequency of use. If you are uncertain about how to use Ciprofloxacin drops, consult with your doctor or pharmacist.

Side Effects

Common Side Effects of Cipro Eye / Ear Drops (Ciprofloxacin):

• Burning, red, itchy, crusty, or irritated eyes
• Eye pain
• Feeling that something is in your eye
• Unpleasant taste

Serious Side Effects of Cipro Eye / Ear Drops (Ciprofloxacin):

• Difficulty breathing or swallowing
• Hives
• Hoarseness
• Itching
• Rash
• Swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips, eyes, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
• Tingling

Forms and Strength

Cipro Eye / Ear Drops (Ciprofloxacin) is available in the following forms and strength:

Ciprofloxacin: Drops

• 0.3%

Cautions

• Ciprofloxacin ear drops and ointment (Ciloxan) are for use in the ear only and should not be used in the eye.
• Cipro eye / ear drops may cause side effects, such as tendinitis or tendon rupture, and these problems may affect tendons in various parts of the body.
• Geriatric-specific problems have not been demonstrated that would limit the usefulness of Ciprodex ear drops in elderly patients.
• Cipro eye / ear drops are a fluoroquinolone antibiotic and are associated with a black box warning for serious and potentially irreversible adverse reactions, including tendinitis, tendon rupture, peripheral neuropathy, central nervous system effects, and exacerbation of myasthenia gravis.
• As with any medication, use Cipro eye / ear drops only as directed and discuss any concerns or potential side effects with a healthcare provider.
• Ciprofloxacin eye drops (Ciloxan) may cause temporary blurred vision or other vision changes. Patients should not drive or operate machinery until their vision has returned to normal.
• Ciprofloxacin eye drops should not be used if the patient is allergic to any fluoroquinolone antibiotic, such as levofloxacin, moxifloxacin or ofloxacin.
• Patients should inform their healthcare provider if they have a history of tendon disorders, such as rheumatoid arthritis, tendonitis, or tendon rupture before using Cipro eye / ear drops.
• Patients taking Cipro eye / ear drops who experience symptoms of tendinitis or tendon rupture (such as pain, swelling, or inflammation) should immediately stop using the medication and seek medical attention.
• Ciprofloxacin may interact with other medications, such as theophylline, caffeine, antacids, and warfarin, so patients should inform their healthcare provider about all medications they are taking before using Cipro eye / ear drops.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How long should you use Cipro Eye drops for?

The duration of treatment with Cipro Eye drops will depend on the severity of the infection and your doctor's instructions. Complete the full course of treatment even if your symptoms improve.

Can Cipro Eye drops be used in children?

Cipro Eye drops can be used in children, but the dosage will usually be adjusted based on the child's weight.

Can Cipro Eye drops be used for viral or fungal infections of the eye?

Cipro Eye drops are only effective against bacterial infections of the eye and should not be used to treat viral or fungal infections.

Resources

• https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-91414-6093/ciprofloxacin-ophthalmic-eye/ciprofloxacin-drops-ophthalmic/details
• https://reference.medscape.com/drug/ciloxan-ciprofloxacin-ophthalmic-343569
• https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/ciprofloxacin-ophthalmic-route/description/drg-20068591
• https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a605005.html
• https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/fda/fdaDrugXsl.cfm?setid=3e9a6174-962b-400e-8ca7-4a6c32c60a5d&type=display
• https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/drugs/18037-ciprofloxacin-eye-solution
• https://www.drugs.com/mtm/ciprofloxacin-ophthalmic.html