Can Cipro HC otic drops expire?

Yes, Cipro HC can [expire](https://www.goodrx.com/drugs/safety/expired-medications). There's an expiration date that's typically printed on the medication box and bottle. Don't use Cipro HC [past its expiration date](https://www.goodrx.com/health-topic/eye/can-you-use-expired-eye-drops) because it might not work well to help treat your ear infection. Using expired medication can lead to new infections if it has been contaminated with germs.

ciprofloxacin / hydrocortisone

Generic Cipro HC

Used for Ear Infection

Cipro HC is a combination otic (ear drop) suspension containing ciprofloxacin (a fluoroquinolone antibiotic) and prednisone (a corticosteroid). It's used to treat outer ear infections, also known as swimmer's ear, in adults and children ages 1 year and older. The dosage is 3 drops placed into the affected ear(s) twice per day for 7 days. Side effects aren't common, but can include headache and itching.

Reviewed by:

Robert Chad Hakim, PharmD, BCCCP

Daisy Chau, PharmD

Last reviewed on November 19, 2024

What is Cipro HC?

What is Cipro HC used for?

Outer ear canal infections (swimmer's ear or otitis externa) in people age 1 year and older

How Cipro HC works

Cipro HC is a combination of two medications:

Ciprofloxacin is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic. It works by blocking a protein that bacteria need to grow, repair their DNA, and survive.
Hydrocortisone is a corticosteroid that helps to lower inflammation. When used directly in the ear, it helps treat itching, swelling, redness, and pain in the ear.

Are you looking for information on Ciprodex (ciprofloxacin / dexamethasone) or Otovel (ciprofloxacin / fluocinolone) instead?

Drug facts

Common BrandsCipro HC

Drug ClassFluoroquinolone antibiotic / Corticosteroid

Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication

Generic StatusLower-cost generic available

AvailabilityPrescription only

Side effects of Cipro HC

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

Headache (1%)

Less Common Side Effects

Itching
Dizziness
Blocked or clogged ears
Hearing changes

Cipro HC serious side effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.

Serious allergic reaction: rash, hives, swelling, difficulty breathing, dizziness, fast heartbeat

Source: DailyMed

The following Cipro HC 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
New or worsening ear pain, redness, irritation, or discharge

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

Dizziness
Itching or pain in the ear after use

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Avg retail price

$356.68(Save 80.64%)

GoodRx discount

$69.04

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Pros and cons of Cipro HC

Pros

Combines two medications into a single ear drop
Works well to treat outer ear infections
Safe for people with a penicillin allergy or sulfa allergy
Safe children as young as 1 year old

Cons

Need to use twice a day
Can be difficult for some people to administer correctly
Dropper cap contains latex, which can be a problem for anyone with a latex allergy
Can only treat ear infections caused by bacteria, not infections caused by fungi or viruses

Pharmacist tips for Cipro HC

Finish your treatment course and take Cipro HC exactly as prescribed. Never change your dose or stop treatment early, even if your ear symptoms get better. Stopping the medication too soon can cause your infection to come back and become harder to treat.
Cipro HC can cause allergic reactions. If you experience symptoms such as a rash, hives, trouble breathing, or swelling, let your prescriber know right away. You might need to stop the medication and switch to something else.
Let your prescriber know if you're pregnant or breastfeeding before starting Cipro HC. It's not completely known how safe this medication is during pregnancy, and it's not known if it passes into breast milk. Your prescriber can discuss the risks and benefits of using it.
Store the Cipro HC ear drops at room temperature.
Throw away any unused Cipro HC after you finish your course of treatment.

How to use Cipro HC:

Wash your hands before and after putting Cipro HC in your ears. Avoid letting the dropper tip touch your ear, hands, or any other surface to keep the ear drops from getting contaminated with germs.
Warm up Cipro HC by rolling the bottle between your hands for 1 to 2 minutes. This can prevent dizziness that you might have if you put cold ear drops in your ear.
Shake the bottle well right before using Cipro HC. This makes sure the medication hasn't settled at the bottom.
Lie down on your side and keep the affected ear upward. Then, squeeze 3 drops of Cipro HC into the ear. Stay with the affected ear up for about 30 to 60 seconds. This allows the medication to reach deep into your ear. If both ears are infected, repeat this process on the other side.

Common questions about Cipro HC

In general, it takes about 1 to 3 days to feel better after starting an antibiotic. But, even if you feel better, you still need to use Cipro HC for the full time it was prescribed to make sure it can completely fight off the infection. Talk to your prescriber if your ear infection symptoms, such as ear pain, trouble hearing, and fever don't get better after a week. They might consider a different treatment for you.

