Indications
Ciprodex (active ingredients: ciprofloxacin and dexamethasone) is a prescription medication indicated for:
- Otitis Externa: Ciprodex is used for the treatment of acute otitis externa, also known as swimmer's ear, caused by susceptible strains of bacteria. It helps reduce inflammation and control bacterial infection in the external ear canal.
Ciprodex belongs to a class of drugs known as fluoroquinolone antibiotics (ciprofloxacin) and corticosteroids (dexamethasone). Ciprofloxacin works by inhibiting bacterial DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV enzymes, thereby interfering with bacterial DNA replication, transcription, repair, and recombination, ultimately leading to bacterial cell death. Dexamethasone is a corticosteroid that reduces inflammation and suppresses the immune response in the ear canal.
Uses and Dosage
CIPRODEX comes in the form of an otic suspension, which is a liquid that is applied directly to the affected area of the ear. The suspension contains ciprofloxacin hydrochloride 0.3% and dexamethasone 0.1%, and it is used to treat bacterial ear infections. It should be applied twice daily for seven days.
The suspension should be warmed by holding the bottle in the hand for one or two minutes to avoid dizziness, which may result from the instillation of a cold suspension. To ensure proper penetration of the drops into the middle ear, the patient should lie with the affected ear upward, and the tragus should be pumped five times by pushing inward. This position should be maintained for 60 seconds, and then the drops should be instilled. If necessary, this process should be repeated for the opposite ear. Unused portions of the suspension should be discarded after the therapy is completed.
The recommended dosage for CIPRODEX is four drops of the suspension (0.14 mL, containing 0.42 mg of ciprofloxacin and 0.14 mg of dexamethasone) instilled into the affected ear twice daily for seven days.
Side Effects
Serious Side Effects of Ciprodex
- Cough
- Difficulty with swallowing
- Dizziness
- Fast heartbeat
- Hives, itching, or skin rash
- Large, hive-like swelling on the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or sex organs
- Puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue
- Tightness in the chest
- Unusual tiredness or weakness
Form and Strength
Ciprodex (Ciprofloxacin hcl/dexamethasone) is available in the following forms and strengths.
Ciprodex: Otic Suspension
- 0.3/0.1%
Ciprofloxacin hcl/dexamethasone: Otic Suspension
- 0.3/0.1%
Caution
- Keep the infected ear(s) clean and dry while using ciprofloxacin and dexamethasone otic. Try to avoid getting the infected ear(s) wet while bathing and avoid swimming unless your doctor has instructed you otherwise. Additionally, do not insert ear drops (other than the antibiotic ear drops) or anything else into the ear unless your doctor has told you to.
- If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding before using ciprofloxacin and dexamethasone otic, as it may not be safe for use in pregnant or breastfeeding women. If you become pregnant while using this medication, contact your doctor as soon as possible.
- Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products that you are taking or plan to take.
- CIPRODEX should be immediately stopped if any sign of a skin rash or any other sign of hypersensitivity is observed. Symptoms of these reactions may include cardiovascular collapse, loss of consciousness, angioedema (swelling of the throat, face, or mouth), airway obstruction, difficulty breathing, hives, and itching.
- Long-term use of CIPRODEX may lead to the growth of bacteria and fungi that are resistant to the medication. If the infection has not improved after seven days of treatment, it is recommended to obtain cultures to determine the best course of action. If any infections occur, CIPRODEX should be discontinued, and alternative treatment should be taken.
- If an ear discharge continues after a full course of treatment, or if two or more occurrences of otorrhea occur within a six-month period, it is advised to seek further evaluation to investigate the possibility of an underlying condition such as cholesteatoma, foreign body, or a tumor.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How often should CIPRODEX Otic be given?
CIPRODEX Otic ear drops should be given 2 times each day every 12 hours in each infected ear unless the doctor has instructed otherwise. The best times to use the ear drops are in the morning and at night.
What if a dose is missed?
If a dose of CIPRODEX Otic is missed, it should be given as soon as possible. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to the regular dosing schedule. Do not use a double dose unless the doctor has instructed you to do so.
What activities should be avoided while using CIPRODEX Otic?
The infected ear needs to remain clean and dry. When bathing, avoid getting the infected ear wet. Avoid swimming unless the doctor has instructed otherwise.
Resources
- https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a607010.html
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/ciprofloxacin-and-dexamethasone-otic-route/side-effects/drg-20061674?p=1
- https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/fda/fdaDrugXsl.cfm?setid=895c2307-aeeb-49fd-ac3d-750a463fc3ef&type=display
- https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2019/021537s017lbl.pdf
- https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-76575/ciprofloxacin-dexamethasone-otic-ear/details
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