How do I take Ciprodex (ciprofloxacin and dexamethasone) eardrops?

How to Administer Ciprodex Eardrops

Ciprodex eardrops should be administered by having the patient lie with the affected ear upward, instilling 4 drops twice daily (approximately 12 hours apart), and maintaining this position for 3-5 minutes to ensure adequate drug penetration into the ear canal. 1, 2

Pre-Administration Preparation

• Warm the container by holding it in your hands for at least 1 minute before use to minimize dizziness that may result from instilling cold solution into the ear canal 3
• Wash hands thoroughly before administering the drops 1, 3
• Have someone else administer the drops whenever possible, as only 40% of patients who self-medicate do so appropriately during the first 3 days 2, 4
• Clean the ear canal of any debris or discharge before administering drops by blotting the canal opening or using an infant nasal aspirator to gently suction visible secretions 1, 4

Step-by-Step Administration Technique

• Position the patient lying down with the affected ear facing upward 1, 2, 3
• Instill 4 drops into the ear canal to fill it completely 1, 3
• Maintain this position for 3-5 minutes (use a timer to measure precisely) to allow adequate penetration of the medication into the ear canal 1, 2, 4
• Perform gentle tragal pumping: Press with an in/out movement on the tragus (small piece of cartilage in front of the ear) or perform gentle to-and-fro movement of the ear to help distribute the medication and eliminate air bubbles 1, 2, 4
• Wipe off excess drops after getting up and resume normal activities 1
• Repeat for the opposite ear if both ears are affected 1, 3

Treatment Duration and Frequency

• Administer twice daily (approximately 12 hours apart) for 7 days 3
• Continue for the full 7 days even if symptoms improve sooner, to prevent relapse of infection 1, 2
• Most patients improve within 48-72 hours, but notify your doctor if symptoms persist beyond 7 days 1, 2

Precautions During Treatment

• Keep the ear dry while using the drops 1, 2, 4
• Cover the ear canal opening with an earplug or cotton with petroleum jelly before showering or hair washing to minimize water entry 1, 2, 4
• Avoid scratching or touching the ear, and do not insert anything into the ear canal, including cotton-tipped swabs 1, 2, 4
• Avoid swimming or water activities during treatment 1

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

• The single most common error is not maintaining the lateral position for the full 3-5 minutes—rushing this step renders the treatment ineffective 4
• Do not administer drops into a debris-filled canal, as this wastes medication and delays healing 4
• If drops do not easily run into the ear canal, you may need to have the ear canal cleaned by your clinician or have a wick placed to help deliver the drops 1

Special Situations

• If a wick is placed, do not remove it yourself unless instructed to do so—it may fall out on its own, which is a good sign indicating reduced inflammation 1, 2
• If you taste the eardrops, it may indicate a hole or perforation in the eardrum—inform your doctor immediately 1, 2

Side Effects to Monitor

• Eardrops are generally safe and well tolerated, but some patients may experience local rash, itching, irritation, discomfort, or ear pain (reported in approximately 2-5% of patients) 1, 2, 3
• Discontinue immediately at the first appearance of a skin rash or any other sign of hypersensitivity and contact your doctor 3
• Call your doctor if the drops become painful or you develop unexpected symptoms 1

Pain Management

• Use pain medication for relief in the first few days until the eardrops begin working, as it usually takes 48-72 hours to feel better 1
• Pain-relieving (anesthetic) eardrops are not recommended because they can mask symptoms of delayed response to therapy 1