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ciprofloxacin
Used for Ear Infection
Used for Ear Infection
Ciprofloxacin (Cetraxal) is an antibiotic-containing ear drop used to treat infections of the outer ear.
What is Ciprofloxacin (Cetraxal)?
What is Ciprofloxacin (Cetraxal) used for?
- Outer ear infection
How Ciprofloxacin (Cetraxal) works
Ciprofloxacin (Cetraxal) is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic that kills bacteria by blocking a protein they need to reproduce and repair themselves.
Drug facts
| Common Brands | Cetraxal |
|---|---|
| Drug Class | Fluoroquinolone antibiotic |
| Controlled Substance Classification | Not a controlled medication |
| Generic Status | Lower-cost generic available |
| Availability | Prescription only |
Side effects of Ciprofloxacin (Cetraxal)
The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.
Common Side Effects
- Pain where the ear drop is applied
- Itchy ear
- Headache
- Fungal infection
The following Ciprofloxacin (Cetraxal) side effects have also been reported
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
- Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
- Heart rhythm changes—fast or irregular heartbeat, dizziness, feeling faint or lightheaded, chest pain, trouble breathing
- Increased pressure around the brain—severe headache, blurry vision, change in vision, nausea, vomiting
- Joint, muscle, or tendon pain, swelling, or stiffness
- Liver injury—right upper belly pain, loss of appetite, nausea, light-colored stool, dark yellow or brown urine, yellowing skin or eyes, unusual weakness or fatigue
- Mood and behavior changes—anxiety, nervousness, confusion, hallucinations, irritability, hostility, thoughts of suicide or self-harm, worsening mood, feelings of depression
- Pain, tingling, or numbness in the hands or feet
- Redness, blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth
- Severe diarrhea, fever
- Seizures
- Sudden or severe chest, back, or stomach pain
- Unusual vaginal discharge, itching, or odor
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
Get your GoodRx coupon
$335.31
GoodRx discount
$38.35
Pros and cons of Ciprofloxacin (Cetraxal)
Pros
- Works against many of the common bacteria
- Available as a generic, which can be more affordable
- Comes in individual dose droppers
Cons
- Can lead to overgrowth of bacteria and fungi that the medication doesn't cover
- Not approved in children 1 year or younger
- Treats only outer ear infections compared to similar antibiotic ear drops
Pharmacist tips for Ciprofloxacin (Cetraxal)
- Store the ear drops at room temperature. Keep them in their pouch to protect them from light.
- Wash your hands before and after you use ear drops.
- Warm the bottle by holding it in your hand for a minute before using it. This can prevent dizziness caused by cold ear drops.
- Have the person receiving the ear drops lie on their side with the infected ear facing the ceiling. Squeeze all the liquid in the dropper into the ear. Don't get up for at least a minute. If both ears are infected, repeat this process on the other side.
- Each dropper is used for only one dose, so throw it away after you've used it once.
- Contact your provider if the infection hasn't improved after a week. It's possible that the infection might need a different antibiotic.
Risks and warnings for Ciprofloxacin (Cetraxal)
Ciprofloxacin (Cetraxal) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
New infection
Ciprofloxacin (Cetraxal) can cause bacteria or fungi that aren't killed by it to grow too much and cause another infection. Contact your provider if you or your child complains of fever or pain, or the drainage from the ears hasn't decreased after a week.
Use only in the ear
ciprofloxacin (Cetraxal) shouldn't be used in your eyes or given as an injection.
Ciprofloxacin (Cetraxal) dosage
The average cost for 1 carton of 14 containers of 0.2% otic solution of Ciprofloxacin (Cetraxal) is $38.35 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 88.56% off the average retail price of $335.31. 
Carton
Carton| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 14 containers of 0.2% otic solution | 1 carton | $38.35 | $38.35 |
Typical dosage for Ciprofloxacin (Cetraxal)
The typical dose is 1 container into the infected ear every 12 hours (twice daily) for 7 days. This ear drop comes in single-use containers that contain 1 full dose
How much does Ciprofloxacin (Cetraxal) cost?
To access savings, use a GoodRx coupon and pay just a fraction of the retail price.
What are alternatives to Ciprofloxacin (Cetraxal)?
There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Ciprofloxacin (Cetraxal). Compare a few possible alternatives below.
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