From the Guidelines
The recommended dose of Ciprodex (ciprofloxacin and dexamethasone) for treating otitis externa is 4 drops instilled into the affected ear(s) twice daily for 7 days. This dosage is based on the most recent and highest quality studies, including 1 and 1, which provide guidelines for the treatment of acute otitis externa.
Key Points to Consider
- The drops should be warmed to body temperature by holding the bottle in your hand for 1-2 minutes before administration to prevent dizziness.
- Before applying, clean and dry the outer ear gently, then lie with the affected ear upward, instill the drops, and remain in this position for 30-60 seconds to allow the medication to penetrate the ear canal.
- Pull the outer ear gently upward and backward (for adults) or downward and backward (for children) during administration to straighten the ear canal.
- Ciprodex combines ciprofloxacin, an antibiotic that kills bacteria causing the infection, with dexamethasone, a steroid that reduces inflammation, swelling, and pain.
- Complete the full 7-day course even if symptoms improve earlier to ensure complete eradication of the infection, as recommended by 1 and 1.
Additional Considerations
- It is essential to follow the treatment guidelines to prevent relapse of infection and minimize potential complications, as highlighted in 1.
- Patients should avoid scratching or touching the ear and not insert anything into the ear canal, including cotton-tipped swabs, to prevent further irritation and potential infection, as advised in 1 and 1.
- If symptoms persist beyond 7 days, patients should notify their doctor and continue the drops until the symptoms resolve for a maximum of 7 additional days, as recommended by 1 and 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
For the Treatment of Acute Otitis Externa (age 6 months and older) The recommended dosage regimen is as follows: Four drops [equivalent to 0. 14 mL of ciprofloxacin and dexamethasone otic suspension, (consisting of 0.42 mg ciprofloxacin and 0. 14 mg dexamethasone)] instilled into the affected ear twice daily for seven days. The recommended dose of Ciprodex (ciprofloxacin and dexamethasone) for treating otitis externa is four drops (equivalent to 0.14 mL) instilled into the affected ear twice daily for seven days 2.
- Key points:
- Dosage: Four drops (0.14 mL) per dose
- Frequency: Twice daily
- Duration: Seven days
- Important: The suspension should be warmed by holding the bottle in the hand for one or two minutes to avoid dizziness, and the patient should lie with the affected ear upward for 60 seconds after instillation 2.
From the Research
Otitis Externa Ciprodex Dose
- The recommended dose of Ciprodex (ciprofloxacin and dexamethasone) for treating otitis externa is 3-4 drops twice daily for 7 days 3, 4.
- This dosage has been shown to be effective in treating mild to severe acute otitis externa, with clinical cure rates of 90.9% and microbiologic eradication rates of 94.7% 3.
- The use of Ciprodex has also been compared to other treatments, such as neomycin/polymyxin B/hydrocortisone, and has been found to be more effective in eradicating Pseudomonas aeruginosa and providing pain relief 4, 5.
- The combination of ciprofloxacin and dexamethasone has been found to be more effective than ciprofloxacin alone in treating diffuse otitis externa, with a higher rate of clinical cure and symptom resolution 6.
- The safety profile of Ciprodex has been found to be excellent, with few adverse events reported 3, 6.
Key Findings
- Ciprodex is effective in treating otitis externa, with high clinical cure and microbiologic eradication rates 3.
- The recommended dose of Ciprodex is 3-4 drops twice daily for 7 days 3, 4.
- Ciprodex is more effective than other treatments, such as neomycin/polymyxin B/hydrocortisone, in eradicating Pseudomonas aeruginosa and providing pain relief 4, 5.
- The combination of ciprofloxacin and dexamethasone is more effective than ciprofloxacin alone in treating diffuse otitis externa 6.