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Overview: Cipro HC 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 Cipro HC are headache and itching. Tell your health care provider if your symptoms do not get better after using this medicine for seven days.

Uses

What is Cipro HC used for?

Cipro HC (ciprofloxacin/hydrocortisone) is commonly used to treat otitis externa (swimmer’s ear) caused by certain bacteria. Otitis externa is an infection of the ear canal.

Cipro HC may not be the right drug to treat certain infections, depending on which germs are causing the infection. Bacteria in some locations may have developed resistance to Cipro HC, which will make it not work as well.

Cipro HC may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

How does Cipro HC work (mechanism of action)?

Cipro HC 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. Hydrocortisone is a corticosteroid that helps to reduce the swelling (inflammation) and redness caused by the infection.

How is Cipro HC supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Cipro HC

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 0.2%/1% otic suspension (ear drop)

How should I store Cipro HC?

Cipro HC 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. Throw away any medicine you have not used after your treatment is complete.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of Cipro HC?

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

  • Headache
  • Itching

There may be other side effects of Cipro HC 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 Cipro HC?

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

Severe Allergic Reactions. Cipro HC may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using Cipro HC 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 Cipro HC 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 Cipro HC or if it gets worse.

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use Cipro HC?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use Cipro HC.

  • Cipro HC
  • Ciprofloxacin
  • Hydrocortisone
  • 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 Cipro HC.

Torn Eardrum. You should not use Cipro HC if you have a tear or a hole in your eardrum, which is the tissue that separates the ear canal from the middle ear. This is also called a ruptured eardrum.

Viral Ear Infection. Cipro HC should not be used to treat an infection in your outer ear canal that is caused by a virus.

What should I know about Cipro HC before using it?

Do not use Cipro HC unless it has been prescribed to you by a health care provider. Use it as prescribed.

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

Keep Cipro HC out of the reach of children.

The cap on the bottle contains latex. If you are allergic to latex, talk to your health care provider about whether you can safely use this medicine.

Shake the bottle well before each use. Cipro HC should only be applied in your ear. Do not apply Cipro HC 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 Cipro HC.

Cipro HC 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. 

Call your health care provider if your symptoms do not improve after using Cipro HC for seven days. 

What should I tell my health care provider before using Cipro HC?

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 Cipro HC is right for you.

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

Eardrum Problems. Tell your health care provider about any issues you have had with your eardrum, including a tear or hole in the eardrum.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how Cipro HC 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 Cipro HC while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if Cipro HC 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 Cipro HC.

How can I get more information about Cipro HC?

For more information about Cipro HC, you can visit the drugmaker's website at www.novartis.com or call 888-669-6682.

Interactions

Does Cipro HC interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between Cipro HC and foods or drinks.

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

Does Cipro HC interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

There are no known interactions between Cipro HC 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 Cipro HC?

If you or someone else has used too much Cipro HC, 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 Cipro HC?

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