Ciprofloxacin-Dexamethasone

Medically Reviewed by Dr. Harshi Dhingra, M.D.

Last Reviewed: Jan 14, 2024

Warnings

Ciprofloxacin and Dexamethasone (Ciprodex) Risks, Warnings, and Complications

Ciprofloxacin and dexamethasone can cause or worsen health problems in some people. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other treatments for ear infections if you are at an increased risk of adverse effects from this combination of medications. Some of the risks of using ciprofloxacin and dexamethasone otic include:

SERIOUS HYPERSENSITIVITY REACTIONS: Oral ciprofloxacin can cause serious and even fatal allergic reactions. Although there is minimal systemic absorption when the medicine is used in the ear, the risk of allergic reactions is still present. Stop using the ear drops and seek emergency medical attention if you develop any sign of an allergic reaction, such as rash, hives, swelling, or difficulty breathing.
BACTERIAL OVERGROWTH WITH PROLONGED USE: Long-term use of ciprofloxacin-dexamethasone can lead to an overgrowth of non-susceptible bacteria and fungi in the treated ear. Tell your doctor if your ear pain and other symptoms do not improve after a week of using the medicine. Your healthcare provider may prescribe a different treatment.
CONTINUED OR RECURRENT OTORRHEA: If you continue to have otorrhea (liquid draining from your ear) after a full course of treatment with ciprofloxacin-dexamethasone or should otorrhea occur twice or more in 6 months, tell your healthcare provider. Your doctor will evaluate you for other ear problems, such as a foreign body or tumor.

Precautions Before Starting Ciprofloxacin and Dexamethasone (Ciprodex)

Tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergy to ciprofloxacin (Cipro), dexamethasone (Decadron), other fluoroquinolone antibiotics or steroid medicines, any of the active or inactive ingredients in ciprofloxacin and dexamethasone ear drops, or any other drugs. Your pharmacy can give you a list of ingredients. Examples of quinolone antibiotics include ofloxacin (Floxin), levofloxacin (Levaquin), moxifloxacin (Avelox), norfloxacin (Noroxin), gemifloxacin (Factive), lomefloxacin (Maxaquin), and nalidixic acid (NegGram).

Give your doctor and pharmacist a list of all the medicines you are taking, including prescription medications, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, dietary supplements, and herbal remedies. This can help avoid possible interactions between ciprofloxacin and dexamethasone and your other medications.

Ciprofloxacin-dexamethasone otic may not be safe for people with certain medical conditions. Tell your doctor about any underlying condition before starting treatment.

There are no available data on the use of ciprofloxacin and dexamethasone ear drops in pregnant women to evaluate for adverse maternal or fetal outcomes. It is also not known whether ciprofloxacin and dexamethasone cause maternal and fetal toxicity or if they are secreted in human milk following topical otic administration. However, ear drops do not produce detectable quantities in the blood, because of the minimal systemic absorption so there is minimal risk. Nonetheless, tell your doctor if you are pregnant, could be pregnant, plan to get pregnant, or are breast-feeding while using this medicine.

Precautions During Use of Ciprofloxacin and Dexamethasone (Ciprodex)

Keep all your healthcare appointments during treatment with ciprofloxacin and dexamethasone. Tell your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 7 days. Do not continue further treatment unless your doctor tells you to.

Keep the infected ears clean and dry while using the ear drops. Avoid getting the affected ears wet while swimming and bathing.

Call your doctor if you become pregnant while using ciprofloxacin and dexamethasone.

Ciprofloxacin and Dexamethasone (Ciprodex) Drug Interactions

Certain other drugs can affect how ciprofloxacin-dexamethasone works. Possible interactions with other medicines can increase the risk of severe adverse effects. Give your doctor or pharmacist a complete list of your medicines, including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, dietary supplements, and herbal remedies. Also, tell your healthcare professional if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use recreational drugs because some of these substances can cause serious health complications when used with prescription medications.

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