Ciloxan Ear Drops (Ciprofloxacin Hydrochloride)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Quick Facts
What Is Ciloxan Ear Drops Used For?
Ciloxan Ear Drops contain ciprofloxacin hydrochloride, a fluoroquinolone antibiotic that fights bacterial infections in the ear.
Primary Uses
Ciloxan Ear Drops are used to treat chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM) in adults and children 1 month old or above. This is a chronic infection of the middle ear that causes symptoms like severe ear pain, discharge, hearing loss, and fever.
How It Works
Ciloxan Ear Drops help kill the bacteria that cause the ear infection. It does not work against infections caused by viruses or fungus.
Good to know: This medication specifically targets bacterial infections and is effective for chronic middle ear infections
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How to Take Ciloxan Ear Drops
Follow your doctor's instructions carefully and use the ear drops exactly as prescribed to ensure effective treatment.
Dosage Instructions
For adults and children 1 month old or above: Put 5 drops into the affected ear(s) twice daily for 9 days. Wash hands thoroughly before use. Shake the bottle well before each use. If the solution is cold, warm it by holding the bottle in your hand for 1-2 minutes. Lie down or sit with the affected ear turned upward, put the drops in, and stay in that position for about 1 minute to help the drops reach deeper into the ear.
What If You Miss a Dose?
If you miss a dose, use the drops as soon as you remember, then continue with your regular schedule. If it's almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue as normal. Do not use a double dose to make up for the missed one.
Important: Never touch the dropper tip with your fingers or to your ear or any surface to prevent contamination
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:
- Ear itching
- Mild uncomfortable feeling in ear(s)
- Bitter taste in mouth
- Temporary dizziness
- Vertigo
- Headache
- Fever
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- Fungal infection of ear (otomycosis) with symptoms like itching, hearing loss, pain
- Burning sensation or tingling in or around the ear
- Buzzing, hissing, whistling, ringing or other persistent noise in the ear(s)
- Severe ear pain
- Allergic reactions with shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, swelling of face/lips/tongue, rash, or hives
Important Warnings
Before using Ciloxan Ear Drops, make sure your doctor knows about your medical history and any allergies you may have.
Who Should Not Take Ciloxan Ear 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 swelling of your tendons.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Tell your doctor if you have any other medical conditions, take any other medicines, or develop skin reactions as the drops contain benzalkonium chloride which may be an irritant.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
As a precautionary measure, it is preferable to avoid using Ciloxan Ear Drops during pregnancy. Your doctor will advise you about the possible risks and benefits. If you are breastfeeding, talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits before using this medication.
Allergic Reactions: Stop use and seek immediate medical attention if you experience shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, swelling of face/lips/tongue, rash, or hives
Drug Interactions
Some medicines may interfere with Ciloxan Ear Drops and affect how it works. Tell your doctor about all medications you are taking.
- Blood thinning medicines (e.g., warfarin)
- Medicines to prevent tissue rejection (e.g., cyclosporin)
- Theophylline (used for asthma or breathing problems)
- Caffeine for migraine treatment
Alcohol & Driving
Be cautious about activities that require alertness until you know how Ciloxan Ear Drops affect you.
Alcohol
Tell your doctor if you drink alcohol while using this medication.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Be careful before you drive or use any machines or tools until you know how Ciloxan Ear Drops affect you, as the medication may cause dizziness or other side effects that could impair your ability to operate machinery safely.
Sun Exposure
Avoid excessive exposure to sunlight during treatment as it may cause moderate to severe skin sensitivity to sun with symptoms like redness, itching, and swelling.
Storage
Store below 25°C in a cool, dry place away from moisture, heat, and sunlight. Do not refrigerate or freeze. Protect from light. Keep the cap on the bottle at all times except when using. Put the cap back on immediately after use. Keep out of reach of children. Discard the container 4 weeks after opening.
Overdose Information
If you accidentally put too many drops in your ear(s), immediately rinse your ear(s) with warm tap water. If you think you have used too much, seek urgent medical attention. Contact the Poisons Information Centre (13 11 26), your doctor, or go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department immediately, even if there are no signs of discomfort.
Frequently Asked Questions
The treatment course is 9 days with twice daily dosing. You should follow the complete course as prescribed by your doctor even if symptoms improve earlier.
No, do not stop using this medicine suddenly. Complete the full 9-day course as prescribed by your doctor to ensure the infection is fully treated.
If the solution is cold, warm it by holding the bottle in your hand for 1-2 minutes before putting it in your ear. This helps prevent dizziness that may occur with cold solutions.
Yes, Ciloxan Ear Drops can be used in children 1 month old or above. The same dosage applies: 5 drops into the affected ear(s) twice daily for 9 days.
Do not touch the dropper tip with your fingers, ear, or any surface as this can contaminate the drops. If contamination occurs, contact your pharmacist for advice.
Do not use Ciloxan Ear Drops just before having a bath, shower, or going swimming. Follow your doctor's advice about water activities during treatment.
Store below 25°C, do not refrigerate or freeze, protect from light, and keep the cap on tightly. Discard the container 4 weeks after opening.
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.