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.
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.
To apply the eye drops:
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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:
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Hold the tube in your hand for a few minutes to warm it up so that the ointment comes out easily.
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Tilt the head back slightly and pull down gently on the lower eyelid.
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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.
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.
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. Continue to use ciprofloxacin ophthalmic and talk to your doctor about any side effects that you experience.
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.
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.
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.
An overdose of this medication is unlikely to threaten life. If an overdose is suspected or if the medication is ingested, call an emergency room or poison control center for advice.