CIPRODEX OTIC SUSPENSION (CIPROFLOXACIN/DEXAMETHASONE)

Ciprodex Otic Suspension Description

Ciprodex Otic Suspension contains an antibiotic called Ciprofloxacin and a steroid known as Dexamethasone. Together, this combination will treat the middle ear infection that may be caused by Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus pneumoniae to name a few. Your doctor may take a swab for testing to be certain it is a bacterial infection because Ciprodex Otic Suspension has no effect on viruses.

Ciprodex Otic Solution is prescribed for children aged 6 months or older for treating bacterial middle ear infections as well as outer ear canal infection also known as swimmer’s ear. If your child is acting fussy when eating/nursing, tugging at one ear, crying more, or is old enough to tell you about the pain in their ear, see your pediatrician for an ear exam. Your child may have had more than one middle ear infection or had an accumulation of fluid in the ear and has had a tube inserted surgically to allow air in to dry up the fluid. The tube and the fluid can put your child at a higher risk for a bacterial infection.

How the 2 Active Ingredients Work to Clear Ear Infections

Once instilled into the ear, Ciprofloxacin will disable a certain bacterial enzyme called DNA-gyrase so it cannot involve itself with replicating and repairing the bacteria’s genetic material. This results in the inability for the bacteria to grow or multiply so they die. Dexamethasone will work to reduce the inflammation and any swelling by inhibiting the production of the substances in your body that cause it as a reaction to the bacteria being present.

Conditions Treated by Ciprodex Otic Suspension

Your ears consist of three parts-the outer, middle, and inner ear that work together to allow you to hear and have balance. Your middle ear has a eustachian tube that joins it with the back of your throat behind your nose and is important for maintaining pressure equal to the outside world, which is why your ears may ‘pop’ when you yawn or swallow.

The eustachian tube will also work to drain any mucus from the middle ear to your throat. Should this tube become blocked or plugged from congestion or mucus when you have a cold or an allergic reaction that affects your nasal passages, fluid can build up in the usually air-filled middle ear. This is now the perfect place for an infection to occur as bacteria or viruses found their way in the tube and they begin breeding. Your body’s immune response will be to signal for inflammation to contain the threat and begin healing.

Before Ciprodex Otic Suspension is Prescribed

For adult females being treated with Ciprodex Otic Suspension, ask your doctor if there are risks if you are pregnant, may become pregnant, or are nursing. To determine if Ciprodex Otic Suspension is the right medication for you or your child, tell your doctor about other medical conditions or allergies you are aware of and list any OTC or Rx meds are being used or taken, including herbal remedies and dietary or vitamin supplements.

Ciprodex Otic Suspension Precautions

Wash your hands before and after dispensing Ciprodex Otic Suspension and take care not to touch the opening of the dropper to any part of the affected ear as this could spread the bacteria. To stop the medicine from draining out, place a small piece of cotton in the treated ear. If your child has a tube in one or both ears, have your doctor demonstrate the best way to have the drops reach their destination. When bathing or showering, avoid getting water in your ears.

Possible Side Effects of Ciprodex Otic Suspension

• Ear discomfort
• Unusual taste in your mouth
• Temporary hearing impairment