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Overview: Ciprofloxacin otic is used to treat ear infections. It is an ear drop medicine that works by killing certain types of bacteria. Common side effects may include brief pain after you put the drop in your ear, ear itching, and headache. Serious side effects are not common, but let your health care provider know if you get a skin rash or if the symptoms of your ear infection do not get better within a week.

Uses

What is ciprofloxacin otic (ear) used for?

Ciprofloxacin otic (ear) is commonly used for the treatment of a type of outer ear infection, known as swimmer’s ear, caused by certain bacteria. 

Ciprofloxacin otic may not be the right medicine for some of the infections listed above, depending on which germs are causing the infection. Bacteria in some locations may be resistant to ciprofloxacin otic, which will make it not work as well.

Ciprofloxacin otic may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

Other forms of ciprofloxacin are available for use in the eyes. See Ciprofloxacin Ophthalmic for more information.

Other forms of ciprofloxacin are available for use by mouth or injection. See Ciprofloxacin for more information.

How does ciprofloxacin otic work (mechanism of action)?

Ciprofloxacin otic kills certain types of bacteria by making them less able to create and repair their DNA.

How is ciprofloxacin otic supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Cetraxal

Dosage forms and strengths

How should I store ciprofloxacin otic?

Ciprofloxacin otic should be stored between 59 F and 77 F (15 C and 25 C). Keep containers in the provided pouch to protect them from light.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of ciprofloxacin otic?

The most common side effects of ciprofloxacin otic are listed below. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Pain in the ear where you apply ciprofloxacin otic
  • Ear itching
  • Another infection (see below)
  • Headache

There may be other side effects of ciprofloxacin otic that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-332-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of ciprofloxacin otic?

While less common, the most serious side effects of ciprofloxacin otic are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Ciprofloxacin otic can cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using ciprofloxacin otic and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching or skin rash
  • Bumps on the skin called hives that can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Another Infection With Prolonged Use. Using ciprofloxacin otic for a long period of time may lead to an infection with other types of germs, such as yeast or fungi. Call your health care provider if your ear infection does not improve after 1 week of using ciprofloxacin otic.

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use ciprofloxacin otic?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use ciprofloxacin otic.

  • Cetraxal
  • Ciprofloxacin 
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific ciprofloxacin otic products they stock.

What should I know about ciprofloxacin otic before using it?

Do not use ciprofloxacin otic unless it has been prescribed to you by a health care provider. Use it as prescribed.

Do not share ciprofloxacin otic with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep ciprofloxacin otic out of the reach of children.

Wash your hands before using ciprofloxacin otic.

Ciprofloxacin otic should only be used in your ear. Do not put ciprofloxacin otic in your eyes. Do not inject or inhale it.

What should I tell my health care provider before using ciprofloxacin otic?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if ciprofloxacin otic is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how ciprofloxacin otic could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are or plan to become pregnant. Your health care provider will let you know if you should use ciprofloxacin otic while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant. 

Breastfeeding. It is not known if ciprofloxacin otic passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

Interactions

Does ciprofloxacin otic interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between ciprofloxacin otic and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect ciprofloxacin otic.

Does ciprofloxacin otic interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

There are no known interactions between ciprofloxacin otic and other medicines. Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or OTC medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much ciprofloxacin otic?

If you or someone else has used too much ciprofloxacin otic, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of ciprofloxacin otic?

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only use the next dose. Do not use double or extra doses.

It is important to complete your prescribed course of ciprofloxacin otic, even if your symptoms get better or go away. This will reduce the risk that future infections are resistant to ciprofloxacin otic or other similar medicines.