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Overview: Ciprofloxacin/dexamethasone 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/dexamethasone are itching, discomfort, and pain in the ear. Tell your health care provider if your symptoms do not get better after using this medicine for seven days.

Uses

What is ciprofloxacin/dexamethasone used for?

Ciprofloxacin/dexamethasone is commonly used to treat the following types of ear infections caused by certain bacteria. 

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

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

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

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

How is ciprofloxacin/dexamethasone supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Ciprodex

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 0.3%/0.1% otic suspension (ear drop)

How should I store ciprofloxacin/dexamethasone?

Ciprofloxacin/dexamethasone 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 the medicine from light. Avoid freezing it. Throw away any medicine you have not used after your treatment is complete.

Side Effects

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

The most common side effects of ciprofloxacin/dexamethasone are itching, discomfort, or pain in the ear. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

There may be other side effects of ciprofloxacin/dexamethasone 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/dexamethasone?

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

Severe Allergic Reactions. Ciprofloxacin/dexamethasone may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using ciprofloxacin/dexamethasone and get help right away if you 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/dexamethasone 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/dexamethasone or if it gets worse.

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use ciprofloxacin/dexamethasone?

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

  • Ciprodex
  • Ciprofloxacin
  • Dexamethasone
  • Any other medicine known as a quinolone antibiotic or fluoroquinolone antibiotic
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

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

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

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

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

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

Keep ciprofloxacin/dexamethasone out of the reach of children.

Shake the bottle well before each use. Ciprofloxacin/dexamethasone should only be applied in your ear. Do not apply ciprofloxacin/dexamethasone to your eyes. Do not touch the tip of the dropper 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/dexamethasone.

Ciprofloxacin/dexamethasone can cause dizziness. To help reduce the risk of dizziness while using this medicine, warm the bottle 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/dexamethasone, 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 six months after stopping this medicine.

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

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/dexamethasone is right for you.

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

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how ciprofloxacin/dexamethasone could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn 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/dexamethasone while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if ciprofloxacin/dexamethasone passes 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 stop breastfeeding or stop ciprofloxacin/dexamethasone.

Interactions

Does ciprofloxacin/dexamethasone interact with foods or drinks?

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

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

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

There are no known interactions between ciprofloxacin/dexamethasone 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/dexamethasone?

If you or someone else has used too much ciprofloxacin/dexamethasone, 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/dexamethasone?

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/dexamethasone, even if your symptoms get better or go away. This will reduce the risk that future infections are resistant to ciprofloxacin/dexamethasone or other similar medicines.