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Cipro HC vs. Ciprodex

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Cipro HC

 

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Ciprodex

(ciprofloxacin / dexamethasone)

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Summary for Cipro HC

Prescription only

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.

Indications for Cipro HC

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

Pros and Cons for 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

Common Side Effects for Cipro HC

  • Headache (1%)

Warnings for Cipro HC

  • Severe allergic reactions
  • Development of new infection
  • Use only in the ear

Summary for Ciprodex

Prescription only

Ciprodex is an ear drop suspension that contains ciprofloxacin (a fluoroquinolone antibiotic) and dexamethasone (a corticosteroid). It's used to treat middle and outer ear infections in people ages 6 years and older. The dosage is 4 drops twice a day, typically for 7 days. Side effects aren't common, but include ear discomfort, ear pain, and changes in taste. It's available as both a brand name (Ciprodex) and generic.

Indications for Ciprodex

  • 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

Pros and Cons for Ciprodex

Pros

  • Combines two medications into a single ear drop
  • Generally only needs to be used for 7 days
  • Can be used in children as young as 6 months old

Cons

  • Need to use twice a day
  • Can be difficult for some people to administer correctly
  • Can only treat ear infections caused by bacteria, not infections caused by fungi or viruses

Common Side Effects for Ciprodex

  • Ear discomfort (3%)
  • Ear pain (2%)
  • Itchy ear (2%)

Warnings for Ciprodex

  • Severe allergic reactions
  • Development of new infection
  • Use only in the ear

Prices with our coupons for Cipro HC vs. Ciprodex

Price Card Drug Icon
Ciprofloxacin/Hydrocortisone1 ear dropper / 10ml of 0.2%/1%
$104.65$407.83
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Ciprofloxacin/Dexamethasone1 ear dropper / 7.5ml of 0.3%/0.1%
$65.04$211.09
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