From the Guidelines
Ciprodex is the recommended treatment for acute tympanostomy tube otorrhea (TTO) due to its superior clinical cure rates and bacterial eradication compared to systemic oral antibiotics, as shown in recent studies 1. When treating acute TTO, it is essential to use topical antibiotic eardrops, such as Ciprodex, which contains ciprofloxacin and dexamethasone. The standard dosage is typically 4 drops in the affected ear(s) twice daily for 7 to 10 days. Some key points to consider when using Ciprodex include:
- Cleaning the ear canal of any debris or discharge before administering the drops to ensure the medication reaches the middle ear space 1
- Avoiding potential ototoxicity from aminoglycoside-containing eardrops, which are often used to treat acute otitis externa 1
- Limiting topical therapy to a single course of no more than 10 days to minimize the risk of adverse events and antibiotic resistance 1
- Monitoring for signs of improvement, such as reduced discharge and pain, and seeking further treatment if symptoms persist or worsen 1 The use of Ciprodex has been shown to have superior outcomes compared to systemic oral antibiotics, including higher clinical cure rates and bacterial eradication, as well as improved patient satisfaction 1. Additionally, topical antibiotic therapy avoids adverse events associated with systemic antibiotics, such as dermatitis, allergic reactions, and gastrointestinal upset 1. It is crucial to note that Ciprodex should only be used under the guidance of a healthcare professional, especially in children, and that the full course of treatment should be completed even if symptoms improve before finishing.
From the FDA Drug Label
1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE Ciprofloxacin otic solution, 0.2% is a quinolone antimicrobial indicated for the treatment of acute otitis externa due to susceptible isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa or Staphylococcus aureus.
- Ciprodex is indicated for the treatment of acute otitis externa due to susceptible isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa or Staphylococcus aureus 2.
- The main use of Ciprodex is for otitis externa, which is an infection of the outer ear.
From the Research
Ciprodex Overview
- Ciprodex is a topical antibiotic suspension used to treat acute otitis externa (AOE) 3, 4, 5, 6, 7
- It is a combination of ciprofloxacin and dexamethasone, an antibiotic and a steroid, respectively 3, 4, 5, 6, 7
Efficacy of Ciprodex
- Ciprodex has been shown to be effective in treating AOE, with clinical cure rates ranging from 90.9% to 98% 3, 5, 6
- It has been compared to other topical antibiotic suspensions, such as neomycin/polymyxin B/hydrocortisone, and has been found to be superior in terms of clinical and microbiological outcomes 3, 5, 6, 7
- Ciprodex has been shown to be effective against a range of pathogens, including Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus 4, 7
Safety and Tolerability of Ciprodex
- Ciprodex has been found to be well-tolerated, with adverse event rates similar to those of other topical antibiotic suspensions 3, 5, 6
- The most common adverse events associated with Ciprodex include otic pruritus, otic congestion, and otic debris 6
Comparison to Other Treatments
- Ciprodex has been compared to neomycin/polymyxin B/hydrocortisone and has been found to be superior in terms of clinical and microbiological outcomes 3, 5, 6, 7
- Ciprodex has been found to be more effective than neomycin/polymyxin B/hydrocortisone in eradicating Pseudomonas aeruginosa, but similar in eradicating Staphylococcus aureus 7