Ciprofloxacin and dexamethasone combination ear drops is used to treat ear infections, such as acute otitis externa and acute otitis media. Otitis externa, also known as swimmer's ear, is an infection of the outer ear canal caused by bacteria. The ear canal and outer part of the ear may be swollen, red, and painful. Otitis media is a middle ear infection in children who have a tube in their eardrum (known as tympanostomy) to prevent having too much fluid in the middle ear.

Ciprofloxacin belongs to the class of medicines known as fluoroquinolone antibiotics. It works by killing the bacteria or preventing their growth. Dexamethasone is a steroid medicine that is used to relieve the redness, itching, and swelling caused by ear infections.

This medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription.

Use this medicine exactly as directed by your doctor. Do not use more of it, do not use it more often, and do not use it for a longer time than your doctor ordered. To do so may increase the chance of side effects.

This medicine should come with patient information leaflet. Read and follow these instructions carefully. Ask your doctor if you have any questions.

This medicine should be used only in the ear. Do not put it in the eyes or nose, and do not take it by mouth or inject it. If this medicine is swallowed by accident or gets in your eyes, call your doctor right away. .

It is important that the infected ear remain clean and dry. When bathing, avoid getting the infected ear wet. Avoid swimming unless your doctor has instructed you otherwise.

To use the ear drops:

Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water
Hold the bottle in your hands for 1 or 2 minutes to warm the medicine. Cold drops could cause you to become dizzy.
Shake the bottle well before using it.
Lie down on your side with your infected ear facing up.
Drop the prescribed number of drops into the ear. Keep the ear tilted up for 60 seconds.
To keep the medicine as germ-free as possible, do not touch the applicator tip to any surface (including the ear). Also, keep the container tightly closed.
For patients with middle ear infection with tubes: While the person getting the ear drops lies on their side, the person giving the drops should gently press the small projection in front of the outside opening of the ear 5 times in a pumping motion. This will allow the drops to pass through the tube and into the middle ear.
For patients with outer ear infection (“swimmer's ear”): While the person getting the ear drops lies on their side, the person giving the drops should gently pull the outer ear lobe upward and backward. This will allow the ear drops to flow down into the ear canal.
The person who just had the ear drops should stay on their side for at least one minute. Repeat the above steps if both ears are infected.
When you have completed your course of therapy (usually 7 days), throw away any unused medicine.
To help clear up your infection completely, keep using this medicine for the full time of treatment, even if you or your child feel better after the first few doses. The infection may not clear up if you stop using the medicine too soon. Do not miss any doses.

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

Incidence not known

Cough

difficulty with swallowing

dizziness

fast heartbeat

hives, itching, or skin rash

large, hive-like swelling on the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or sex organs

puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue

tightness in the chest

unusual tiredness or weakness

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

Less common

Ear discomfort

ear pain

itching skin on the ear

Rare

Bitter, sour, or unusual taste in the mouth

ear congestion

ear debris

ear residue

redness of the skin

superimposed ear infection (second ear infection)

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

If you or your child feel that your symptoms are not improve after 7 days, or if they have become worse, check with your doctor.

This medicine may cause serious allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention. Call your doctor right away if you have a rash, itching, trouble breathing, trouble swallowing, or any swelling of your hands, face, or mouth while you are using this medicine.

Call your doctor right away if you have fluid that continues to drain from your ear (otorrhea) after you have finished your treatment with this medicine.