Ciprodex is a prescription medicine used to treat outer ear infections in children and adults and acute (suddenly occurring) middle ear infections in children with ear tubes.
During the testing of Ciprodex for middle ear infections, the most common side effect related to Ciprodex was ear discomfort that occurred in up to 3 out of 100 patients.
Other common side effects were:
- ear pain
- ear precipitate (residue)
- irritability
- abnormal taste
During the testing of Ciprodex for ear canal infections, the most common side effect related to Ciprodex was itching of the ear that occurred in 1 to 2 out of 100 patients.
Other common side effects were:
- ear debris
- ear infection in the treated ear
- ear congestion
- ear pain
- rash
This is not a complete list of Ciprodex side effects. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Specific drug interaction studies have not been conducted with Ciprodex. Tell your doctor and pharmacist about the medications you are taking including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins and herbal supplements.
- Do not use this product if allergic to ciprofloxacin or to other quinolone antibiotics.
- Do not use this product if allergic to dexamethasone or to other steroids.
- Do not give this product to pediatric patients who are less than 6 months old.
Ciprodex is for use in the ear only. Do not take by mouth or use in the eye.
Medicines can interact with certain foods. In some cases, this may be harmful and your doctor may advise you to avoid certain foods. In the case of Ciprodex there are no specific foods that you must exclude from your diet when receiving Ciprodex.
Before receiving Ciprodex, tell your doctor if you:
- are allergic to quinolone antibiotics (ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin), or to corticosteroids (dexamethasone, prednisone), or if you have any other allergies.
- have an ear infection caused by the herpes simplex virus. Ciprodex should not be used with this medical condition.
- are pregnant or breastfeeding. Discuss the risks and benefits of using Ciprodex with your doctor.
Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant.
The FDA categorizes medications based on safety for use during pregnancy. Five categories - A, B, C, D, and X, are used to classify the possible risks to an unborn baby when a medication is taken during pregnancy.
Ciprodex falls into category C. There are no good studies that have been done in humans with Ciprodex. In animals, pregnant animals were given this medication and had some babies born with problems. However, this medication may sometimes still help human mothers and their babies more than it might cause harm.
Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding. Ciprodex may not be safe for use while you are breastfeeding as it might be excreted in human breast milk. Talk to your doctor about the risks to your nursing baby.
Ciprodex is to be given in the ear. Warm the bottle by holding it in your hand for 1 to 2 minutes and shake well imediately before using. Lie with the affected ear upward, then instill the drops. Stay in this position for 60 seconds and repeat if necessary with the opposite ear. Avoid touching the tip of the medicine bottle with your fingers, your ear or any other sources of contamination.
It is very important to use the ear drops for as long as the doctor has instructed, even if you feel better. If you develop a rash or allergic reaction, stop taking the medicine and call your doctor right away.
It is important that the infected ear(s) remain clean and dry. When bathing, avoid getting the infected ear(s) wet. Avoid swimming unless the doctor has instructed otherwise.
Take Ciprodex exactly as your doctor prescribes it. Follow the directions on your prescription bottle carefully. The recommended dosage for both inner and outer ear infections is 4 drops into the affected ear(s) twice a day for seven days. Your doctor will determine if this is the right dose for you.
Ciprodex ear drops should be given 2 times each day (about 12 hours apart, for example, 8 AM and 8 PM) 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. It is very important to use the ear drops for as long as the doctor has instructed, even if the symptoms improve. If Ciprodex ear drops are not used for as long as the doctor has instructed, the infection may return.
If a dose of Ciprodex 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. If the infection is not improved after one week, you should consult your doctor. If you have two or more episodes of drainage within six months, it is recommended you see your doctor for further evaluation.
DO NOT TAKE BY MOUTH
Use only as directed. If Ciprodex is accidentally swallowed or overdose occurs, call the doctor immediately or call your local Poison Control Center.
Ciprodex is available in a 7.5 mL bottle containing 0.3% ciprofloxacin and 0.1% dexamethasone.
Active ingredients: ciprofloxacin hydrochloride, dexamethasone
Inactive ingredients: benzalkonium chloride, boric acid, sodium chloride, tyloxapol, acetic acid, sodium acetate, edetate disodium, water, sodium hydroxide, hydrochloric acid
Keep at controlled room temperature. Protect from light. Do not freeze.