It's used to treat ear infections in children and adults.
The combination medicine is used to treat middle ear infections in kids with ear tubes and outer ear canal infections (sometimes known as "swimmer's ear").
Ciprodex is manufactured by Alcon, Inc. and is a registered trademark of Bayer AG.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the medicine in 2003.
Don't use Ciprodex if you have a viral infection of your ear canal, such as herpes or chickenpox.
Tell your doctor if you're allergic to any type of antibiotic or any other medicines before taking Ciprodex.
Also, tell your physician if you have any of the following conditions before using this medicine:
Don't swallow this medicine or get it in your eyes. Ciprodex should only be used in the ears.
This medicine shouldn't be given to a baby younger than six months old.
Tell your doctor if your condition doesn't improve after one week of taking Ciprodex.
Make sure you finish your prescription of this medicine, even if you start to feel better.
If you stop taking Ciprodex or skip doses, your infection may not completely heal, and the bacteria can become resistant to antibiotics.
Try to keep your ears clean and dry while using Ciprodex. Avoid getting your ears wet while bathing and showering, and don't swim while taking this medicine unless your doctor tells you otherwise.
It is not known whether Ciprodex will harm an unborn baby.
Tell your doctor if you're pregnant or plan to become pregnant before using this medicine.
It's also not known if the drug passes into breast milk or could harm a breastfeeding baby.
Tell your doctor if you're breastfeeding a baby before using Ciprodex.
Tell your doctor if any of the following side effects are severe or don't go away:
Tell your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following serious side effects:
Tell your doctor about all prescription, non-prescription, illegal, recreational, herbal, nutritional, or dietary drugs you're taking while using Ciprodex.
Ciprodex is typically used twice a day for seven days. The usual dose is four drops in the affected ear.
Try to use Ciprodex around the same time each day. It's typically taken in the morning and evening.
Follow your doctor's instructions carefully when taking this medicine. Don't use more or less than your physician prescribes.
Shake the bottle of Ciprodex well before each use.
You can warm the medicine by holding it in your hand for one or two minutes.
After use, stay lying down with your head tilted for about a minute. You can use a small piece of cotton to plug the ear and keep the medicine from leaking out.
Don't touch the medication dropper tip or place it directly in the ear. This can cause contamination.
Wipe the tip of the dropper with a clean tissue, but don't wash it with water or soap.
If you suspect an overdose, contact a poison control center or emergency room immediately.
You can get in touch with a poison control center at 800-222-1222.
If you miss a dose of Ciprodex, take it as soon as you remember.
However, if it's almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue on your regular medication schedule.
Don't apply extra doses of Ciprodex to make up for a missed dose.
By Lynn Marks | Medically Reviewed by Robert Jasmer, MD
Latest Update: 2016-01-18