Ciprofloxacin
About Ciprofloxacin
Ciprofloxacin is used to treat corneal ulcers and bacterial conjunctivitis. A corneal ulcer is an open lesion on the cornea (clear tissue at the front of the eye). Conjunctivitis (pink eye) is the inflammation or infection of the conjunctiva (white part of the eye) and the inner eyelid.
Ciprofloxacin belongs to the class of medicines known as fluoroquinolone antibiotics. It contains Ciprofloxacin which works by killing the infection-causing bacteria. Thus Ciprofloxacin treats bacterial eye infections and corneal ulcers.
Use Ciprofloxacin as advised by the doctor. Stinging or burning sensation, gritty feeling in the eye, irritation, white deposits on the eye surface (cornea), and redness are common side effects of Ciprofloxacin. The majority of these side effects fade with time without the need for medical intervention. However, if you experience these side effects on a regular basis, you should visit your doctor.
Ciprofloxacin is intended for use in the eyes; do not inject or consume. You should not use Ciprofloxacin if you are allergic to ciprofloxacin, other quinolone antibiotics, or any of the components in Ciprofloxacin. Ciprofloxacin may cause temporary blurred vision. Before operating machinery or driving, wait until your vision returns to normal.
Uses of Ciprofloxacin
Medicinal Benefits
- Ciprofloxacin treats bacterial eye infections such as conjunctivitis (pink eye) and corneal ulcers.
- It is a broad-spectrum antibiotic effective against a wide range of gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria.
- Helps relieve symptoms like redness, itching, irritation, and swelling caused by bacterial infection.
- Prevents bacterial growth and spread, promoting faster healing of the eye.
- Reduces risk of complications from untreated or worsening eye infections.
Directions for Use
- Follow your doctor's instructions on the dosage and timing of this medication to ensure safe and effective use.
- Lie down and tilt your head backwards. Pull your lower eyelid gently with your index finger to form a pocket. Instill the number of drops advised by the doctor into the pocket of the lower eyelid. Close your eyes for 1-2 minutes.
- Ciprofloxacin is for ophthalmic use only.
- Avoid touching the dropper's tip to avoid contamination.
Storage
Side Effects of Ciprofloxacin
- Itching
- Burning sensation
- Stinging sensation
- Gritty feeling in the eye
- Irritation
- Blurred vision
- White deposits on the eye surface (cornea)
- Redness
Drug Warnings
- Do not use Ciprofloxacin if you are allergic to any of its components.
- If you are pregnant, planning for pregnancy or breastfeeding, notify your doctor.
- You may notice temporary blurred vision after using this medication. Before operating machinery or driving, wait until your vision returns to normal.
- Before using Ciprofloxacin, consult your doctor if you have vision problems, severe eye pain, glaucoma (high blood pressure in the eye), eye damage, or eye surgery.
- Ciprofloxacin should not be used for any longer than your doctor has prescribed.
- Ciprofloxacin should not be used to treat any other eye infections.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Relevant interactions not found/established.
Drug-Food Interactions: Relevant interactions not found/established.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Relevant interactions not found/established.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionIt is not known if alcohol affects Ciprofloxacin. However, it is advisable not to take or limit alcohol as a precautionary measure.
Pregnancy
consult your doctorConsult your doctor if you are pregnant or planning for pregnancy.
Breast Feeding
consult your doctorConsult your doctor if you are breastfeeding. Caution should be exercised when Ciprofloxacin is administered to nursing mothers.
Driving
cautionCiprofloxacin may temporarily blur your vision. Before driving or operating any machinery, wait until your vision has returned to normal.
Liver
consult your doctorLimited information is available about the usage of Ciprofloxacin in patients with liver disease. Please consult your physician.
Kidney
consult your doctorLimited information is available about the usage of Ciprofloxacin in patients with kidney disease. Please consult your physician.
Children
cautionCiprofloxacin is not recommended for use in children less than 1 year of age unless directed by your doctor.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- To naturally renew your eyes, get at least six to eight hours of sleep each night.
- Wash your eyes with clean water. If you have had eye surgery, wait at least two weeks before washing your eyes.
- Take care of your health, eat a balanced diet, do regular exercise, and rest well.
- Hydrate well-drink lots of water.
- Wash your hands regularly, avoid touching eyes with dirty hands.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Bacterial conjunctivitis: Conjunctivitis (pink eye) is the inflammation or infection of the conjunctiva (white part of the eye) and the inner eyelid. It is a highly contagious infection that is spread by eye secretions. Symptoms include redness, itchiness, and discharge or crusting around the eye.
Corneal ulcers: A corneal ulcer is an open lesion on the cornea (clear tissue at the front of the eye) often caused by infection. Symptoms include red, watery eyes, bloodshot eyes, severe eye pain, and eye discharge.
FAQs
Ciprofloxacin belongs to the class of medicines known as fluoroquinolone antibiotics used to treat corneal ulcers and bacterial conjunctivitis.
Ciprofloxacin works by killing the infection-causing bacteria. Thus Ciprofloxacin treats corneal ulcers and bacterial conjunctivitis.
Ciprofloxacin can be used with other eye medications if prescribed by a doctor. However, maintain a gap of 5-10 minutes between Ciprofloxacin and other eye medicines.
Even if your symptoms improve, you must continue to use Ciprofloxacin as suggested by your doctor. Do not stop using Ciprofloxacin without consulting your doctor.
Do not wear contact lenses while using Ciprofloxacin. Remember to remove the contact lenses before using Ciprofloxacin. It is advised to wear spectacles and avoid contact lenses until the infection is cleared. If you are allowed to wear contact lenses, remove them before using Ciprofloxacin and wait atleast 15 mintes before reinsertion.
You should not use Ciprofloxacin for more than 21 days unless your doctor instructs you otherwise. Please reach out to the doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if it becomes worse.
