Type of medicine: antibiotic; corticosteroid
Generic and brand names: ciprofloxacin and dexamethasone, otic; Ciprodex
This medicine is a combination of an antibiotic and a steroid. It is used in the ear to treat infections and inflammation.
Before taking this medicine, tell your healthcare provider if you have:
Females of childbearing age: Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine without your healthcare provider's approval.
This medicine is for use in the ears only. Do not take it by mouth or get it in or near your eyes.
Check the label on the medicine for directions about your specific dose. Use this medicine exactly as your healthcare provider prescribes. Do not use more or less or use it longer than prescribed. Do not stop using this medicine without your healthcare provider's approval.
Before applying the drops, hold the bottle in your hand for a minute or two to warm the medicine. Cold ear drops may cause dizziness. Shake the bottle well just before using the drops.
Wash your hands before and after using this medicine. To keep from contaminating the medicine, do not touch the tip of the dropper to your ear or any other surface.
Lie on your side with the infected ear up. The directions for using the ear drops depend on the kind of infection you have. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for specific instructions. Put in the number of drops prescribed. Remain lying down for a minute or two, or put a clean cotton plug in the ear to keep the medicine from running out when you get up.
After use, wipe the tip of the dropper with a clean tissue. Close the container tightly.
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for the next scheduled dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and use the next one as directed. Do not use double doses. If you are not sure of what to do if you miss a dose, or if you miss more than one dose, contact your healthcare provider.
An acute overdose of this medicine is not likely to cause life-threatening symptoms. If you think that you or anyone else may have taken too much of this medicine, call the poison control center at 800-222-1222.
Contact your healthcare provider if your condition does not improve in a week or if it gets worse.
Do not get the infected ear wet while using this medicine. Use caution while bathing or showering. Do not swim unless your healthcare provider approves.
If you need emergency care, surgery, or dental work, tell the healthcare provider or dentist you are using this medicine.
Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.
Life-threatening (Report these to your healthcare provider right away. If you cannot reach your healthcare provider right away, get emergency medical care or call 911 for help): Allergic reaction (hives; itching; rash; trouble breathing; tightness in your chest; swelling of your lips, tongue, and throat).
Other: Ear pain or rash, change in sense of taste, irritability, headache.
No significant drug interactions have been reported.
If you are not sure if your medicines might interact, ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider. Keep a list of all your medicines with you. List all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.
Store this medicine at room temperature. Keep the container tightly closed. Protect it from heat, high humidity, and bright light.
This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.
Ask your pharmacist for the best way to dispose of outdated medicine or medicine you have not used. Do not throw medicine in the trash.
Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
Do not share medicines with other people.
