Ciproxin HC (Ciprofloxacin Hydrochloride And Hydrocortisone)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Ciproxin HC Used For?
Ciproxin HC Ear Drops are specifically designed to treat bacterial infections of the outer ear in adults and children 2 years and older.
Primary Uses
Treats acute bacterial otitis externa (acute infection of the outer ear caused by bacteria). Symptoms include ear pain and swelling.
How It Works
Contains two active ingredients: ciprofloxacin hydrochloride (a fluoroquinolone antibiotic that kills bacteria causing the infection) and hydrocortisone (a steroid that reduces swelling, pain and redness). Does not work against infections caused by viruses or fungus.
Good to know: This medication specifically targets bacterial infections and helps reduce both the infection and associated symptoms like pain and swelling
How to Take Ciproxin HC
Follow your doctor’s instructions carefully and use the medication exactly as prescribed for the full treatment period.
Dosage Instructions
For children (age 2 and above) and adults: Put 3 drops in the affected ear(s) twice daily for 7 days. Use at the same time every day. Wash hands thoroughly before use. Shake bottle well prior to use. Position head with affected ear turned upwards, gently squeeze 3 drops into ear, hold head in same position for 30-60 seconds to help drops reach deeper into the ear.
What If You Miss a Dose?
If you miss your dose at the usual time, put the drops in your ear(s) as soon as you remember and then go back to using them as recommended. If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose when you are meant to.
Important: Never take a double dose to make up for the dose you missed. Do not stop using this medicine suddenly.
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 pain
- Itching in ear
- Uncomfortable feeling in ear
- Sensation of fullness of the ear
- Fever
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Rash
- Feeling of tingling or numbness
- Hives
- Feeling sick
- Blurred vision or other eye problems
- Fungal nail infection
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- Partial loss of hearing
- Buzzing, hissing, whistling, ringing or other persistent noise in the ear
- Medication residue (white material remaining in the ear)
- Infection of the outer ear (otitis externa) of the non-treated ear
- Infection of the middle ear (symptoms: temporary hearing loss and pain, earache)
Important Warnings
There are several important conditions and situations where Ciproxin HC should not be used or requires special caution.
Who Should Not Take Ciproxin HC
Do not use if you are allergic to ciprofloxacin hydrochloride, hydrocortisone, or any ingredients listed. Do not use if allergic to other quinolone antibiotics (e.g. nalidixic acid, Levaquin). Do not use if you have ear problems such as ear drum rupture, have been treated for necrotising malignant otitis externa (severe ear infection), or suffer from viral or fungal ear infections. Do not use in children less than 2 years of age.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Check with your doctor if you have diabetes, take any medicines for other conditions, are allergic to natural rubber (latex) since the dropper cap contains it, or have any eye problems such as blurred vision.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Check with your doctor if you are pregnant or intend to become pregnant. Talk to your doctor if you are breastfeeding or intend to breastfeed. Your doctor will advise you regarding the possible risks and benefits.
Allergic Reactions: Symptoms of allergic reaction may include: shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or other parts of the body, rash, hives
Drug Interactions
Some medicines may interfere with Ciproxin HC Ear Drops and affect how it works.
Important: Tell your doctor or pharmacist about all medicines, vitamins or supplements you are taking, including those bought without a prescription
- Other ear drops
- Other medicines
- Vitamins or supplements
Alcohol & Driving
Take precautions with activities that require alertness and avoid sun exposure during treatment.
Alcohol
No specific alcohol warnings mentioned in the source material.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Be careful before you drive or use any machines or tools until you know how Ciproxin HC Ear Drops affect you.
Sun Exposure
Avoid direct exposure to sunlight during treatment as it may cause moderate to severe phototoxicity (increased sensitivity of the skin to sun having symptoms such as redness, itching, swelling).
Storage
Store below 25°C. Do not refrigerate or freeze. Do not leave the top off the bottle at any time to avoid contaminating the ear drops. Store in a cool dry place away from moisture, heat or sunlight. Do not store in the bathroom, near a sink, in the car or on window sills. Keep where young children cannot reach it. Discard any remaining solution after 14 days of opening.
Overdose Information
If you think you have used too much Ciproxin HC Ear Drops, you may need urgent medical attention. Immediately phone the Poisons Information Centre (13 11 26), contact your doctor, or go to the Emergency Department at your nearest hospital. Do this even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning.
Frequently Asked Questions
The treatment course is 7 days with twice daily application. You should use the full course as prescribed even if symptoms improve earlier.
Yes, if both ears are affected, repeat the application steps for the other ear as necessary. Use 3 drops in each affected ear twice daily.
There might be a slightly unpleasant feeling since the drops flow into the ear. If it persists or is very uncomfortable, contact your doctor or pharmacist immediately.
No, do not use Ciproxin HC just before having a bath, shower or going swimming.
Do not stop using this medicine suddenly. Complete the full 7-day course as prescribed by your doctor.
Yes, Ciproxin HC can be used in children aged 2 years and older. Do not use in children less than 2 years of age.
Store below 25°C, do not refrigerate or freeze. Keep the cap on tightly to avoid contamination. Discard any remaining solution after 14 days of 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.