What is ciprofloxacin and hydrocortisone otic?
Ciprofloxacin is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic. Ciprofloxacin fights bacteria in the body.
Hydrocortisone is a steroid. It is used with ciprofloxacin to reduce inflammation caused by
an infection.
Together, ciprofloxacin and hydrocortisone are used to treat ear infections.
Ciprofloxacin and hydrocortisone otic may also be used for purposes other than those listed
in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking ciprofloxacin and hydrocortisone otic?
Do not use ciprofloxacin and hydrocortisone otic if the ear drum (tympanic membrane)
has ruptured (broken). It may be dangerous for medicine to get into the inner ear. A ruptured ear
drum usually causes a considerable amount of pain. A decrease in hearing may also occur. Call your
doctor if you suspect a ruptured ear drum. Your doctor will know if the ear drum is ruptured by
looking into the ear with a special device (otoscope).
Do not use ciprofloxacin and hydrocortisone otic 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), hydrocortisone (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 ciprofloxacin and hydrocortisone otic, or you
may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment.
Ciprofloxacin and hydrocortisone otic 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 ciprofloxacin and
hydrocortisone otic without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant
during treatment.
It is not known whether ciprofloxacin and hydrocortisone otic passes into breast milk.
Do not use ciprofloxacin and hydrocortisone otic without first talking to your doctor if you are
breast-feeding a baby.
How should I take ciprofloxacin and hydrocortisone otic?
Use ciprofloxacin and hydrocortisone otic 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. Ciprofloxacin and
hydrocortisone otic is intended for use in the ears only.
In general, ciprofloxacin and hydrocortisone otic 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, hold the earlobe up and back. For children,
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 approximately 30 to 60 seconds to
allow the medication to penetrate the ear.
-
Repeat the process in the other ear if prescribed.
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 ciprofloxacin and hydrocortisone otic 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
hydrocortisone. Care should be used while bathing and swimming may not be recommended. Talk
to your healthcare provider.
Store ciprofloxacin and hydrocortisone otic at room temperature or in the refrigerator, away
from moisture, heat, and direct light. Keep the bottle properly capped. Do not allow the medication
to freeze.
What happens if I miss a dose of ciprofloxacin and hydrocortisone otic?
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
ciprofloxacin and hydrocortisone otic unless otherwise directed by your doctor.
Where can I get more information about ciprofloxacin and hydrocortisone otic?
Your pharmacist has information about ciprofloxacin and hydrocortisone otic written for health professionals that you may read.
What are the possible side effects of ciprofloxacin and hydrocortisone otic?
Stop using ciprofloxacin and hydrocortisone otic 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 headache or itching
in the ear. 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. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What is the most important information I should know about ciprofloxacin and hydrocortisone otic?
Do not use this medication in the eyes or take it by mouth. Ciprofloxacin and
hydrocortisone otic 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 should I avoid while taking ciprofloxacin and hydrocortisone otic?
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
hydrocortisone. Care should be used while bathing and swimming may not be recommended. Talk
to your healthcare provider.
What other drugs will affect ciprofloxacin and hydrocortisone otic?
Do not use other ear drops during treatment with ciprofloxacin and hydrocortisone otic
without first talking to your doctor.
Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with ciprofloxacin and hydrocortisone
otic. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter
medicines, including vitamins, minerals, and herbal products.
What happens if I have an overdose of ciprofloxacin and hydrocortisone otic?
