Prescribing Instructions for Ciprodex Otic Drops for Otitis Externa
For otitis externa, Ciprodex (ciprofloxacin/dexamethasone) otic drops should be administered as 3-4 drops into the affected ear twice daily for 7 days, with the patient lying with the affected ear upward for 3-5 minutes after instillation to ensure proper penetration. 1
Administration Technique
- Have someone else administer the drops if possible 2
- Warm the drops by holding the container in hands for at least 1 minute to minimize dizziness 3
- Lie down with the affected ear facing upward 2
- Instill 3-4 drops into the ear canal, enough to fill it 2
- Remain in this position for 3-5 minutes (use a timer) to allow adequate penetration 2
- A gentle to-and-fro movement of the ear or pressing with an in/out movement on the tragus (small piece of cartilage in front of the ear) can help distribute the drops 2
- After administration, sit up and wipe off any excess drops 2
Duration of Treatment
- Use Ciprodex for at least 7 days, even if symptoms improve sooner, to prevent relapse 2
- If symptoms persist beyond 7 days, notify your doctor and continue the drops until symptoms resolve, for a maximum of 7 additional days 2
- Most patients feel better within 48-72 hours and have minimal or no symptoms by 7 days 2
Special Precautions During Treatment
- Keep the ear dry while using ear drops 2
- Avoid scratching or touching the ear 2
- Do not insert anything into the ear canal, including cotton-tipped swabs 2
- Cover the ear canal opening with an earplug or cotton with petroleum jelly before showering or hair washing 2
- Consult your doctor about swimming or other water activities during or soon after the infection 2
- Do not clean the ear yourself as the ear is tender and you could damage the ear canal or eardrum 2
If a Wick is Placed
- If drops don't easily run into the ear canal, your doctor may place a wick to help medication delivery 2
- The wick falling out on its own is a good sign indicating reduced inflammation 2
- Do not remove the wick yourself unless instructed to do so 2
Potential Side Effects
- Ciprodex is generally safe and well tolerated 2
- Common side effects may include application site pain, ear pruritus (itching), fungal ear superinfection, and headache (each occurring in approximately 2-3% of patients) 3
- Some patients may experience local rash, irritation, or discomfort, but these rarely require stopping the medication 2
- If you taste the eardrops, it may indicate a hole or perforation in the eardrum - inform your doctor if this occurs 2
- Contact your doctor if the drops become painful or you develop unexpected symptoms 2
Important Considerations
- Ciprodex has been shown to be clinically superior to other treatments for otitis externa with excellent efficacy 1, 4
- The twice-daily dosing of Ciprodex is more convenient than the three-times-daily dosing required for some other otic preparations 1, 5
- For pain relief during the first few days (until eardrops begin working), oral pain medication may be needed - discuss appropriate options with your doctor 2
- Pain-relieving (anesthetic) eardrops are not recommended as they can mask symptoms of delayed response to therapy 2