6 mins read

Ciprofloxacin/fluocinolone is an ear drop used to treat certain types of ear infections. It contains an antibiotic to kill the bacteria and a corticosteroid to help reduce swelling and discomfort from the infection. The most common side effects of ciprofloxacin/fluocinolone are ear itching, swelling, or pain, fluid draining from the ear, and problems with balance. Tell your health care provider if your symptoms do not get better after using this medicine for seven days.

Uses

What is ciprofloxacin/fluocinolone used for?

Ciprofloxacin/fluocinolone is commonly used to treat acute otitis media, which is an infection of the middle ear behind the eardrum, in people who have ear tubes.

Ciprofloxacin/fluocinolone may not be the right drug for certain infections, depending on which germs are causing the infection. Bacteria in some locations may have developed resistance to ciprofloxacin/fluocinolone, which will make it not work as well.

Ciprofloxacin/fluocinolone may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

How does ciprofloxacin/fluocinolone work (mechanism of action)?

Ciprofloxacin/fluocinolone contains two medicines that work in different ways to treat ear infections. Ciprofloxacin is an antibiotic that kills certain types of bacteria by disrupting their ability to create and repair their DNA. Fluocinolone is a corticosteroid that helps to reduce the swelling (inflammation) and redness caused by the infection.

How is ciprofloxacin/fluocinolone supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Otovel

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 0.3%/0.025% otic solution (ear drop)

How should I store ciprofloxacin/fluocinolone?

Ciprofloxacin/fluocinolone should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F and 77 F (20 C and 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F and 86 F (15 C and 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store it in a cool, dry place, and protect it from light.

Ciprofloxacin/fluocinolone comes in single-use vials, which are packaged in a foil pouch. Keep the vials in the foil patch until you are ready to use them. Once a vial is opened, it must be used right away. If any vials have not been used within seven days of opening the pouch, they should be safely thrown away.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of ciprofloxacin/fluocinolone?

The most common side effects of ciprofloxacin/fluocinolone are listed below. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Fluid draining from the ear
  • Extra tissue growth on a part of the ear that has been injured
  • Ear infection
  • Ear itching, swelling, or pain
  • Balance problems

There may be other side effects of ciprofloxacin/fluocinolone that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of ciprofloxacin/fluocinolone?

While less common, the most serious side effects of ciprofloxacin/fluocinolone are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Ciprofloxacin/fluocinolone may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using ciprofloxacin/fluocinolone and get help right away if you get a rash or have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Another Infection With Prolonged Use. Using ciprofloxacin/fluocinolone for a long period of time may lead to an infection with other types of germs, such as fungi. Call your health care provider if your ear infection does not improve after one week of using ciprofloxacin/fluocinolone or if it gets worse.

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use ciprofloxacin/fluocinolone?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use ciprofloxacin/fluocinolone.

  • Ciprofloxacin
  • Fluocinolone
  • Otovel
  • Any other medicine known as a quinolone antibiotic or fluoroquinolone antibiotic
  • Any other medicine known as a corticosteroid
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific ciprofloxacin/fluocinolone products they stock.

Viral or Fungal Ear Infection. You should not use ciprofloxacin/fluocinolone if you have an infection in your outer ear canal that is caused by a virus or fungus.

What should I know about ciprofloxacin/fluocinolone before using it?

Do not use ciprofloxacin/fluocinolone unless it has been prescribed to you by a health care provider. Use it as prescribed.

Do not share ciprofloxacin/fluocinolone with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep ciprofloxacin/fluocinolone out of the reach of children.

This medicine is an ear drop. Each dose is provided in a separate single-use vial. Do not reuse any of the vials. Once you have opened a vial, use it right away. Then throw away the vial and any medicine left inside of it. 

Shake the vial well before each use. Ciprofloxacin/fluocinolone should only be applied in your ear. Do not apply ciprofloxacin/fluocinolone to your eyes. Do not touch the tip of the vial to your ear or any other surface, including your finger. Do not inject it. Ask your pharmacist if you are unsure how to use ciprofloxacin/fluocinolone.

Ciprofloxacin/fluocinolone can cause dizziness. To help reduce the risk of dizziness while using this medicine, warm the vial by holding it in your hand for one to two minutes before each dose. 

If your symptoms have not improved or you still have fluid draining from your ear after completing treatment with ciprofloxacin/fluocinolone, contact your health care provider right away. You should also contact your health care provider right away if you notice fluid draining from your ear two or more times within the six months after stopping this medicine.

What should I tell my health care provider before using ciprofloxacin/fluocinolone?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if ciprofloxacin/fluocinolone is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Pregnancy. Ciprofloxacin/fluocinolone is not absorbed by the body and is not expected to reach the baby. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Your health care provider will let you know if you should use ciprofloxacin/fluocinolone while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.

Breastfeeding. Ciprofloxacin/fluocinolone is not absorbed by the body and is not expected to pass into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your health care provider will let you know if you should use ciprofloxacin/fluocinolone while breastfeeding.

Interactions

Does ciprofloxacin/fluocinolone interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between ciprofloxacin/fluocinolone and foods or drinks.

There are no known interactions between ciprofloxacin/fluocinolone and alcohol, but heavy drinking can slow your immune response and make it harder for your body to fight infection.

Does ciprofloxacin/fluocinolone interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

There are no known interactions between ciprofloxacin/fluocinolone and other medicines. Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much ciprofloxacin/fluocinolone?

If you or someone else has used too much ciprofloxacin/fluocinolone, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of ciprofloxacin/fluocinolone?

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only use the next dose. Do not use double or extra doses.

It is important to complete your prescribed course of ciprofloxacin/fluocinolone, even if your symptoms get better or go away. This will reduce the risk that future infections are resistant to ciprofloxacin/fluocinolone or other similar medicines.