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Brand Names: Apo-Ciproflox
Common Name: ciprofloxacin eye drops
What is this drug used for?
Ciprofloxacin is an antibiotic that belongs to the family of medications known as quinolones. Ciprofloxacin eye drops are used for the treatment of eye infections (conjunctivitis) or corneal ulcers (ulcers in the part of the eye called the cornea) caused by certain types of bacteria.
Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than the ones listed in these drug information articles. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.
Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it.
Is there any reason not to take this drug?
Ciprofloxacin eye drop solution should not be taken by anyone who is:
- allergic to ciprofloxacin or any other ingredient of the medication
- allergic to nalidixic acid or other quinolones (e.g., norfloxacin, levofloxacin, and ofloxacin)
What about possible side effects?
Many medications can cause side effects. A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses. Side effects can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent. The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes this medication. If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of this medication with your doctor.
The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people taking this medication.
Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects and they are severe or bothersome. Your pharmacist may be able to advise you on managing side effects.
- bad taste in the mouth
- burning, stinging or other discomfort of the eye
- crusting or crystals in corner of the eye
- dryness of the eye
- feeling of something in the eye
- increased sensitivity of eyes to light
- itching of the eye
- redness of the lining of the eyelids
- tearing of the eye
Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:
- irritation (severe) or increased redness of the eye
- white crusting on the eye
Stop taking the medication and seek immediate medical attention if any of the following occur:
- allergic reaction, such as skin rash, hives, or itching
- blurred vision or other change in vision
- severe eye pain
- spots or pits on the eye
- swelling of the eye
Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking this medication.
What if I am taking other drugs?
The following medications may be affected by ciprofloxacin ophthalmic solution or increase the risk of side effects:
- theophylline
- caffeine
- warfarin
If you are taking any of these medications, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:
- stop taking one of the medications,
- change one of the medications to another,
- change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
- leave everything as is.
An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.
Medications other than those listed above may interact with this medication. Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them.
Other information:
Be sure to inform your doctor of all your medical conditions before you begin taking a medication. Some conditions can affect how you should take this medication.
Allergy: Stop using ciprofloxacin at the first sign of allergy (e.g., a skin rash) and contact your doctor.
Overgrowth of organisms: Prolonged use of ciprofloxacin eye solution or ointment may result in overgrowth of organisms not killed by the medication, including fungi.
Pregnancy: There are no adequate and well-controlled studies of the use of ciprofloxacin eye solution by pregnant women. It should be used by pregnant women only if, in the doctor's opinion, the benefit clearly outweighs any potential unknown risks.
Breast-feeding: It is not known whether ciprofloxacin eye solution passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking this medication, it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.
Children: The safety and effectiveness of ciprofloxacin eye solution has not been established for children under one year of age.
The solution should never be used for injection directly into the eye.
Special Instructions:
For the treatment of conjunctivitis, the recommended dose is 1 or 2 drops in the affected eye every 2 hours while awake for 2 days then 2 drops every 4 hours while awake for 5 days. Be sure to wash your hands before and after using the medication.
For corneal ulcers, the recommended dose is 2 drops every 15 minutes for the first 6 hours then every 30 minutes for the rest of the first day. On the second day, apply drops every hour. For days 3 to 14, apply drops every 4 hours.
Avoid touching the tip of the bottle to anything, as this can contamination. Ask your pharmacist to show you how to properly apply eye drops.
Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.
It is important that this medication be taken exactly as prescribed by your
doctor. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible and continue with
your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed
dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double
dose to make up for a missed one.
Store this medication at room temperature, protect it from light and moisture, and keep it out of the reach of children. Use within 28 days after opening the container.
Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.
© MediResource Inc. Terms and conditions of use: The contents herein are for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.