Ciprofloxacin (Ciloxan) Uses

Ciprofloxacin ophthalmic is used to treat infections in the eye caused by bacteria, including conjunctivitis (pink eye) and corneal ulcers (sores in the cornea). The conjunctiva is the membrane that covers the outside of the eyeball and the inside of the eyelid. The cornea is the clear covering in front of the eye.

Orally administered ciprofloxacin is used to treat a wide range of infections in the body, including urinary tract, prostate, lung, sinus, skin, bone, joint, and abdominal infections. 

There may be other uses of ciprofloxacin—your pharmacist or doctor can give you further drug information.

Ciprofloxacin (Ciloxan) Mechanism of Action

Ciprofloxacin kills susceptible bacteria that cause eye infections. Antibiotics, including ciprofloxacin, are only effective against certain bacteria. They cannot treat viral or fungal infections.

Ciprofloxacin (Ciloxan) Doses

Ciprofloxacin ophthalmic solution is used to treat corneal ulcers and conjunctivitis. The ointment is used for bacterial conjunctivitis only.

The recommended dose for the treatment of corneal ulcers is 2 drops to the affected eye every 15 minutes for the first 6 hours, then 2 drops every 30 minutes for the rest of day 1. On day 2, the dose is 2 drops to the affected eye every hour. On days 3 through 14, the dose is 2 drops to the affected eye every 4 hours. Treatment may need to be continued for more than 14 days if the corneal ulcer has not healed. 

The dose of ciprofloxacin ophthalmic solution for the treatment of bacterial conjunctivitis is 1-2 drops in the affected eye every 2 hours while awake for the first 2 days and 1-2 drops every 4 hours while awake for the next 5 days.

Ciprofloxacin eye ointment is used to treat bacterial conjunctivitis. The usual dose is a 1/2-inch ribbon applied to the affected eye 3 times a day for the first 2 days and then 2 times a day for the next 5 days.