Ciprofloxacin hcl ophthalmic (other name Ciloxan Ophthalmic Solution)

Common use

Ciloxan (Ciprofloxacin, for use in the eyes) is used to treat bacterial infections of the eyes. Ciloxan is also used to treat an ulcer in the cornea of the eye. Ciprofloxacin is a fluoroquinolone (flor-o-KWIN-o-lone) antibiotic that fights bacteria in the body. Ciprofloxacin will not treat a viral or fungal infection of the eye. Ciloxan is for use in treating only bacterial infections.

Dosage and direction

Follow all directions on your prescription label. If you wear contact lenses, remove them before applying Ciloxan. Ask your doctor if contact lenses can be reinserted after application of the medication. Wash your hands before using eye medication.
To apply the eye drops: Tilt your head back slightly and pull down your lower eyelid to create a small pocket. Hold the dropper above the eye with the tip down. Look up and away from the dropper and squeeze out a drop. Close your eyes for 2 or 3 minutes with your head tipped down, without blinking or squinting. Gently press your finger to the inside corner of the eye for about 1 minute, to keep the liquid from draining into your tear duct. Use only the number of drops your doctor has prescribed. If you use more than one drop, wait about 5 minutes between drops. Wait at least 10 minutes before using any other eye drops your doctor has prescribed.

Precautions

It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
It is not known whether ciprofloxacin ophthalmic passes into breast milk or if it could affect the nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding.
Ciloxan may cause blurred vision and may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert and able to see clearly.

Contraindications

You should not use Ciloxan if you are allergic to ciprofloxacin or other fluoroquinolones (gemifloxacin, levofloxacin, moxifloxacin, ofloxacin, norfloxacin, and others).
Do not use this medicine to treat a viral or fungal infection in the eye. Ciloxan is for use in treating only bacterial infections of the eye.
Ciprofloxacin eye drops (solution) are not approved for use by anyone younger than 1 year old.

Possible side effect

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Ciloxan may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have: severe burning, stinging, or irritation after using this medicine; or eye swelling, redness, severe discomfort, crusting or drainage (may be signs of infection).
Common side effects of Ciloxan may include: dry eyes or watery eyes; eye pain or discomfort; red or puffy eyelids; feeling like something is in your eye; blurred vision; or mild itching, redness, or other irritation.

Drug interaction

It is not likely that other drugs you take orally or inject will have an effect on ciprofloxacin used in the eyes. But many drugs can interact with each other. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all medicines you use, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Missed dose

Use the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

Overdose

An overdose of Ciloxan is not expected to be dangerous. Seek emergency medical attention if anyone has accidentally swallowed the medication.

Storage

Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light. Do not freeze. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.