Ciloquin Eye Drops (Ciprofloxacin Hydrochloride)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Ciloquin Eye Drops Used For?
Ciloquin Eye Drops contain ciprofloxacin hydrochloride, a powerful antibiotic specifically designed to treat serious bacterial eye infections.
Primary Uses
Ciloquin is prescribed to treat bacterial keratitis (infection of the cornea, including infected corneal ulcers) and severe bacterial conjunctivitis (bacterial eye infection) in adults and children 12 months of age or older.
How It Works
As a fluoroquinolone antibiotic, Ciloquin works by destroying the bacteria that cause eye infections, helping to clear the infection and prevent it from spreading.
Good to know: Ciloquin is specifically formulated for eye infections and helps target the bacteria causing your symptoms directly at the source.
How to Take Ciloquin Eye Drops
Your doctor will provide specific dosing instructions based on your condition. Always follow their guidance exactly and complete the full course of treatment.
Dosage Instructions
For corneal ulcers: Day 1 – 2 drops every 15 minutes for first 6 hours, then every 30 minutes for remainder of day. Day 2 – 2 drops every hour. Days 3-14 – 2 drops every 4 hours. For bacterial conjunctivitis: Days 1-2 – 1 drop every 2 hours while awake. Days 3-7 – 1 drop every 4 hours while awake. Remove contact lenses before use, shake bottle well, wash hands thoroughly, and avoid touching dropper tip to eye or any surface.
What If You Miss a Dose?
If you miss a dose, apply it as soon as you remember, then return to your regular schedule. If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your normal timing. Never apply a double dose to make up for a missed one.
Important: Never double dose to make up for a missed application. Discard the bottle 4 weeks after opening and start a new one.
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:
- Eye discomfort
- Eye redness
- Itching
- Eye pain
- Eye swelling
- Burning sensation in eyes
- White crystalline deposits on eyelids
- Foreign body sensation in eye
- Eye discharge
- Dry eyes
- Blurred vision
- Decreased vision
- Numbness around eyes
- Feeling sick
- Headache
- Dizziness
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- Allergic reactions (hives, shortness of breath, swelling of face/lips/body)
- Cardiovascular collapse (chest pain, dizziness, extreme tiredness, shortness of breath)
- Loss of consciousness
- Tingling sensations
- Tendon disorders (swelling, ruptures of shoulder, hand, Achilles tendon)
- Skin rash
- Ear pain
- Eyelid crusting and swelling (blepharitis)
- Keratitis (corneal disease)
- Severe light sensitivity
- Corneal staining, swelling, or deposits
- Severe eye redness (ocular hyperemia)
- Taste problems or loss of taste
Important Warnings
Before using Ciloquin, it’s essential to discuss your medical history and current medications with your doctor to ensure safe treatment.
Who Should Not Take Ciloquin Eye Drops
Do not use Ciloquin if you are allergic to ciprofloxacin hydrochloride, other quinolone antibiotics (like nalidixic acid), or any ingredients in the drops. Signs of allergic reactions include loss of consciousness, tingling, cardiovascular collapse, swelling of face/lips/body parts, hives, itching, or shortness of breath.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Tell your doctor if you have any other medical conditions, take other medications, or have tendinitis (tendon inflammation). Avoid excessive sun exposure as Ciloquin may increase sensitivity to sunlight for your skin or eyes.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
As a preventive measure, avoid using Ciloquin during pregnancy. Check with your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. Your doctor will advise you about the possible risks and benefits. Tell your doctor immediately if you become pregnant while using Ciloquin.
Contact Lens Warning: Do not wear contact lenses while using Ciloquin Eye Drops as it may cause eye irritation and discolor soft contact lenses.
Drug Interactions
Some medications may interfere with Ciloquin and affect how it works. Always inform your doctor about all medications you’re taking.
Important: Tell your doctor about all medicines, vitamins, and supplements you take, including those bought without prescription.
- Blood thinners (e.g., warfarin)
- Medicines to prevent tissue rejection (e.g., cyclosporin)
- Asthma or breathing medications (e.g., theophylline)
- Migraine medications (e.g., caffeine)
Alcohol & Driving
Ciloquin may affect your vision temporarily after application, which can impact your ability to drive or operate machinery safely.
Alcohol
No specific alcohol interactions are mentioned in the prescribing information, but consult your doctor about alcohol use during treatment.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Ciloquin may cause blurred vision or other visual problems after application. Wait until your vision clears completely before driving or using machinery. Be careful until you know how Ciloquin affects you.
Storage
Store Ciloquin Eye Drops below 25°C in a cool, dry place away from moisture, heat, and sunlight. Do not refrigerate or freeze the drops. Protect from light and keep tightly closed when not in use. Keep out of reach of children. Do not store in bathrooms, near sinks, in cars, or on window sills.
Overdose Information
If you accidentally put too much Ciloquin in your eyes, immediately wash your eyes with warm tap water. If you accidentally swallow the contents of a bottle, immediately call the Poisons Information Centre (13 11 26), contact your doctor, or go to the nearest hospital emergency department, even if you feel fine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Treatment duration varies by condition. For corneal ulcers, treatment typically lasts 14 days but may continue longer if needed. For bacterial conjunctivitis, treatment usually lasts 7 days. Your doctor will monitor your progress and adjust treatment as needed.
No, you must remove contact lenses before applying Ciloquin and should not wear them during treatment. The drops may cause eye irritation and can discolor soft contact lenses.
A slight burning sensation immediately after application is normal. However, contact your doctor immediately if the burning persists for a longer time, as this may indicate a problem.
Wash your hands, shake the bottle well, tilt your head back, pull down your lower eyelid to form a pouch, place the dropper close to (but not touching) your eye, release one drop, close your eye without blinking, and press the inner corner of your eye for 2 minutes to prevent drainage.
Wait at least 5 minutes after using Ciloquin before applying any other eye drops. Always consult your doctor before using additional eye medications during treatment.
Do not stop using Ciloquin suddenly. Complete the full course of treatment as prescribed by your doctor, even if your symptoms improve, to ensure the infection is fully cleared and prevent resistance.
Discard the bottle 4 weeks after opening, even if there is solution remaining. Open a new bottle every 4 weeks during treatment to maintain sterility and effectiveness.
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.