Ciprofloxacin

Ciprofloxacin is used to treat bacterial ear infections (swimmer's ear or ear canal infections). It works by stopping the growth of bacteria. This medication belongs to a class of drugs called quinolone antibiotics. This medication treats only bacterial ear infections. It will not work for other types of ear infections. Unnecessary use or overuse of any antibiotic can lead to its decreased effectiveness.

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Learn all preparation and usage instructions before using this medication. For accuracy and to avoid contamination, have another person give the drops if possible. Hold the container in your hand for a few minutes to warm it. This will minimize dizziness. Wash your hands before opening/using the medication. To avoid contamination, do not touch the dropper tip or let it touch your ear or any other surface. Use this medication in the infected ear twice daily (every 12 hours) for 7 days or as directed by your doctor. Use in the ear only. Do not use in the eyes, inject, or inhale the medication. Lie on your side or tilt your head with the ear to be treated facing upward. Hold the container directly over the ear, and empty the contents of the single-use container into the ear canal. While placing the solution into the ear of an adult, the earlobe should be gently pulled up and back to allow the drops to flow down into the ear canal. For children, gently pull the earlobe down and back. Keep the head tilted with the treated ear upward for at least 1 minute or insert a soft cotton plug if so directed. Discard any unused solution after each application. Do not reuse. Repeat the above steps for the other ear if so directed. Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same times each day. Continue using it for the full time prescribed, even if symptoms disappear after a few days. Stopping this medication too early may allow bacteria to continue to grow, which may result in a return of the infection. Inform your doctor if your condition persists or worsens after 7 days of treatment.

The effects of some drugs can change if you take other drugs or herbal products at the same time. This can increase your risk for serious side effects or may cause your medications not to work correctly. These drug interactions are possible, but do not always occur. Your doctor or pharmacist can often prevent or manage interactions by changing how you use your medications or by close monitoring. To help your doctor and pharmacist give you the best care, be sure to tell your doctor and pharmacist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products) before starting treatment with this product. While using this product, do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any other medicines you are using without your doctor's approval. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist.

Do not share this medication with others. This medication has been prescribed for your current condition only. Discard any unused medication after treatment is finished. Do not use it later for another infection unless your doctor directs you to do so. A different medication may be necessary in that case. It is important to keep the infected ear(s) clean and dry. Try not to get the infected ear(s) wet when bathing. Avoid swimming unless your doctor tells you otherwise.

This medicine may be harmful if swallowed. If swallowing or overdose is suspected, contact a poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US National Poison Hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it or to other quinolone antibiotics (such as ofloxacin, levofloxacin), or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history. This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is not known whether ciprofloxacin in this ear drop passes into breast milk and the effect on a nursing infant is unknown. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor before breast-feeding.

Store at room temperature between 59-77 degrees F (15-25 degrees C) in the original pouch to protect from light and moisture. Do not freeze. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medicines away from children and pets. Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product.

Discomfort, pain, or itching in the ear may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. Use of this medication for prolonged or repeated periods may result in a new bacterial/fungal ear infection. Do not use this medication for longer than prescribed. Contact your doctor if you notice new or worsening symptoms. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction may include: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.