Ciloxan Eye Drops (Ciprofloxacin Hydrochloride)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Ciloxan Eye Drops Used For?
Ciloxan Eye Drops contain ciprofloxacin hydrochloride, a fluoroquinolone antibiotic specifically designed to treat bacterial eye infections in adults and children 12 months and older.
Primary Uses
Ciloxan Eye Drops are used to treat bacterial keratitis (infected ulcer of the cornea with symptoms like eye pain, blurred vision, and discharge) and severe bacterial conjunctivitis (swelling of the conjunctiva with eye irritation and discharge).
How It Works
Ciloxan Eye Drops help kill the bacteria that cause eye infections by targeting bacterial DNA processes essential for their survival and reproduction.
Good to know: This medication is specifically formulated for eye use and targets bacterial infections effectively when used as prescribed.
How to Take Ciloxan Eye Drops
Always follow your doctor’s specific instructions for using Ciloxan Eye Drops. The dosage varies depending on the type and severity of your eye infection.
Dosage Instructions
For bacterial keratitis (corneal ulcers): Day 1 – Put 2 drops in affected eye(s) every 15 minutes for first 6 hours, then every 30 minutes for remainder of day. Day 2 – Put 2 drops hourly. Days 3-14 – Put 2 drops every 4 hours. For bacterial conjunctivitis: Days 1-2 – Put 1 drop every 2 hours while awake. Days 3-7 – Put 1 drop every 4 hours while awake. Always wash hands before and after use, shake bottle well, avoid touching dropper tip to eye or any surface, and wait at least 5 minutes before using other eye drops.
What If You Miss a Dose?
If you miss a dose, apply the drops as soon as you remember and continue with your regular schedule. If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue as normal. Never apply extra drops to make up for a missed dose.
Important: Never double your dose to make up for a missed application. Remove contact lenses before use and don’t wear them during treatment.
Side Effects
Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.
Common Side Effects
These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:
- Burning sensation in eye(s)
- Uncomfortable feeling in eye(s)
- Feeling that something is in your eye(s)
- Redness of the eye(s)
- Itching
- Eye pain
- Eye irritation
- White precipitate in the eye(s) or crusting on eyelids
- Increased drainage from sinuses
- Headache
- Rhinitis (runny or blocked nose, sneezing)
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- Allergic reactions (shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, swelling of face/lips/tongue, rash, hives)
- Taste disturbance or loss of taste
- Corneal deposits that may decrease vision
- Increased sensitivity to light (photophobia)
- Decrease in vision
- Blurred vision
- Tendon problems
Important Warnings
Before using Ciloxan Eye Drops, it’s essential to understand who should not use this medication and what conditions require special medical attention.
Who Should Not Take Ciloxan Eye Drops
Do not use if you are allergic to ciprofloxacin hydrochloride, other quinolone antibiotics (like nalidixic acid or Levaquin), or any ingredients in the drops. Do not use if you have muscle problems or tendon swelling. Do not use in newborn babies with conjunctivitis.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Tell your doctor about any other medical conditions you have or medicines you take for other conditions. Discuss any history of tendon problems or muscle issues.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
As a precautionary measure, it’s preferable to avoid Ciloxan Eye Drops during pregnancy. Your doctor will advise you about possible risks and benefits. If you’re breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed, discuss with your doctor about the risks and benefits of using this medication.
Allergic Reactions: Stop use immediately and seek emergency care if you experience shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, swelling of face/lips/tongue, or rash/hives.
Drug Interactions
Some medications may interfere with Ciloxan Eye Drops and affect how it works. Always tell your doctor about all medicines you’re taking.
- Blood thinning medicines like warfarin
- Medicines to prevent tissue rejection like cyclosporin
- Asthma or breathing problem medicines like theophylline
- Caffeine used for migraine treatment
Alcohol & Driving
Ciloxan Eye Drops may temporarily affect your vision and ability to drive or operate machinery safely.
Alcohol
No specific alcohol interactions are mentioned for Ciloxan Eye Drops, but consult your doctor about alcohol use during treatment.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Ciloxan Eye Drops may cause temporary blurred vision or other eye problems. Be careful before driving or using machines until you know how the drops affect you. If blurred vision occurs after application, wait until vision clears before driving.
Sun Exposure
Avoid excessive exposure to sunlight during treatment as it may cause moderate to severe increased sensitivity of the skin to sun (phototoxicity) with symptoms like redness, itching, and swelling.
Storage
Store Ciloxan Eye Drops below 25°C in a cool, dry place away from moisture, heat, and sunlight. Do not refrigerate or freeze. Protect from light. Keep tightly closed when not in use and out of reach of children. Discard the container 4 weeks after opening, even if drops remain.
Overdose Information
If you think you’ve used too much Ciloxan Eye Drops, seek immediate medical attention. Call the Poisons Information Centre (13 11 26), contact your doctor, or go to the nearest hospital emergency department, even if you feel fine. If you accidentally put several drops in your eyes, immediately wash your eyes with warm tap water.
Frequently Asked Questions
The treatment duration varies by condition. For bacterial conjunctivitis, treatment typically lasts 7 days, while bacterial keratitis may require up to 14 days of treatment. Follow your doctor’s prescribed treatment schedule completely.
No, do not wear contact lenses during treatment with Ciloxan Eye Drops. The drops contain benzalkonium chloride which may cause irritation and discolor soft contact lenses.
Apply the missed dose as soon as you remember, then continue with your regular schedule. If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Never apply extra drops to make up for a missed dose.
If you need to use other eye drops, wait at least 5 minutes after applying Ciloxan Eye Drops before using the other medication.
You may feel a slight burning sensation shortly after using Ciloxan Eye Drops. If it persists or is uncomfortable, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Yes, Ciloxan Eye Drops can be used in children 12 months old and above. However, do not use in newborn babies with conjunctivitis.
Do not stop using this medicine suddenly. Complete the full course of treatment as prescribed by your doctor, even if your symptoms improve, to ensure the infection is fully cleared.
Important Disclaimer
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.