Ciprofloxacin and fluocinolone (otic)

Generic name: ciprofloxacin and fluocinolone (otic) [ SIP-roe-FLOX-a-sin-and-FLOO-oh-SIN-oh-lone ]
Brand name: Otovel
Dosage form: otic solution (0.3%-0.025%)
Drug class: Otic steroids with anti-infectives

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Aug 14, 2023. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is ciprofloxacin and fluocinolone otic?

Ciprofloxacin is an antibiotic that treats infections caused by bacteria.

Fluocinolone is a steroid that reduces the actions of chemicals in the body that cause inflammation.

Ciprofloxacin and fluocinolone otic (for the ear) is a combination medicine used to treat an middle ear infection (also called otitis media). ciprofloxacin and fluocinolone is for use in children who have ear tubes in place and who are at least 6 months old.

Ciprofloxacin and fluocinolone otic may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Ciprofloxacin and fluocinolone otic side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives, rash, itching; dizziness; fast or pounding heartbeat; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Ciprofloxacin and fluocinolone may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

• the first sign of any skin rash, no matter how mild;

• new or worsening symptoms of infection; or

• ear drainage that continues for up to 6 months after you have finished all doses of this medicine.

Common side effects of ciprofloxacin and fluocinolone may include:

• ear pain, swelling, or itching;

• problems with balance; or

• scar tissue on part of the ear.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Warnings

Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use ciprofloxacin and fluocinolone if you are allergic to ciprofloxacin or fluocinolone, or if you have:

• a viral infection affecting your ear canal, including herpes or chickenpox;

• an ear infection caused by fungus; or

• an allergy to any antibiotic similar to ciprofloxacin (Cipro), such as gatifloxacin (Tequin), levofloxacin (Levaquin), lomefloxacin (Maxaquin), moxifloxacin (Avelox), norfloxacin (Noroxin), or ofloxacin (Floxin).

To make sure ciprofloxacin and fluocinolone otic is safe for you, tell your doctor about all your medical conditions or allergies.

Ciprofloxacin and fluocinolone should not be used on a child younger than 6 months old.

Tell the doctor if the person using this medicine is pregnant or breast-feeding a baby.

How should I use ciprofloxacin and fluocinolone otic?

Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not use this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Do not take by mouth. Otic medicine is for use only in the ears.

Read all patient information, medication guides, and instruction sheets provided to you. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

Wash your hands before using this medicine. Gently clean any ear drainage from the outer ear, using a clean tissue.

You may warm the medicine before use by holding the vial in your hand for 1 or 2 minutes. Using cold ear drops can cause dizziness, especially in a child who has ear tubes in place.

To use the ear drops:

• Lie down or tilt your head with your ear facing upward. Open the ear canal by gently pulling your ear back, or pulling downward on the earlobe when giving this medicine to a child.

• Hold the dropper upside down over your ear and drop the correct number of drops into the ear.

• Stay lying down or with your head tilted for at least 1 minute. You may use a small piece of cotton to plug the ear and keep the medicine from draining out.

• Do not touch the dropper tip or place it directly in your ear. It may become contaminated. Wipe the tip with a clean tissue but do not wash with water or soap.

Use this medicine only in the affected ear, unless your doctor tells you to use the medicine in both ears.

Rinse with water if this medicine gets in your eyes.

Use this medicine for the full prescribed length of time. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely cleared. Skipping doses may also increase your risk of further infection that is resistant to antibiotics.

Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 7 days of treatment, or if you have new symptoms.

Each plastic single-use vial contains enough of this medicine for one entire dose. Throw the vial away after one use, even if there is still some medicine left in it.

Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.

Keep unopened vials in the foil pouch until ready to use. After opening a vial, use the medicine right away. Once you have opened the foil pouch, you must use the vials within 7 days.

Ciprofloxacin and fluocinolone dosing information

Usual Adult Dose for Otitis Media:

Ciprofloxacin 0.75 mg-fluocinolone 0.0625 mg (1 single-dose vial) instilled into the affected ear canal 2 times a day (every 12 hours)
-Duration of therapy: 7 days

Comments:
-The vial should be warmed in the hands for 1 to 2 minutes prior to administration to avoid dizziness associated with instillation of a cold solution into the ear canal.
-Once instilled, the tragus should be pumped inward 4 times, then the patient should remain in the position for at least 1 minute.

Use: Treatment of acute otitis media with tympanostomy tubes (AOMT) due to Haemophilus influenzae, Moraxella catarrhalis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, and/or Streptococcus pneumoniae

Usual Pediatric Dose for Otitis Media:

6 months and older: Ciprofloxacin 0.75 mg-fluocinolone 0.0625 mg (1 single-dose vial) instilled into the affected ear canal 2 times a day (every 12 hours)
-Duration of therapy: 7 days

Comments:
-The vial should be warmed in the hands for 1 to 2 minutes prior to administration to avoid dizziness associated with instillation of a cold solution into the ear canal.
-Once instilled, the tragus should be pumped inward 4 times, then the patient should remain in the position for at least 1 minute.

Use: Treatment of AOMT due to H influenzae, M catarrhalis, P aeruginosa, S aureus, and/or S pneumoniae

What happens if I miss a 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.

What happens if I overdose?

An overdose of ciprofloxacin and fluocinolone otic is not expected to be dangerous. Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222 if anyone has accidentally swallowed the medication.

What should I avoid while using ciprofloxacin and fluocinolone otic?

Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.

What other drugs will affect ciprofloxacin and fluocinolone otic?

It is not likely that other drugs you take orally or inject will have an effect on ciprofloxacin and fluocinolone used in the ears. 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.

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

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