Can you use Ciprofloxacin Eye Drops In Ears?
Eye and ear drops are sensitive medications as they help to treat vital sense organs in our body. Ciprofloxacin is an antibiotic that has a route for both eyes and ears. But the big question is: can ciprofloxacin eye drops in ears work?
Ciprofloxacin belongs to the group of medicines that treat bacteria. It comes in types that can be used for the eyes or ears. Regardless, ear drops in the eyes can be risky and not safe to use. On the other hand, eye drops are more gentle and can be used in the ears.
This post will discuss Ciprofloxacin as an antibiotic for eye and ear infections. However, we will focus more on this medication for ear-bacterial infections.
What is Ciprofloxacin?
Ciprofloxacin is a medication used to treat eye and ear bacteria infections. It belongs to the class of medicine commonly known as fluoroquinolone and acts as an antibiotic. This medicine has two routes: otic and ophthalmic.
The Ciprofloxacin (Otis) ear drops treat infections such as otitis externa. This infection happens to the outer canal. It is also known as the swimmer’s ear. The otitis externa is caused by bacteria and can cause the ear to be swollen, red, and painful.
Ciprofloxacin (Ophthalmic) eye drops effectively treat corneal ulcers in the eye. This medicine also helps with eye infections like conjunctivitis caused by bacteria. Ciprofloxacin comes in two forms: a solution or ointment. A doctor’s prescription is necessary to get the correct dosage.
Ciprofloxacin eye drops in Ears: Risky or Safe?
Taking Ciprofloxacin eye drops in the eyes does not come with a significant side effect or harm. However, an expert healthcare professional should have been involved in assessing your condition before approving this medication.
Generally, Ciprofloxacin eye drops in ears would not be as harmful as the reverse. Eye drops are more gentle and can be used for ears. However, that can not be the case for ear drops in most cases.
Regardless, you must weigh the risk of taking this medicine with your doctor. Here are a few things you should consider in your discussion:
Allergies
Before taking this medicine, you must discuss this hot topic with a healthcare professional – possible allergies. You want to discuss any allergic reaction to this drug or allergies to food, preservatives, animals, dyes, or other medications.
Pediatric and Geriatric Problems
Knowing how safe a medication is for young children (pediatric) and older adults (Geriatric) is essential. Although Ciprofloxacin has not been proven to be harmful to elderly people or children, it is advisable to avoid using this medicine for children younger than 6 months.
Drug Interactions
If you are on any other medication, discussing with your doctor how your medicine can interfere with Ciprofloxacin is essential. This information is important to avoid harmful combinations leading to severe health conditions.
Using Ciprofloxacin with the following medicines is not recommended:
- Agomelatine
- Bepridil
- Desmopressin
- Fezolinetant
- Mesoridazine
- Sparfloxacin.
- Ziprasidone
Many more medicines make this list; a doctor sometimes can change or alter the dosage.
Ciprofloxacin Eye Drops in Ears: Side Effects of Ciprofloxacin
Like any other medication, Ciprofloxacin has some side effects. Some side effects may occur without needing treatment to subside. However, you must check with your healthcare provider to see if any side effects persist.
Here are some common side effects of this medicine:
- Unusual tiredness or weakness
- Cough
- Skin rash or itching
- Difficulty in swallowing.
- Tightness in the chest
- Dizziness.
Some rare and uncommon signs you should look out for include;
- Ear discomfort
- Pain
- Redness of the skin
- Unusual sour taste in the mouth.
How to Use Ciprofloxacin Ear Drops
You should always take precautions while applying this medicine. You must follow the doctor’s instructions on how much Ciprofloxacin to take: do not take more or less of what a doctor prescribes.
Before using this medication, leave the infected ear area clean and dry. Then follow the guide as shown below to apply this ear drop;
- Firstly, you want to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
- Hold the bottle in your hands for a minute or two to allow it to warm. That is because cold drops of this medicine can cause dizziness.
- Lie down on the side of the infected ear.
- Drop the prescribed number of drops into the ear and keep it tilted for about a minute.
Tip: It is best not to touch the tip of the ear drop bottle to avoid germs. Also, keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.
There are other specific instructions for patients with outer ear infections and middle ear infections with tubes. It is advisable to consult your healthcare provider for more specifics.
Storage
Ciprofloxacin should always be kept out of the reach of children. A doctor should tell you how best to dispose of this medicine when it is no longer needed. It is also better to keep it away from light and cold.
How to store Ciprofloxacin? Keep it in a closed container at room temperature and away from heat, moisture, or direct light.
Where to Buy Ciprofloxacin Online?
Ciprofloxacin is a sensitive medicine, and you need an appointment with a doctor to get a prescription. You can also get a prescription from your doctor and send it to a reputable online pharmacy.
Live Health ePharma can remove all your worries about getting quality products. We verify your valid prescriptions before offering your medication, and we work with reputable suppliers and manufacturers to ensure you get the best.
Our services provide healthcare experts and pharmacists you can contact via the live chat on our website. If you are looking for an online chemist with quality and competitive prices, Live Health ePharma is the answer.
SEE ALSO: Online Medicine Prescription: The Future of Healthcare Access
Wrapping Up
Ciprofloxacin is an efficient bacteria infection killer for both eyes and ears. Patients should take this antibiotic drug carefully and adhere to a doctor’s instructions. It is important to note that you should not combine this medication in treatment with many other medicines. Allergies are another precaution that should be on your mind.
This medicine’s eye and ear care route is one advantage, as it can cover different purposes. Note that only the ear drop may be safe for both (ear and eye).
So, your doctor’s recommendation must be followed whether or not you take ciprofloxacin eye drops in the ears.