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Overview: Ciprofloxacin ophthalmic comes as an eye drop or an eye ointment. It is used to treat eye infections and works by killing certain types of bacteria. Common side effects include eye burning, redness, or itching. Ciprofloxacin eye ointment may also cause blurry vision. Let your health care provider know if your eye infection does not get better or if it gets worse.

Uses

What is ciprofloxacin ophthalmic (eye) used for?

Ciprofloxacin ophthalmic (eye) is commonly used for certain eye infections in people with either conjunctivitis or a corneal ulcer. Conjunctivitis is a condition where part of your eye is inflamed sometimes from bacteria. A corneal ulcer is a wound on part of your eye (cornea) that can be caused by bacteria. 

Ciprofloxacin ophthalmic 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 ophthalmic, which will make it not work as well.

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

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

Other forms of ciprofloxacin are available for use in the ears. See Ciprofloxacin otic for more information.

How does ciprofloxacin ophthalmic work (mechanism of action)?

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

How is ciprofloxacin ophthalmic supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Ciloxan

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 0.3% eye drop
  • 0.3% eye ointment

How should I store ciprofloxacin ophthalmic?

Eye Drop. Ciprofloxacin eye drops should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F and 77 F (20 C and 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F and 86 F (15 C and 30 C), for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place. Protect from light. Keep tightly closed.

Eye Ointment. Ciprofloxacin eye ointment should be stored at room temperature or in the refrigerator between 36 F and 77 F (2 C and 25 C). 

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of ciprofloxacin ophthalmic?

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

  • Eye burning
  • White crystals or crusting on eyelids (eye drop)
  • Eye redness or itching
  • Blurry vision (eye ointment)
  • Bad taste after you apply ciprofloxacin ophthalmic (eye drop)
  • Feeling like something is in your eye (eye drop)

There may be other side effects of ciprofloxacin ophthalmic 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 ophthalmic?

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

Severe Allergic Reactions. Ciprofloxacin ophthalmic can cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using ciprofloxacin ophthalmic 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 ophthalmic for a prolonged period of time may lead to an infection with other types of germs, such as fungi. Call your health care provider if your eye infection does not improve or gets worse.

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use ciprofloxacin ophthalmic?

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

  • Ciloxan
  • Ciprofloxacin 
  • Any other medicine known as a fluoroquinolone antibiotic or quinolone antibiotic
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

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

What should I know about ciprofloxacin ophthalmic before using it?

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

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

Keep ciprofloxacin ophthalmic out of the reach of children.

Ciprofloxacin ophthalmic should only be applied to the surface of the eye. Do not touch the tip of the medicine to your eye or any other surface including your finger. Do not inject ciprofloxacin ophthalmic into the eye.

Do not wear contact lenses during your treatment with ciprofloxacin ophthalmic.

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

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 ophthalmic is right for you.

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

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how ciprofloxacin ophthalmic 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 ophthalmic while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant. 

Breastfeeding. It is not known if ciprofloxacin ophthalmic passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your health care provider will let you know if you should use ciprofloxacin ophthalmic while breastfeeding.

Interactions

Does ciprofloxacin ophthalmic interact with foods or drinks?

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

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect ciprofloxacin ophthalmic.

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

There are no known interactions between ciprofloxacin ophthalmic 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 ophthalmic?

If you or someone else has used too much ciprofloxacin ophthalmic (eye drop), flush the eyes with warm water. 

If you or someone else has used too much ciprofloxacin ophthalmic (eye ointment) 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 ophthalmic?

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 ophthalmic, even if your symptoms get better or go away. This will reduce the risk that future infections are resistant to ciprofloxacin ophthalmic or other similar medicines.