Ciloxan Ear Drops (Ciprofloxacin Hydrochloride)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Ciloxan Ear Drops Used For?
Ciloxan Ear Drops contain ciprofloxacin hydrochloride, a fluoroquinolone antibiotic specifically designed to treat bacterial ear infections.
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 with symptoms including severe ear pain, discharge, hearing loss, and fever.
How It Works
Ciloxan Ear Drops work by killing the bacteria that cause the infection. It does not work against infections caused by viruses or fungus.
Good to know: This medication specifically targets bacterial infections and helps eliminate the bacteria causing your ear infection.
How to Take Ciloxan Ear Drops
Follow your doctor’s instructions carefully and use Ciloxan Ear Drops exactly as prescribed to ensure the best treatment outcome.
Dosage Instructions
Put 5 Ciloxan Ear Drops into the affected ear(s) twice daily for 9 days. Wash your 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. Put the drops in while sitting or lying down with the affected ear turned upwards. Hold your head in the same position for about 1 minute after applying drops. Do not touch the dropper tip to your fingers, ear, or any other surface.
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 dose.
Important: Never double the dose to make up for a missed dose, and always replace the cap immediately after use 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, it’s important to understand who should not use this medication and what conditions require special attention.
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. Signs of allergic reaction include shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, swelling of face/lips/tongue, rash, or hives.
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 cause irritation.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Check with your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. As a precautionary measure, it’s preferable to avoid Ciloxan Ear Drops during pregnancy. Your doctor will advise you about the possible risks and benefits during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Sun Sensitivity: Avoid excessive exposure to sunlight during treatment as it may cause moderate to severe skin sensitivity with symptoms like redness, itching, and swelling.
Drug Interactions
Some medicines may interfere with Ciloxan Ear Drops and affect how it works. Always tell your doctor about all medications you’re taking.
- Blood thinning medicines (e.g., warfarin)
- Medicines to prevent tissue rejection (e.g., cyclosporin)
- Asthma or breathing problem medicines (e.g., theophylline)
- 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 Ciloxan Ear Drops.
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 perform these activities safely.
Storage
Store Ciloxan Ear Drops 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 tightly and replace immediately after use. Keep out of reach of children. Discard the container 4 weeks after opening. Do not use after the expiry date.
Overdose Information
If you think you have used too much Ciloxan Ear Drops, you may need urgent medical attention. If you accidentally put too many drops in your ear(s), immediately rinse your ear(s) with warm tap water. 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 or poisoning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ciloxan Ear Drops should be used for the full 9-day treatment period as prescribed by your doctor. The medication works by killing bacteria causing the infection, and you should continue using it even if symptoms improve to ensure the infection is completely cleared.
No, do not stop using this medicine suddenly. You should complete the full 9-day course of treatment as prescribed by your doctor, even if your symptoms improve, to ensure the infection is completely eliminated.
There might be a slightly unpleasant feeling as the drops flow into the ear. If this feeling persists or is very uncomfortable, contact your doctor or pharmacist immediately.
No, do not use Ciloxan Ear Drops just before having a bath, shower, or going swimming, as this may affect the medication’s effectiveness.
Yes, Ciloxan Ear Drops can be used in children 1 month old or above for treating chronic suppurative otitis media, but only under medical supervision and as prescribed by a doctor.
If you miss a dose, use the drops as soon as you remember, then return to your normal schedule. If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue as normal. Never use a double dose to make up for a missed dose.
No, never touch the dropper tip with your fingers, ear, or any other surface. This helps prevent contamination of the ear drops and reduces the risk of introducing additional bacteria.
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.