Biology Disease
Drugs and Medicines

Drug Name Ciprofloxacin HCl and Dexamethasone otic

Ciprofloxacin HCl and Dexamethasone otic Drug Category CIPROFLOXACIN/DEXAMETHASONE - OTIC SUSPENSION

Ciprofloxacin HCl and Dexamethasone otic Drug Information

IMPORTANT NOTE: The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug. CIPROFLOXACIN/DEXAMETHASONE - OTIC SUSPENSION (sip-row-FLOX-ah-sin/dex-uh-METH-uh-sown) COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Ciprodex USES: This medication is a quinolone antibiotic and corticosteroid (anti-inflammatory) combination used to treat ear infections including both middle ear infections in children with ear tubes and for outer ear infections (also known as Swimmer's ear). HOW TO USE: This medication is generally used twice daily as directed. For accuracy and to avoid contamination, have another person insert the drops if possible. Before using, hold container in the hand for a few minutes in order to warm it. This will minimize dizziness. Wash hands before applying ear drops. To avoid contamination, do not touch the dropper tip or let it touch your ear or any other surface. Shake the container well before using. When treating middle ear infections in children with ear tubes, the child should lie down with the treated ear upward. Place the dropper directly over the ear and place the appropriate number of drops into the ear canal. Next press the tragus (cartilage flap covering the opening to the ear) 5 times in a pumping motion to allow the medicine to pass through the ear tubes in the ear drum and into the middle ear. Keep the head tilted with treated ear upward for at least 60 seconds. When treating outer ear infections, the patient should lie down with the treated ear upward. Place the dropper directly over the ear and place the appropriate number of drops into the ear canal. While placing the drops into the ear, the outer ear lobe should be gently pulled upward and backward to allow the drops to flow down into the ear canal. Keep the head tilted with treated ear upward for at least 60 seconds. Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same time(s) each day. Continue to use this medication until the full-prescribed amount is finished even if symptoms disappear after a few days. Stopping the medication too early may allow bacteria to continue to grow, which may result in a relapse of the infection. If the infection is not improved in 7 days, consult your doctor or pharmacist. Report any ear discharge that occurs after the treatment period is completed. If after treatment with this medication, you develop two or more ear infections in a 6 month period, contact your doctor. You may require further evaluation and a different kind of treatment. Do not use in the eye. Read the patient information leaflet available from your pharmacist. SIDE EFFECTS: Discomfort, pain or itching in the ear may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: ringing in the ears, ear tingling, decreased hearing. An allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. PRECAUTIONS: This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: history of allergic reaction to quinolone antibiotics (e.g., ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin), history of allergic reaction to corticosteroids (e.g., dexamethasone), viral ear infections (including herpes simplex). Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: any other allergies. Prolonged or repeated use of antibiotics may result in a secondary infection. Use for the prescribed period of time only. This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is not known whether the ciprofloxacin or dexamethasone in this ear medicine pass into breast milk. Because of the potential risk to the infant, breast-feeding is not recommended. DRUG INTERACTIONS: Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription products you may use, especially of: other ear drops. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval. OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. This medicine may be harmful if swallowed. NOTES: This medication has been prescribed for your current condition only. Discard unused portion after therapy is completed. Do not use it later for another infection or give it to someone else. A different medication may be necessary in those cases. It is important to keep the infected ear(s) clean and dry. Try not to get the infected ear(s) wet when bathing. Avoid swimming unless your doctor tells you otherwise. MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up. STORAGE: Store at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Do not freeze. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.