Uses
What is ciprofloxacin ophthalmic used for?
Ciprofloxacin ophthalmic (eye) is commonly used for certain eye infections in people with either conjunctivitis or a corneal ulcer. Conjunctivitis is a condition where part of your eye is inflamed sometimes from bacteria. A corneal ulcer is a wound on part of your eye (cornea) that can be caused by bacteria.
Ciprofloxacin ophthalmic may not be appropriate for some of the infections listed above, depending on which germs are causing the infection. Bacteria in some locations may have developed resistance to ciprofloxacin ophthalmic, which will make it less effective.
Ciprofloxacin ophthalmic may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.
Other forms of ciprofloxacin are available for use by mouth or injection. See Ciprofloxacin for more information.
Other forms of ciprofloxacin are available for use in the ears. See Ciprofloxacin otic for more information.
How does ciprofloxacin ophthalmic work (mechanism of action)?
Ciprofloxacin ophthalmic kills certain types of bacteria by disrupting their ability to create and repair their DNA.
How is ciprofloxacin ophthalmic supplied (dosage forms)?
Ciprofloxacin ophthalmic is available in the following dosage forms that are applied to the eye.
- 0.3% solution eye drop
- 0.3% eye ointment
How should I store ciprofloxacin ophthalmic?
Eye Drop. Ciprofloxacin eye drops should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F to 77 F (20 C to 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F to 86 F (15 C to 30 C), for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place. Protect from light. Keep tightly closed.
Eye Ointment. Ciprofloxacin eye ointment should be stored at room temperature or in the refrigerator between 36 F to 77 F (2 C to 25 C).
Side Effects
What are the most common side effects of ciprofloxacin ophthalmic?
The most common side effects of ciprofloxacin ophthalmic are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.
- Eye burning
- White crystals or crusting on eyelids (eye drop)
- Eye redness or itching
- Blurry vision (eye ointment)
- Bad taste after you apply ciprofloxacin ophthalmic (eye drop)
- Feeling like something is in your eye (eye drop)
There may be other side effects of ciprofloxacin ophthalmic that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.
What are the serious side effects of ciprofloxacin ophthalmic?
While less common, the most serious side effects of ciprofloxacin ophthalmic are described below, along with what to do if they happen.
Severe Allergic Reactions. Ciprofloxacin ophthalmic can cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using ciprofloxacin ophthalmic and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.
- Breathing problems or wheezing
- Racing heart
- Fever or general ill feeling
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
- Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
- Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
- Stomach cramps
- Joint pain
Another Infection With Prolonged Use. Using ciprofloxacin ophthalmic for a prolonged period of time may lead to an infection with other types of germs, such as fungi. Call your healthcare provider if your eye infection does not improve or gets worse.
Warnings & Precautions
Who should not use ciprofloxacin ophthalmic?
Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use ciprofloxacin ophthalmic.
- Ciloxan
- Ciprofloxacin
- Any other medicine known as a fluoroquinolone antibiotic or quinolone antibiotic
- Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed
Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific ciprofloxacin ophthalmic products they stock.
What should I know about ciprofloxacin ophthalmic before using it?
Do not use ciprofloxacin ophthalmic unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare provider. Use it as prescribed.
Do not share ciprofloxacin ophthalmic with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.
Keep ciprofloxacin ophthalmic out of the reach of children.
Ciprofloxacin ophthalmic should only be applied to the surface of the eye. Do not touch the tip of the medicine to your eye or any other surface including your finger. Do not inject ciprofloxacin ophthalmic into the eye.
Do not wear contact lenses during your treatment with ciprofloxacin ophthalmic.
What should I tell my healthcare provider before using ciprofloxacin ophthalmic?
Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if ciprofloxacin ophthalmic is right for you.
In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.
Pregnancy. It is not known if or how ciprofloxacin ophthalmic could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should use ciprofloxacin ophthalmic while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.
Breastfeeding. It is not known if ciprofloxacin ophthalmic passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should use ciprofloxacin ophthalmic while breastfeeding.
Interactions
Does ciprofloxacin ophthalmic interact with foods or drinks?
There are no known interactions between ciprofloxacin ophthalmic and foods or drinks.
It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect ciprofloxacin ophthalmic.
Does ciprofloxacin ophthalmic interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?
There are no known interactions between ciprofloxacin ophthalmic and other medicines. Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or OTC medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.
Overdose/Missed Dose
What should I do if I accidentally use too much ciprofloxacin ophthalmic?
If you or someone else has used too much ciprofloxacin ophthalmic (eye drop), flush the eyes with warm water.
If you or someone else has used too much ciprofloxacin ophthalmic (eye ointment) get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.
What should I do if I miss a dose of ciprofloxacin ophthalmic?
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only use the next dose. Do not use double or extra doses.
It is important to complete your prescribed course of ciprofloxacin ophthalmic, even if your symptoms get better or go away. This will reduce the risk that future infections are not resistant to ciprofloxacin ophthalmic or other similar medicines.
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