Cipro HC and Ciprodex are both combination ear drops containing ciprofloxacin and a corticosteroid. Cipro HC contains hydrocortisone, whereas Ciprodex contains dexamethasone. Though both are used to treat outer ear infections, they haven't been directly compared so it's not known which works better. Ciprodex is also approved to treat middle ear infections . In addition, the age cut-offs slightly differ: Cipro HC is approved for children age 1 year and older, while Ciprodex is approved for children as young as 6 months. Speak with your prescriber to learn about the differences between these medications.

Yes, Cipro HC can expire. There's an expiration date that's typically printed on the medication box and bottle. Don't use Cipro HC past its expiration date because it might not work well to help treat your ear infection. Using expired medication can lead to new infections if it has been contaminated with germs.

No. ear drops like Cipro HC shouldn't ever be used in the eyes because it's not safe. If you accidentally put Cipro HC in your eyes, rinse them with room temperature water for 15 to 20 minutes. If you still feel pain, get medical help. Always follow your prescriber's instructions on how to use this medication to treat your infection.

No, there isn't an available generic for Cipro HC.

No, Cipro HC is only available by prescription from a healthcare professional.

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Risks and warnings for Cipro HC

Cipro HC 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.

Severe allergic reactions

Risk factors: Latex allergy

Severe allergic reactions to Cipro HC are possible, including life-threatening reactions like facial swelling, shock, and anaphylaxis (e.g., closing of the throat). Let your provider know if you have a latex allergy because the dropper cap contains latex. If you notice hives, rash, swelling of the lips or tongue, or difficulty breathing after using Cipro HC, get medical attention right away.

Development of new infection

Using Cipro HC might allow bacteria or fungi that it doesn’t target to overgrow in the ear. If your ear infection doesn’t improve after a week, contact your prescriber for follow-up. You might need additional testing or treatment.

Use only in the ear

Cipro HC is only for use in your ears and shouldn’t be used any other way. If you think this medication isn’t the right fit for you or find it difficult to use properly, talk to your pharmacist or prescriber about other options.

Cipro HC dosage

The average cost for 1 ear dropper of 10ml of 0.2%/1% of Cipro HC is $69.04 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 80.64% off the average retail price of $356.68.

Ear dropper

Dosage	Quantity	Price as low as	Price per unit
10ml of 0.2%/1%	1 ear dropper	$69.04	$69.04

Typical dosage for Cipro HC

Cipro HC contains 0.2% of ciprofloxacin and 1% of hydrocortisone.

The typical dose is 3 drops into the affected ear(s) two times per day for 7 days.

How much does Cipro HC cost?

To access savings, use a GoodRx coupon and pay just a fraction of the retail price.

Cipro HC (brand)

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$69.04

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Cipro HC (generic)

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$69.04

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Cipro HC contraindications

Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Cipro HC will not be safe for you to take.

Allergy to quinolones antibiotics or any other ingredients in this medication
Ear infections caused by a virus, such as herpes simplex infections, or fungus
Tear in the eardrum

What are alternatives to Cipro HC?

There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Cipro HC. Compare a few possible alternatives below.

Cipro HC

Used for:

Outer ear canal infections (swimmer's ear or otitis externa) in people age 1 year and older

$69.04Lowest GoodRx priceView prices

Ciprodex (ciprofloxacin / dexamethasone)

Used for:

Middle ear infections (otitis media) in children ages 6 months and older with surgically-placed ear tubes (tympanostomy tubes)
Outer ear canal infections (swimmer's ear or otitis externa) in people 6 months and older

$64.97Lowest GoodRx priceView prices

Ofloxacin ear drops

Used for:

Outer ear infection (swimmer's ear) in people ages 6 months and older
Middle ear infections in children ages 1 year and older with ear tubes
Long-term middle ear infections in people ages 12 years and older with burst eardrums

$15.85Lowest GoodRx priceView prices

News about Cipro HC

The Best Ear Infection Treatments: Antibiotics and OTC Medications

Many ear infections resolve on their own, but sometimes you’ll need medication. See the best ear infection treatments, including antibiotics and home remedies.

Cipro HC images

This medicine is White Ear Dropper.white - Ciprofloxacin/Hydrocortisone 0.2%-1% Otic Suspension

References

Best studies we found

Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation (2023). CIPRO HC- ciprofloxacin hydrochloride and hydrocortisone suspension/ drops [package insert]. DailyMed.

GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.

ciprofloxacin / hydrocortisone