Ciprofloxacin/Dexamethasone (Into The Ear)

Ciprofloxacin (sip-roe-FLOX-a-sin), Dexamethasone (dex-a-METH-a-sone)

Treats middle ear infections in children who have tubes in their ears. Also treats outer ear infections ("swimmer's ear") in children and adults. This medicine is a combination of an antibiotic and a steroid.

Brand Name(s):

Ciprodex
There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to dexamethasone or any other steroid medicines such as hydrocortisone, prednisolone, prednisone, or triamcinolone, or if you had an allergic reaction to ciprofloxacin or any other quinolone antibiotic medicine, such as ofloxacin (Floxin®), ciprofloxacin (Cipro®), gatifloxacin (Tequin®), levofloxacin (Levaquin®), or moxifloxacin (Avelox®). You should not use this medicine if you have a virus infection (such as herpes) in your outer ear.

How to Use This Medicine:

Liquid, Drop

• Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to use and how often. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
• Use this medicine only in your ear.Keep using this medicine for the full treatment time, even if you feel better after the first few doses. Your infection may not clear up if you stop using the medicine too soon.
• Wash your hands with soap and water before and after using this medicine.
• You may warm the drops by holding the unopened bottle in your hands for a few minutes. Putting cold drops in your ear might make you dizzy.
• Shake the medicine well just before using the drops.
• Remove the cap but do not let the tip of the dropper touch anything, including your ear.
• Lie down with the affected ear facing up if you are going to give this medicine to yourself. Have the child lie down with the affected ear facing up if you are going to give this medicine to a child.
• Drop the correct number of drops into the ear.
• For a middle ear infection, gently fold in the flap of skin at the front of the ear after you put in the drops. Let go of the flap, then fold it in again. Do this 5 times with a pumping motion. This helps move the medicine through the tube and into the middle ear.
• Keep the ear tilted up for at least 1 minute.
• Repeat these instructions for the other ear, if needed.

If a dose is missed:

• If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to use the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

• Keep the bottle closed when you are not using it. Store it at room temperature, away from light and heat. Do not freeze.
• Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of the used medicine bottle and any leftover medicine. You will also need to throw away old medicine after the expiration date has passed.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
• Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after using this medicine for one week, or if your symptoms get worse.
• If you have ear drainage two or more times within 6 months after you stop using the drops, tell your doctor.
• Keep your ears clean and dry while you are using this medicine. Do not go swimming unless your doctor says it is okay.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing.

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Mild ear discomfort, pain, or itching

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.