Ciprofloxacin ophthalmic is used to treat bacterial infections of the eyes.
Ciprofloxacin ophthalmic 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 ophthalmic?
Do not use ciprofloxacin ophthalmic if you have a viral or fungal infection in your eye. It is
used to treat infections caused by bacteria only.
It is not known whether ciprofloxacin ophthalmic will be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not
use ciprofloxacin ophthalmic without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant.
It is also not known whether ciprofloxacin ophthalmic passes into breast milk. Do not use
ciprofloxacin ophthalmic without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
How should I take ciprofloxacin ophthalmic?
Use ciprofloxacin ophthalmic eye drops exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not
understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
Wash your hands before using ciprofloxacin ophthalmic.
To apply the eye drops:
Shake the drops gently to be sure the medicine is well mixed. Tilt
the head back slightly and pull down on the lower eyelid. Position the dropper above the eye.
Look up and away from the dropper. Squeeze out a drop and close the eye. Apply gentle pressure
to the inside corner of the eye (near the nose) for about 1 minute to prevent the liquid from
draining down the tear duct.
To apply the eye ointment:
Hold the tube in your hand for a few minutes to warm it up so that
the ointment comes out easily.
Tilt the head back slightly and pull down gently on the
lower eyelid.
Apply a thin film of the ointment into the lower eyelid.
Close the eye and roll the eyeball around in all directions for 1 to 2 minutes.
If you are using ciprofloxacin ophthalmic to treat a corneal ulcer, you may
notice a whitish buildup on the ulcer. This means that the medication is working; it is not a harmful
development.
Do not touch the dropper or tube opening to any surface, including the eyes or hands. The
applicator is sterile. If it becomes contaminated, it could cause an infection in the eye.
Do not use any eye drop that is discolored or has particles in it.
Store ciprofloxacin ophthalmic at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep
the bottle or tube properly capped.
What happens if I miss a dose of ciprofloxacin ophthalmic?
Apply the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next
regularly scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and apply the next one as directed.
Do not
use a double dose of this medication.
Where can I get more information about ciprofloxacin ophthalmic?
Your pharmacist has information about ciprofloxacin ophthalmic written for health professionals that you may read.
What are the possible side effects of ciprofloxacin ophthalmic?
Serious side effects are not expected to occur during treatment with this medication.
If you are using ciprofloxacin ophthalmic to treat a corneal ulcer, you may notice a whitish
buildup on the ulcer. This means that the medication is working; it is not a harmful development.
More commonly, some burning, stinging, irritation, itching, redness, blurred vision, eyelid itching,
eyelid swelling or crusting, a bad taste in your mouth, tearing, or sensitivity to light may occur.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical
advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What is the most important information I should know about ciprofloxacin ophthalmic?
Do not touch the dropper or tube opening to any surface, including the eyes or hands. The
applicator is sterile. If it becomes contaminated, it could cause an infection in the eye.
Apply light pressure to the inside corner of the eye (near the nose) after applying the eye drops
to prevent the fluid from draining down the tear duct.
If you wear contact lenses, ask your doctor if you should wear them during treatment.
Ciprofloxacin ophthalmic can cause the development of crystals on contact lenses. After applying this
medication, wait at least 15 minutes before inserting contact lenses, unless otherwise directed by your
doctor.
What should I avoid while taking ciprofloxacin ophthalmic?
Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities.
Ciprofloxacin ophthalmic may cause blurred vision. If you experience blurred vision, avoid these
activities.
If you wear contact lenses, ask your doctor if you should wear them during treatment.
Ciprofloxacin ophthalmic can cause the development of crystals on contact lenses. After applying this
medication, wait at least 15 minutes before inserting contact lenses, unless otherwise directed by your
doctor.
Do not use other eye drops or medications during treatment with ciprofloxacin ophthalmic
unless otherwise directed by your doctor.
What other drugs will affect ciprofloxacin ophthalmic?
Do not use other eye drops or medications during treatment with ciprofloxacin ophthalmic
unless otherwise directed by your doctor.
Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with ciprofloxacin ophthalmic. Talk to your
doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including herbal
products.
What happens if I have an overdose of ciprofloxacin ophthalmic?
Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share
your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.
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up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Multum
information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Multum does not
warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Multum's drug information does
not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Multum's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist
licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not
a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or
drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any
given patient. Multum does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information
Multum provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug
interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse
or pharmacist.
Content provided by Multum - Last Updated 11/10/2009