About Ciprofloxacin 0.3% Eye/Ear Drops
Ciprofloxacin 0.3% Eye/Ear Drops contains Ciprofloxacin 0.3%. These ciprofloxacin drops are an antibiotic used in the eye or ear. They treat bacterial eye infections such as conjunctivitis and corneal ulcers, and bacterial infections of the outer ear canal, as prescribed. They do not work for viral or fungal infections. Use them for the full time your doctor advises.
Uses of Ciprofloxacin 0.3% Eye/Ear Drops
- Bacterial conjunctivitis (pink eye)
- Corneal ulcers caused by bacteria
- Bacterial infection of the outer ear canal (otitis externa)
Benefits
In eye and ear infections
They kill the bacteria causing the infection, easing redness, discharge, pain and swelling. Completing the course helps clear the infection fully.
Side effects
Stinging usually lasts only a short time. Talk to your doctor if side effects bother you or do not go away.
Common
- Burning or stinging when the drops go in
- Itching or redness
- Blurred vision for a short time (eye use)
- Unpleasant taste in the mouth
- White crusty deposits on the eye surface (eye use)
Get medical help if you notice
- Worsening eye pain, redness, swelling or loss of vision — stop and contact your doctor straight away
- Allergic reaction: rash, swelling of the eyelids, face or throat, difficulty breathing — stop and seek emergency care
- No improvement after a few days, or symptoms getting worse — contact your doctor
How to use
Use the drops exactly as your doctor prescribed. Wash your hands first. For the eye: tilt your head back, gently pull down the lower eyelid and put the drops into the pocket; close your eye and press gently on the inner corner for a minute. For the ear: lie with the affected ear facing up, put the drops in, and stay in that position for a few minutes. Do not let the dropper tip touch any surface.
How it works
Ciprofloxacin blocks enzymes (DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV) that bacteria need to copy their DNA, so the bacteria cannot multiply and die.
Safety advice
Alcohol Safe
No interaction known.
Pregnancy Consult your doctor
Use only if your doctor advises it.
Breastfeeding Consult your doctor
Ask your doctor before using it while breastfeeding.
Driving Caution
Eye drops can blur your vision for a short time. Do not drive until your vision is clear.
Kidney Safe
Very little of the drops is absorbed into the body, so kidney disease is not expected to matter.
Liver Safe
Very little of the drops is absorbed into the body, so liver disease is not expected to matter.
If you miss a dose
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is nearly time for the next dose, skip the missed one. Do not use extra drops to make up.
Quick tips
- Use the drops for the full time your doctor advises, even if you feel better.
- Do not wear contact lenses while treating an eye infection.
- Leave at least 5 minutes between different eye drops.
- Do not share your drops, and throw them away after the time stated on the pack once opened.
Substitutes
Same salts in the same strength from other makers. Only switch brands on your doctor's or pharmacist's advice; our pharmacist checks every order against the prescription.
Fact box
- Chemical class
- Fluoroquinolone
- Therapeutic class
- Ophthalmic and otic / anti-infective
- Action class
- Bacterial DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV inhibitor
- Habit forming
- No
- Prescription
- Required
Interactions with other medicines
Tell your doctor and pharmacist about every medicine, vitamin and herbal product you take.
| Medicine | What can happen |
|---|---|
| Other eye or ear drops and ointments | Can wash each other out; leave at least 5 minutes between them and use ointments last |
| Fluoroquinolone antibiotics taken by mouth | Tell your doctor if you are also taking one, so the total treatment can be checked |
This page is general information to help you understand your medicine. It is not a substitute for advice from your doctor or pharmacist. Do not start, stop or change a medicine on your own.
Written by the Asthra Health Care team from the approved prescribing information (Ciprofloxacin 0.3% eye/ear drops prescribing information (CDSCO-approved labelling); NICE BNF: ciprofloxacin (eye and ear preparations)). Pharmacist review pending.