Ciprofloxacin + Dexamethasone

Ciprofloxacin + Dexamethasone is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic with corticosteroid medicine available in Bangladesh under many brand names. Below are its uses, dosage, side effects and precautions — and all brands with their current prices.

• Steroid-responsive inflammatory conditions of the eye where a susceptible bacterial infection is present or there is a high risk of bacterial infection.
• External ear infection or other doctor-diagnosed susceptible bacterial ear infection with significant inflammation, when this combination is considered appropriate.
• Post-operative eye or ear inflammation with suspected or confirmed susceptible bacterial infection, if prescribed by an eye/ENT specialist.

Use exactly as prescribed. The number of drops, frequency and duration depend on whether it is being used in the eye or ear, the severity of infection and the patient’s age. Shake the bottle if the label instructs, wash hands before use, avoid touching the dropper tip, and complete the prescribed course unless the doctor advises stopping. If using other eye or ear drops, separate them as advised by the prescriber.

• Temporary burning, stinging, irritation, itching or discomfort after instillation.
• Blurred vision, watery eyes, dry eye, eyelid crusting or bad taste after eye use.
• Ear discomfort, itching, fullness or altered taste after ear use.
• Allergic reactions such as rash, swelling, severe redness or breathing difficulty.
• Worsening pain, discharge, vision changes or hearing symptoms may indicate treatment failure or another infection.
• Prolonged eye use of corticosteroid drops may increase eye pressure, contribute to glaucoma, cataract formation, delayed healing or secondary infection.

Use with caution in people with glaucoma or raised eye pressure, cataract risk, corneal thinning, a history of herpes simplex eye disease, recent eye surgery or injury, diabetes, or recurrent fungal/viral infections. Do not wear contact lenses during an active eye infection unless an eye specialist says it is safe. For ear use, tell the doctor about ear drum perforation, ear tubes, chronic ear discharge or severe ear pain. Use this medicine under a registered doctor’s or pharmacist’s guidance.

• Systemic drug interactions are unlikely with correctly used eye or ear drops, but inform the doctor about all medicines being used.
• Other eye or ear drops may dilute or interfere with treatment if applied too close together; follow the advised spacing.
• Other corticosteroid medicines may increase steroid-related adverse effects, especially with prolonged use.
• Topical ophthalmic NSAIDs and corticosteroids together may delay corneal healing in some patients.
• Avoid contact lens use during treatment for eye infection unless specifically advised.

• Known allergy to ciprofloxacin, other quinolone antibiotics, dexamethasone or any component of the preparation.
• Viral eye infections such as epithelial herpes simplex keratitis, vaccinia or varicella unless specifically directed by an eye specialist.
• Fungal or mycobacterial infections of the eye or ear.
• Untreated parasitic, viral or non-bacterial infection where corticosteroid use could worsen the condition.

Use during pregnancy or breastfeeding only if a doctor considers the expected benefit greater than the potential risk. Absorption from eye or ear drops is usually low when used correctly, but unnecessary or prolonged use should be avoided. To reduce systemic absorption after eye use, the prescriber may advise gently pressing the inner corner of the eye for a short time after instillation.

Store at room temperature, away from excessive heat, direct sunlight and moisture. Keep the bottle tightly closed and out of reach of children. Do not touch the dropper tip to the eye, ear, fingers or any surface. Do not use if the solution changes colour, becomes cloudy or passes the expiry date; discard after the period recommended on the label after opening.