💧 Ciprofloxacin Drops 0.3% – As Licensed
📄 Description:
Ciprofloxacin Drops 0.3% is a sterile, broad-spectrum fluoroquinolone antibiotic solution used topically in the eyes or ears to treat bacterial infections.
- Ciprofloxacin Hydrochloride equivalent to Ciprofloxacin 0.3% w/v
🧾 Prescription / Uses:
Ophthalmic Use (Eye Drops):
- Bacterial conjunctivitis, keratitis, corneal ulcers
Otic Use (Ear Drops):
- Otitis externa (outer ear infection)
- Otitis media with tympanostomy tubes
Usual Dose:
- Eyes: 1–2 drops every 2–4 hours (initially), then taper as infection resolves
- Ears: 3–4 drops twice daily for 7 days or as directed
🔬 Nature:
- Class: Fluoroquinolone antibacterial
- Mechanism: Inhibits DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV → inhibits bacterial replication
- Spectrum: Active against Pseudomonas, Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, Haemophilus, and other Gram-negative/positive organisms
🌟 Advantages:
- Broad-spectrum coverage
- Rapid symptom relief
- Effective in resistant infections
- Suitable for both ophthalmic and otic use
- Minimal systemic absorption → fewer side effects
📦 Packaging:
- Sterile dropper bottles (usually 5 mL or 10 mL)
- Each mL contains 3 mg Ciprofloxacin
- Clear or slightly yellowish solution
- Multidose plastic containers with dropper tips
🧊 Storage:
- Store below 25°C
- Do not freeze
- Keep bottle tightly closed
- Protect from light and contamination
- Use within 1 month after opening
⚠️ Precautions:
- Not for injection
- Avoid contamination of dropper tip
- Discontinue if allergic reaction (e.g., redness, swelling, rash)
- Do not wear contact lenses during treatment for eye infection
- Not recommended for infants under 1 year unless prescribed
Common Side Effects:
- Eye: Burning, stinging, redness, photophobia
- Ear: Mild irritation, discomfort
- Rare: Superinfection with prolonged use
👩⚕️ Patient Advice:
- Wash hands before and after use
- Avoid touching the dropper to any surface or the eye/ear directly
- Use drops as prescribed — complete the full course
- If using with other eye/ear medications, space at least 5 minutes apart
- Report if no improvement within 3–5 days
- Discontinue use and consult doctor if severe irritation or rash develops