Generic name: Ciprofloxacin Eye Ointment [ sip-row-FLOX-ah-sin ]
Brand name: Ciloxan
Drug class: Ophthalmic anti-infectives

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Feb 19, 2024.

Uses of Ciloxan:

• It is used to treat eye infections.

What do I need to tell my doctor BEFORE I take Ciloxan?

• If you have an allergy to ciprofloxacin or any other part of Ciloxan (ciprofloxacin eye ointment).
• If you are allergic to Ciloxan (ciprofloxacin eye ointment); any part of Ciloxan (ciprofloxacin eye ointment); or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.

This medicine may interact with other drugs or health problems.

Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take Ciloxan (ciprofloxacin eye ointment) with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.

What are some things I need to know or do while I take Ciloxan?

• Tell all of your health care providers that you take Ciloxan (ciprofloxacin eye ointment). This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
• Use care when driving or doing other tasks that call for clear eyesight.
• Bright lights may bother you. Wear sunglasses.
• Do not use longer than you have been told. A second infection may happen.
• Very bad and sometimes deadly allergic reactions have rarely happened with other forms of Ciloxan (ciprofloxacin eye ointment) as well as drugs like this one. Talk with the doctor.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks of using Ciloxan (ciprofloxacin eye ointment) while you are pregnant.
• Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding. You will need to talk about any risks to your baby.

How is this medicine (Ciloxan) best taken?

Use Ciloxan (ciprofloxacin eye ointment) as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.

• Use as you have been told, even if your signs get better.
• For the eye only.
• Wash your hands before and after use.
• Do not touch the container tip to the eye, lid, or other skin.
• Take out contact lenses before using Ciloxan (ciprofloxacin eye ointment). Talk with your doctor to see if contact lenses may be put back in after you use Ciloxan (ciprofloxacin eye ointment). Do not put contacts back in if your eyes are irritated or infected.
• Gently pull down the lower lid and squeeze in how much the doctor told you to use.
• Let go of the lower eyelid and keep eyes closed for 1 to 2 minutes.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

• Use a missed dose as soon as you think about it.
• If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your normal time.
• Do not use 2 doses or extra doses.

Related/similar drugs

prednisone, diclofenac ophthalmic, azithromycin ophthalmic, ciprofloxacin ophthalmic, levofloxacin ophthalmic, erythromycin ophthalmic, gentamicin ophthalmic, Deltasone

What are some side effects that I need to call my doctor about right away?

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:

• Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Change in eyesight, eye pain, or very bad eye irritation.
• Eye or eyelid swelling.
• Joint pain or swelling.
• Sometimes Ciloxan (ciprofloxacin eye ointment) causes white crystals in the eye. This does not harm the eyesight or stop the drug from working. If this happens, tell the doctor.

What are some other side effects of Ciloxan?

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:

• Blurred eyesight.
• Eye irritation.
• Bloodshot eyes.
• Eyelid crusting.
• Feeling that something is in the eye.
• Bad taste in your mouth.

These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

How do I store and/or throw out Ciloxan?

• Store at room temperature. Do not freeze.
• Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
• Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer

• If your symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your doctor.
• Do not share your drugs with others and do not take anyone else's drugs.
• Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. Check with your pharmacist. If you have any questions about Ciloxan (ciprofloxacin eye ointment), please talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

Further information

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

Medical Disclaimer