|
What is Ciprodex
 Ciprofloxacin
is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic. Ciprofloxacin fights bacteria
in the body.
Dexamethasone
is a steroid. It is used with ciprofloxacin to reduce inflammation
caused by an infection.
Together,
ciprofloxacin and dexamethasone are used to treat ear infections.
Ciprodex
may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this
medication guide.
General medical information about Ciprodex
Do not use this medication in the eyes or take it
by mouth. Ciprodex is intended for use in the ears only.
Do not touch the dropper opening to any surface,
including the ears or hands. The dropper opening is sterile.
If it becomes contaminated, it could cause another infection
in the ear.
Notify your doctor if the condition does
not improve or appears to worsen.
What you should discuss with your doctor before
using Ciprodex Do not use Ciprodex without first talking to your
doctor if you have had a previous allergic reaction to it
or to another similar oral or topical medication such as:
- a fluoroquinolone antibiotic such as ciprofloxacin
(Cipro), gatifloxacin (Tequin), levofloxacin (Levaquin),
lomefloxacin (Maxaquin), moxifloxacin (Avelox), norfloxacin
(Noroxin), ofloxacin (Floxin), sparfloxacin (Zagam), or
trovafloxacin (Trovan);
- an oral or injectable steroid
such as cortisone (Cortef, Cortone), dexamethasone (Decadron),
dexamethasone (Hydrocortone), methylprednisolone (Medrol),
prednisolone (Prelone, Pediapred), prednisone (Orasone,
Deltasone), and others; or
- a topical steroid such
as betamethasone (Diprosone, Diprolene), clobetasol (Temovate,
Olux), fluocinolone (Synalar, Synemol, Fluonid), fluocinonide
(Lidex), fluticasone (Cutivate), halobetasol (Ultravate),
mometasone (Elocon), triamcinolone (Aristocort), and others.
You may not be able to use Ciprodex, or you may require
a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment.
Ciprodex is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This
means that it is not known whether it will be harmful to
an unborn baby. Do not use Ciprodex without first talking
to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant
during treatment.
It is not known whether Ciprodex
passes into breast milk. Do not use Ciprodex without first
talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
How should you use Ciprodex Use Ciprodex exactly as directed by your doctor.
If you do not understand these instructions, ask your pharmacist,
nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
Do not use
this medication in the eyes or take it by mouth. Ciprodex
is intended for use in the ears only.
In general,
Ciprodex should be used as follows:
- Warm the drops
slightly by holding them in the hands for 1 or 2 minutes.
Administration of cold drops into the ear may cause dizziness.
- Have another person administer the drops whenever
possible. Have the affected person lie on their side or
tilt the ear up to make administering a drop easier.
-
Gently shake the drops just before administration.
-
For adults, gently hold the earlobe up and back. For children,
gently hold the earlobe down and back. This will allow the
drops to run into the ear canal. Carefully instill the prescribed
number of drops in the first ear.
- Keep the ear
tilted for at least 60 seconds to allow the medication to
penetrate the ear.
- If the patient being treated
has ear tubes, the doctor may recommend gently pressing
the tragus (part of the ear in front of the opening of the
ear canal) five times in a pumping motion after administration
of the drops. This may allow the drops to pass through the
tubes into the middle ear. Follow the doctor's instructions.
- Repeat the process in the other ear if prescribed.
Ciprofloxacin and dexamethasone ear drops are usually
used twice a day, about 12 hours apart. Follow your doctor's
instructions.
Use all of the medication that has
been prescribed. Symptoms may begin to improve before the
condition is completely treated. If you do not use all of
the medication prescribed, the condition could return or
worsen.
It is important to use Ciprodex regularly
to get the most benefit.
Notify your doctor if the
condition does not improve or appears to worsen.
Avoid getting water inside of the affected ear(s) during
treatment with ciprofloxacin and dexamethasone. Care should
be used while bathing and swimming may not be recommended.
Talk to your healthcare provider.
Store Ciprodex
at room temperature, away from moisture, heat, and direct
light. Keep the bottle properly capped.
If you miss a dose: Use the missed dose as soon as you remember. However,
if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed
dose and use only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do
not use a double dose of Ciprodex unless otherwise directed
by your doctor.
What happens if you overdose: Seek emergency medical attention if an overdose is
suspected or if the medication has been ingested.
Symptoms of a Ciprodex overdose are not known.
What should you avoid while using ciprofloxacin and dexamethasone Ear infections may sometimes cause dizziness or a
loss of balance. Use caution when driving, operating machinery,
or performing other hazardous activities if you experience
dizziness or a loss of balance.
Avoid getting water
inside of the affected ear(s) during treatment with ciprofloxacin
and dexamethasone. Care should be used while bathing and
swimming may not be recommended. Talk to your healthcare
provider.
Possible side effects of Ciprodex Stop using Ciprodex and seek emergency medical attention
or notify your doctor if you experience:
- an allergic
reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling
of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
- skin rash;
or
- ear drainage, discharge, or worsening pain.
Other less serious side effects may also occur such
as ear discomfort or itching or an unusual taste in the
mouth. Continue to use the medication and talk to your doctor
if these side effects seem excessive or unusual.
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur.
Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual
or that is especially bothersome.
What other drugs will affect my Ciprodex Do not use other ear drops during treatment with
Ciprodex without first talking to your doctor.
Drugs
other than those listed here may also interact with Ciprodex.
Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription
or over-the-counter medicines, including vitamins, minerals,
and herbal products. |
