What is this medicine?
CIPROFLOXACIN (sip roe FLOX a sin) is a quinolone antibiotic. It is used to treat bacterial eye infections.
This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.
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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 |
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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
- blurred vision that does not go away
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
- temporary blurred vision
- tearing or feeling of something in the eye
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.
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How should I use this medicine?
This medicine is only for use in the eye. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Wash hands before and after use. Try not to touch the tip of the dropper to anything, even your eye or fingertips.Tilt your head back slightly and pull your lower eyelid down with your index finger to form a pouch. Squeeze the prescribed number of drops into the pouch. Close the eye gently to spread the drops. Your vision may blur for a few minutes. Use your doses at regular intervals. Do not use your medicine more often than directed. Finish the full course that is prescribed even if you think your condition is better. Do not skip doses or stop your medicine early.
Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
Overdosage: If you think you have 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.
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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.
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What may interact with this medicine?
Interactions are not expected. Do not use any other eye 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.
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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.
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What should I watch for while using this medicine?
Tell your doctor or health care professional if your symptoms do not improve in 2 to 3 days or if they get worse.
If your eyes are more sensitive to light, wear sunglasses.
Do not wear contact lenses while you have any signs or symptoms of an eye infection. Ask your doctor or health care professional when you can start wearing your contacts again.
Stop using this medicine immediately if you notice signs of an allergic reaction.
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What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
- contact lens wearer
- an unusual or allergic reaction to ciprofloxacin, other antibiotics or medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
- pregnant or trying to get pregnant
- breast-feeding
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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.
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I am on so many medications; do I have to take them all?
This is called polypharmacy—many 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.
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Where can I get more information?
More Information
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