Generic name: ciprofloxacin otic [ SIP-roe-FLOX-a-sin-OH-tik ]
Brand names: Cetraxal, Otiprio
Dosage form: otic solution (0.2%)
Drug class: Otic anti-infectives

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Apr 23, 2024. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is ciprofloxacin otic?

Ciprofloxacin is an antibiotic in a group of drugs called fluoroquinolones (flor-o-KWIN-o-lones). Ciprofloxacin fights bacteria in the body.

Ciprofloxacin otic (for use in the ears) is used to treat ear infections that affect the outer ear canal (also called otitis externa). This type of ear infection is sometimes called "swimmer's ear."

The Otiprio brand of ciprofloxacin otic is used to treat inner ear infections (also called otitis media) in children who are having ear tube surgery.

Ciprofloxacin otic may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Ciprofloxacin otic side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

The ear drops may cause serious side effects. Stop using the ear drops and call your doctor at once if you have:

• a skin rash (no matter how mild); or

• new ear drainage with severe itching (may be signs of a yeast infection).

Common side effects of ciprofloxacin otic may include:

• itching or pain after using the ear drops;

• fussiness or irritability;

• headache; or

• stuffy nose and sore throat.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Related/similar drugs

ofloxacin otic, Floxin Otic, Cipro HC, Cetraxal, Cortisporin-TC

Warnings

Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use ciprofloxacin otic if you are allergic to ciprofloxacin (Cipro) or similar antibiotics, such as gemifloxacin, levofloxacin, moxifloxacin, norfloxacin, or ofloxacin.

It is not known whether ciprofloxacin used in the ears will harm an unborn baby. Your body may not absorb ear medicine in amounts large enough to get into your bloodstream. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

It is not known whether ciprofloxacin used in the ears could pass into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Do not give this medicine to a child without medical advice. Cetraxal ear drops are not approved for use by a child younger than 1 year old.

How should I use ciprofloxacin otic?

Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not use this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Do not take by mouth. Ciprofloxacin otic is for use only in the ears.

Cetraxal ear drops should be used 2 times daily for 7 days, unless your doctor tells you otherwise. Your doses should be spaced at least 12 hours apart.

Wash your hands before using the ear drops.

To use the ear drops:

• Warm the container by holding it in your hands for at least 1 minute. Using ciprofloxacin otic that is cold may cause dizziness when you place the medicine into your ear.

• Lie down or tilt your head with your ear facing upward. Open the ear canal by gently pulling your ear back, or pulling downward on the earlobe when giving this medicine to a child.

• Hold the dropper upside down over your ear. Squeeze the bottle until all of the medicine drops into the ear.

• Stay lying down or with your ear facing upward for at least 1 minute to allow the medicine to reach the back of your ear canal.

• If you are treating both ears, repeat these steps using a second bottle of ear drops.

Each bottle of Cetraxal ear drops contains enough medicine for only one ear. If you are treating both ears, use a separate bottle for each ear. You will receive a supply of 14 bottles for the full 7-day treatment of both ears. Throw away a container after one use, even if there is still some medicine left in it.

Use this medicine for the full prescribed length of time. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely cleared. Skipping doses may also increase your risk of further infection that is resistant to antibiotics.

Store the medicine at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light. Keep each single-use ear drop container in the foil pouch until you are ready to give a dose.

Your child's doctor will place a single dose of Otiprio in each affected ear during ear tube surgery. You will not be given a supply of Otiprio to use at home.

For the first few days after ear tube surgery, your child may have some drainage from the ear(s). Call your doctor if the child has a fever, ear pain, or drainage that lasts longer than a few days.

Ciprofloxacin otic dosing information

Usual Adult Dose for Acute Otitis Externa:

Otic Solution: Instill the contents of 1 single-use container into the affected ear 2 times a day (about 12 hours apart) for 7 days.
Otic Suspension: Administer 12 mg as a single dose to the external ear canal of each affected ear.

Use: For the treatment of acute otitis externa due to susceptible isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa or Staphylococcus aureus

Usual Pediatric Dose for Acute Otitis Externa:

Otic Solution:
-Aged 1 year or older: Instill the contents of 1 single-use container into the affected ear 2 times a day (about 12 hours apart) for 7 days.

Otic Suspension:
-Aged 6 months or older: Administer 12 mg as a single dose to the external ear canal of each affected ear.

Use: For the treatment of acute otitis externa due to susceptible isolates of P aeruginosa or S aureus

Usual Pediatric Dose for Otitis Media:

Otic Suspension:
-Aged 6 months or older: After suctioning of middle ear effusion, administer 6 mg intratympanically as a single dose into each affected ear.

Use: For the treatment of patients with bilateral otitis media with effusion undergoing tympanostomy tube placement

What happens if I miss a dose?

Use the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

An overdose of ciprofloxacin otic is not expected to be dangerous. Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222 if anyone has accidentally swallowed the medication.

What should I avoid while using ciprofloxacin otic?

Avoid getting ciprofloxacin otic in your eyes.

If this medicine gets in your eyes, nose, or mouth, rinse with water.

What other drugs will affect ciprofloxacin otic?

It is not likely that other drugs you take orally or inject will have an effect on ciprofloxacin used in the ears. But many drugs can interact with each other. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all medicines you use, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

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