Generic name: ciprofloxacin ophthalmic [ SIP-roe-FLOX-a-sin-off-THAL-mik ]
Brand name: Ciloxan
Dosage forms: ophthalmic ointment (0.3%), ophthalmic solution (0.3%)
Drug class: Ophthalmic anti-infectives

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Apr 30, 2024. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is ciprofloxacin ophthalmic?

Ciprofloxacin is a fluoroquinolone (flor-o-KWIN-o-lone) antibiotic that fights bacteria in the body.

Ciprofloxacin ophthalmic (for use in the eyes) is used to treat bacterial infections of the eyes.

Ciprofloxacin ophthalmic is also used to treat an ulcer in the cornea of the eye.

Ciprofloxacin will not treat a viral or fungal infection of the eye. ciprofloxacin ophthalmic is for use in treating only bacterial infections.

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

Ciprofloxacin ophthalmic 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.

Ciprofloxacin ophthalmic may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

• severe burning, stinging, or irritation after using this medicine; or

• eye swelling, redness, severe discomfort, crusting or drainage (may be signs of infection).

Common side effects of ciprofloxacin ophthalmic may include:

• dry eyes or watery eyes;

• eye pain or discomfort;

• red or puffy eyelids;

• feeling like something is in your eye;

• blurred vision; or

• mild itching, redness, or other irritation.

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.

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 ophthalmic if you are allergic to ciprofloxacin or other fluoroquinolones (gemifloxacin, levofloxacin, moxifloxacin, ofloxacin, norfloxacin, and others).

Do not use this medicine to treat a viral or fungal infection in the eye. Ciprofloxacin ophthalmic is for use in treating only bacterial infections of the eye.

It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

It is not known whether ciprofloxacin ophthalmic passes into breast milk or if it could affect the nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding.

Ciprofloxacin eye drops (solution) are not approved for use by anyone younger than 1 year old. Ciprofloxacin ointment is not approved for use by anyone younger than 2 years old.

How should I use ciprofloxacin ophthalmic?

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

While treating a corneal ulcer, you may notice a whitish buildup in your eye. This is a sign that the medication is working and is not a harmful effect. This buildup should clear within a few days or weeks of treatment.

If you wear contact lenses, remove them before applying ciprofloxacin ophthalmic. Ask your doctor if contact lenses can be reinserted after application of the medication.

Wash your hands before using eye medication.

To apply the eye drops:

• Tilt your head back slightly and pull down your lower eyelid to create a small pocket. Hold the dropper above the eye with the tip down. Look up and away from the dropper and squeeze out a drop.

• Close your eyes for 2 or 3 minutes with your head tipped down, without blinking or squinting. Gently press your finger to the inside corner of the eye for about 1 minute, to keep the liquid from draining into your tear duct.

• Use only the number of drops your doctor has prescribed. If you use more than one drop, wait about 5 minutes between drops.

• Wait at least 10 minutes before using any other eye drops your doctor has prescribed.

To apply the ointment:

• Tilt your head back slightly and pull down your lower eyelid to create a small pocket. Hold the ointment tube with the tip pointing toward this pocket. Look up and away from the tip.

• Squeeze out a ribbon of ointment into the lower eyelid pocket without touching the tip of the tube to your eye. Blink your eye gently and then keep it closed for 1 or 2 minutes.

• Use a tissue to wipe excess ointment from your eyelashes.

• After opening your eyes, you may have blurred vision for a short time. Avoid driving or doing anything that requires you to be able to see clearly.

Do not touch the tip of the eye dropper or ointment tube or place it directly on your eye. A contaminated tip can infect your eye, which could lead to serious vision problems.

Ciprofloxacin ophthalmic is most often used for 5 to 14 days in a row. Use this medicine for the full prescribed length of time. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely cleared.

Do not use the eye drops if the liquid has changed colors or has particles in it. Call your pharmacist for new medicine.

Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light. Do not freeze. Keep the bottle or tube tightly closed when not in use.

Related/similar drugs

prednisone, diclofenac ophthalmic, azithromycin ophthalmic, levofloxacin ophthalmic, erythromycin ophthalmic, gentamicin ophthalmic, bacitracin ophthalmic, Deltasone, Ciloxan

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 ophthalmic 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 ophthalmic?

Avoid wearing contact lenses until you no longer have symptoms of the eye infection.

ciprofloxacin ophthalmic may cause blurred vision and may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert and able to see clearly.

Do not use other eye medications unless your doctor tells you to.

What other drugs will affect ciprofloxacin ophthalmic?

It is not likely that other drugs you take orally or inject will have an effect on ciprofloxacin used in the eyes. 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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