Ciprofloxacin is an antibiotic. It is used to treat bacterial eye infections such as conjunctivitis (redness and inflammation of the membranes covering the white part of the eyes) or an infected ulcer of the cornea (transparent outer covering of the eye).
Use Ciprofloxacin exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not use more or less than instructed by your doctor.
This medicine is available as an eye drop solution or as an ointment.
How to use the eye drop solution:
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before using the eye drops.
- Shake the bottle well before using.
- Tilt your head slightly backwards. With the index finger, pull the lower eyelid away from the eye to form a pouch. Look upwards and instil the required number of drops inside the lower eyelid.
- Close your eyes and do not blink for the next 30 seconds.
- Wipe any excess liquid from your face with a clean tissue.
- Replace and tighten the cap of the bottle.
How to use the eye ointment:
- Wash and dry your hands before applying the ointment.
- With your index finger, pull the lower eyelid down the eye to form a pouch.
- Hold the tube with your other hand and place it as near to your eyelid as possible. Squeeze a thin strip of ointment into the pouch.
- Gently close your eyes.
- Wipe any excess ointment from the eyelids and lashes with a clean tissue.
- Replace and tighten the cap of the tube.
Do not allow the tip of the dropper of this medicine to touch your eyes, eyelids or any other surface. Recap the eye drop immediately after use. If the eye drop becomes contaminated, it could cause an infection in your eyes.
If you have been given any other eye drops or medicines to be used together with Ciprofloxacin, wait for at least 5 minutes before using the other medicine.
Do not share your eye drop with anyone else.
The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the treatment timeframe depending on the type and severity of your infection.
Ciprofloxacin must be used at regular intervals for it to be effective. Continue using this medicine even when you feel better. Do not stop using it unless instructed by the doctor.
Do not skip any doses. You must complete the entire course of antibiotic. If you don't, the infection will not clear completely.
Instil the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
If you often forget to use your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Do not use Ciprofloxacin if you ever had an allergic reaction (e.g. rashes, breathlessness, swollen eyes) to this medicine or any similar antibiotics such as moxifloxacin, norfloxacin, ofloxacin, and nalidixic acid.
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Some brands of Ciprofloxacin contain benzalkonium chloride as a preservative. This may discolour soft contact lenses and cause eye irritation. If you are wearing contact lenses, you should remove it before using this medicine. Wait for at least 15 minutes before reinserting your lenses.
Ciprofloxacin may cause temporary blurring of vision or other visual disturbances. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert or need to see clearly.
Other side effects include any of the following: taste disturbances, white precipitate in the eye surface, foreign body sensation in the eye, and eye irritation, discomfort, redness, and itching.
If you develop rashes, breathlessness, swollen mouth or eyes, stop using the medicine and inform your doctor quickly. These could be signs of an allergic reaction.
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children. Protect from light. Do not freeze otherwise it will become less effective.
Throw away any remaining eye drops 4 weeks after opening. Mark the date of opening on the eye drop so that you know when to discard it.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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