ciprofloxacin hydrochloride + fluocinolone acetonide at a glance
Medicine class
Fluoroquinolone antibiotic combined with a topical corticosteroid
Form
Clear aqueous solution in single-dose ear-drop containers
Administration route
For use in the ear only; do not swallow, inject, inhale or use in the eyes
Licensed age group
Adults and children aged 6 months and older
What is ciprofloxacin hydrochloride + fluocinolone acetonide used for?
Licensed uses are bacterial infections caused by ciprofloxacin-susceptible organisms in adults and children aged 6 months and older.
Acute bacterial infection of the outer ear canal.
Acute bacterial middle-ear infection with a tympanostomy tube.
How does ciprofloxacin hydrochloride + fluocinolone acetonide work?
Ciprofloxacin disrupts essential bacterial DNA processes and kills susceptible bacteria. Fluocinolone acetonide reduces inflammation, helping control swelling, itching and discomfort.
ciprofloxacin hydrochloride + fluocinolone acetonide preparations and strengths
Ear drops
Route: Otic
Strengths: 3 mg/mL + 0.25 mg/mL
How to take ciprofloxacin hydrochloride + fluocinolone acetonide
Use only in the affected ear or ears as directed. Wash your hands, remove only discharge that wipes away easily and do not insert swabs or objects into the ear canal.
Warm the unopened container in your hands briefly to reduce discomfort from cold drops.
Tilt your head so the affected ear faces upwards.
For an outer-ear infection, gently pull the outer ear upwards and outwards.
For a middle-ear infection with a tympanostomy tube, press the tragus inwards several times.
Keep the ear facing upwards briefly after administration.
Use the single-dose container immediately after opening, then discard it.
ciprofloxacin hydrochloride + fluocinolone acetonide side effects
Common or expected effects
- Ear discomfort or pain
- Itching in the ear
- Altered or unusual taste
Get urgent medical advice
- Sudden facial, mouth or throat swelling, breathing difficulty, collapse, hives or a severe rash may indicate hypersensitivity.
- Blurred vision or another visual disturbance requires medical assessment.
- New or worsening discharge, fungal infection or persistent symptoms should be reviewed.
ciprofloxacin hydrochloride + fluocinolone acetonide in pregnancy
Ciprofloxacin ear drops can be used during pregnancy, and there is no known risk from topical corticosteroids used as directed. Evidence for this specific combination is limited, so the prescriber should balance expected benefit against possible risk.
ciprofloxacin hydrochloride + fluocinolone acetonide while breastfeeding
Exposure after use in the ear is expected to be very low. Ciprofloxacin is unlikely to affect a breastfed infant, but it is unknown how much topically administered fluocinolone enters milk. Discuss use with the prescriber, particularly if the infant is premature or unwell.
ciprofloxacin hydrochloride + fluocinolone acetonide interactions
Clinically important systemic interactions are unlikely because blood concentrations after ear administration are negligible.
Other preparations applied into the ear
Using them together is not recommended. If another ear preparation is necessary, the prescriber should explain how to separate their administration.
Common questions about ciprofloxacin hydrochloride + fluocinolone acetonide
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
What is this treatment used for?
It treats acute bacterial infection of the outer ear and acute bacterial middle-ear infection where a tympanostomy tube is present.
Can it be used for any ear infection?
No. It is licensed for specified bacterial infections and must not be used for viral or fungal ear infections.
Can children use it?
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.