Ciprofloxacin Otic

(sip roe flox' a sin)

Brand Name(s): Cetraxal^®, Otiprio^®

WHY is this medicine prescribed?

Ciprofloxacin otic solution (Cetraxal) and ciprofloxacin otic suspension (Otiprio) are used to treat outer ear infections in adults and children. Ciprofloxacin otic suspension (Otiprio) is also used in children during ear tube placement surgery to prevent infection or ear drainage. Ciprofloxacin otic is in a class of medications called quinolone antibiotics. It works by killing the bacteria that cause infection.

Are there OTHER USES for this medicine?

This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

HOW should this medicine be used?

Ciprofloxacin otic (Cetrexal) comes as a solution (liquid) to place into the ear. It is usually used twice a day for 7 days. Use ciprofloxacin otic solution at around the same time(s) every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Use ciprofloxacin otic exactly as directed. Do not use more or less of it or use it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Ciprofloxacin otic (Otiprio) also comes as a suspension (liquid) to be placed into the ear by a doctor or nurse in a doctor's office or other medical facility. Ciprofloxacin otic suspension (Otiprio) is usually given as a single dose.

Ciprofloxacin otic is only for use in the ears. Do not use in the eyes.

You should begin to feel better during the first few days of treatment of out ear infections with ciprofloxacin otic. If your symptoms do not improve after one week or get worse, call your doctor. Also, call your doctor if you have ear pain, continuous ear discharge, or fever following use during ear tube surgery.

Ciprofloxacin otic (Cetrexal) ear drops come in single-use containers (small bottles to be used for one dose). Use the liquid from the container immediately after opening, and throw away the container when you are finished. Use ciprofloxacin otic ear drops until you finish the prescription, even if you feel better. If you stop using ciprofloxacin otic too soon or skip doses, your infection may not be completely treated and the bacteria may become resistant to antibiotics.

To use the eardrops, follow these steps:

1. Wash your hands thoroughly.
2. Hold the container in your hand for at least 1 minute to warm the solution.
3. Twist off the top of the container.
4. Lie down with the affected ear upward.
5. Place the entire contents of the container into your ear.
6. Remain lying down with the affected ear upward for at least 60 seconds.
7. Repeat steps 1-6 for the opposite ear if necessary.
8. Throw away the empty container(s) in a trash can.

Ask your pharmacist or doctor for a copy of the manufacturer's information for the patient.

What SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS should I follow?

Before using ciprofloxacin otic,

• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to ciprofloxacin (Cipro), gemifloxacin (Factive), levofloxacin (Levaquin), lomefloxacin (Maxaquin), moxifloxacin (Avelox), nalidixic acid (NegGram), norfloxacin (Noroxin), ofloxacin (Floxin), any other medications, or any of the ingredients in ciprofloxacin otic. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for a list of the ingredients.

• tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take.

• tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding. If you become pregnant while using ciprofloxacin otic, call your doctor.

• you should know that you must keep your infected ear(s) clean and dry while using ciprofloxacin otic. Avoid getting the infected ear(s) wet while bathing, and avoid swimming unless your doctor has told you otherwise.

What SPECIAL DIETARY instructions should I follow?

Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.

What should I do IF I FORGET to take a dose?

Apply the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not use extra eardrops to make up for a missed one.

What SIDE EFFECTS can this medicine cause?

Ciprofloxacin otic may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• ear discomfort, pain, or itching

Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms, stop using ciprofloxacin otic and call your doctor immediately

• rash
• hives
• swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips, eyes, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
• hoarseness
• difficulty swallowing or breathing

Ciprofloxacin otic may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while using this medication.

If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online (http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch) or by phone (1-800-332-1088).

What should I know about STORAGE and DISPOSAL of this medication?

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from light, excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom).

It is important to keep all medication out of sight and reach of children as many containers (such as weekly pill minders and those for eye drops, creams, patches, and inhalers) are not child-resistant and young children can open them easily. To protect young children from poisoning, always lock safety caps and immediately place the medication in a safe location – one that is up and away and out of their sight and reach. http://www.upandaway.org

Unneeded medications should be disposed of in special ways to ensure that pets, children, and other people cannot consume them. However, you should not flush this medication down the toilet. Instead, the best way to dispose of your medication is through a medicine take-back program. Talk to your pharmacist or contact your local garbage/recycling department to learn about take-back programs in your community. See the FDA's Safe Disposal of Medicines website (http://goo.gl/c4Rm4p) for more information if you do not have access to a take-back program.

What OTHER INFORMATION should I know?

Keep all appointments with your doctor.

Do not let anyone else use your medication. Your prescription is probably not refillable.

It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.

This report on medications is for your information only, and is not considered individual patient advice. Because of the changing nature of drug information, please consult your physician or pharmacist about specific clinical use.

The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. represents that the information provided hereunder was formulated with a reasonable standard of care, and in conformity with professional standards in the field. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. makes no representations or warranties, express or implied, including, but not limited to, any implied warranty of merchantability and/or fitness for a particular purpose, with respect to such information and specifically disclaims all such warranties. Users are advised that decisions regarding drug therapy are complex medical decisions requiring the independent, informed decision of an appropriate health care professional, and the information is provided for informational purposes only. The entire monograph for a drug should be reviewed for a thorough understanding of the drug's actions, uses and side effects. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. does not endorse or recommend the use of any drug. The information is not a substitute for medical care.

AHFS^® Patient Medication Information™. © Copyright, 2024. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists^®, 4500 East-West Highway, Suite 900, Bethesda, Maryland. All Rights Reserved. Duplication for commercial use must be authorized by ASHP.

Selected Revisions: May 15, 2018.