What is this medicine?
CIPROFLOXACIN (sip roe FLOX a sin) is used to treat ear infections.
This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.
What is the price of this medication and similar alternatives?This pricing information is subject to change at the sole discretion of DS Pharmacy. This pricing information was updated 09/2009. For the most current and up-to-date pricing information, please visit www.drugstore.com. Actual costs to patients will vary depending on the use of specific retail or mail-order locations and health insurance copays.
| Ciloxan 0.3% Solution | ALCON VISION | 5/$65.07 or 15/$178.41 |
| Cipro HC 0.2-1% Suspension | ALCON VISION | 10/$107.5 or 30/$300.99 |
| Ciprodex 0.3-0.1% Suspension | ALCON VISION | 7/$109.72 or 22/$307.23 |
| Ciprofloxacin HCl 0.3% Solution | FALCON PHARMACEUTICALS | 2/$19.99 or 7/$45.97 |
| Ciprofloxacin HCl 0.3% Solution | FALCON PHARMACEUTICALS | 5/$29.99 or 15/$79.96 |
| Ciprofloxacin HCl 0.3% Solution | FALCON PHARMACEUTICALS | 10/$59.99 or 30/$159.96 |
What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:
- allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
- burning, itching, and redness
- ear pain that gets worse
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
- abnormal feeling in the ear
- headache
- unpleasant feeling while putting the drops in the ear
This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
How should I use this medicine?
This medicine is only for use in the ears. Wash your hands with soap and water. Do not insert any object or swab into the ear canal. Gently warm the bottle by holding it in your hand for 1 to 2 minutes. Lie down on your side with the affected ear up. Try not to touch the tip of the dropper to your ear, fingertips, or other surface. Squeeze the container gently to put the entire contents in the ear canal. Stay in this position for 30 to 60 seconds to help the drops soak into the ear. Repeat the steps for the other ear if both ears are infected. Do not use your medicine more often than directed. Finish the full course of medicine prescribed by your doctor or health care professional even if you think your condition is better.
Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for children as young as 1 year of age for selected conditions, precautions do apply.
Overdosage: If you think you've taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, use only that dose. Do not use double or extra doses.
What may interact with this medicine?
Interactions are not expected. Do not use any other ear products without telling your doctor or health care professional.
This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.
Who should NOT use this medication?
- Known hypersensitivity to ciprofloxacin, other quinolones, or any ingredient in the formulation.
- Otic formulations contraindicated in patients with viral infections (i.e., herpes simplex, varicella) of external ear canal.
- Because commercially available ciprofloxacin-hydrocortisone fixed combination otic suspension is nonsterile, do not use if tympanic membrane is perforated.
What should I watch for while using this medicine?
Tell your doctor or healthcare professional if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse.
It is important that you keep the infected ear(s) clean and dry. When bathing, try not to get the infected ear(s) wet. Do not go swimming unless your doctor or health care professional has told you otherwise.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
- an unusual or allergic reaction to ciprofloxacin, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
- pregnant or trying to get pregnant
- breast-feeding
Can I stop taking the medication if I feel better?
As a general rule, you should always take your medications exactly as prescribed and do not change the dosage or stop taking the medication without first discussing it with your healthcare provider.
I am on so many medications; do I have to take them all?
This is called polypharmacymany different medications being used at the same time by one person. Sometimes, being on multiple medications is acceptable and appropriate but at other times it may be problematic. If you are receiving your medications from multiple physicians you need to ensure that they all know what medications you are taking. The best way to do this is to make a list of all the medications you are currently using, including all nutritional supplements, homeopathic remedies, vitamins and over-the-counter drugs (if possible, also include all the diseases you have been diagnosed with). Give a copy to every doctor who takes care of you so they have it on file, this way they can avoid duplicating medications and perhaps even try to consolidate some. After every doctor's visit remember to update the list accordingly. Also, as much as you possibly can, try to use the same pharmacy to fill all your prescriptions, this way any potential drug interactions can be caught and averted.