Drug Notes

Ciprofloxacin (Into the eye)

Ciprofloxacin (sip-roe-FLOX-a-sin)

Treats eye infections. This medicine is a quinolone antibiotic.

Brand Name(s):

Ciloxan

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Ointment, Drop

• Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to use and how often. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
• Take all of the medicine in your prescription to clear up your infection, even if you feel better after the first few doses.
• If you wear soft contacts, take them out before you put the drops in your eyes. You may need to wait at least 15 minutes before you put in your contacts. The eyedrops may contain benzalkonium chloride, which can coat soft contact lenses. You may not be able to wear your contacts at all until your infection is gone.
• Wash your hands with soap and water before and after using this medicine.
• Lie down or tilt your head back. With your index finger, pull down the lower lid of your eye to form a pocket.
• To use the eye drops: Hold the dropper close to your eye with the other hand. Drop the correct number of drops into the pocket made between your lower lid and eyeball. Gently close your eyes. Place your index finger over the inner corner of your eye for 1 minute. Do not rinse or wipe the dropper or allow it to touch anything, including your eye. Put the cap on the bottle right away. Keep the bottle upright when you are not using it.
• To use the ointment: Hold the tip of the tube close to your eye with the other hand. Avoid touching the tip of the tube to your eye or finger. Squeeze a ribbon of ointment into the pocket between your lower lid and eyeball. Close your eyes for 1 to 2 minutes. Wipe the tip with a clean tissue and close the tube tightly. Keep the tube tightly closed when you are not using it.
• Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Check with your doctor before you put any other medicine in your eyes.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Blurred vision
• Severe eye redness, itching, or swelling that was not there before you started using the medicine

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Bitter or bad taste in your mouth
• Crusting or white crystals in the corners of your eyes
• Feeling as if something is in your eyes

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

Last Updated: 1/27/2017