CIPRO HC OTIC SUSPENSION (CIPROFLOXACIN AND HYDROCORTISONE)

Cipro HC Otic Suspension Description

Cipro HC Otic Suspension is used to treat a variety of bacterial infections, specifically those that affect the outer ear and known as otitis externa (external otitis) or “swimmer’s ear”. There are several risk factors for this ear condition, including digging in your ears with your unwashed fingers or unclean objects, swimming or bathing in polluted water, or from a shower that traps water in your ear canal.

How Cipro HC Otic Suspension Works

Once your ear canal has become inflamed, scratching at it can allow bacteria to enter the tissue and become very sore. The combination of Ciprofloxacin and Hydrocortisone quickly help to bring relief and stop the infection.

Ciprofloxacin is a quinolone antibiotic that works by interfering with the bacterial DNA so it is unable to reproduce; thereby dwindling in number until all bacteria has expired. Hydrocortisone is a steroid medicine that inhibits an immune response in order to reduce inflammation and relieve pain.

Conditions Treated by Cipro HC Otic Suspension

Otitis Externa or “swimmer’s ear” is a bacterial infection that does not just affect swimmers; it refers to the fact that those that spend a lot of time in the water are more susceptible to contract otitis externa. Having polluted water in your ear is an invitation to infection if you have the slightest scratch or broken skin where bacteria can enter. This is also true of water in your ear that is allowed to sit for any length of time. Digging in your ears to clean them is a likely way for bacteria to enter.

If you have swimmer’s ear, you may have been experiencing symptoms like an itchy ear canal, red skin on the ear canal or outer ear canal, reduced hearing, and pain when you touch your ear, chew or talk. You may be more susceptible to developing swimmer’s ear if you often use hairspray or earplugs, get water in your ears and do not dry them properly, sustain trauma to your ear canal, or if you have small ear canals that drain insufficiently.

Before Cipro HC Otic Suspension is Prescribed

Advise your doctor of any allergies, medical conditions and any RX drugs or over the counter medications or supplements that you may be using before receiving a prescription for Cipro HC Otic Suspension. Cipro HC Otic Suspension should only be used when clearly needed during pregnancy.

Cipro HC Otic Suspension Precautions

Cipro HC Otic Suspension treats only bacterial ear infections. Viral or other infections will require another type of medication. Cipro HC Otic Suspension should not be used if you have a ruptured ear drum. Keep this and other medications out of children’s reach and never share them with anyone else.

Possible Side Effects of Cipro HC Otic Suspension

• Headache
• Mild itching
• Temporary hearing loss