Cipro HC vs. Ciprodex for Ear Infection: Important Differences and Potential Risks.

Cipro HC

Ciprodex

(ciprofloxacin / dexamethasone)

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

Ciprofloxacin/Hydrocortisone1 ear dropper / 10ml of 0.2%/1%

$104.65$326.45

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Ciprofloxacin/Dexamethasone1 ear dropper / 7.5ml of 0.3%/0.1%

$29.69$393.61

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Cipro HC vs. Ciprodex

Cipro HC

Ciprodex

Summary for Cipro HC

Indications for Cipro HC

Pros and Cons for Cipro HC

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Cipro HC

Warnings for Cipro HC

Summary for Ciprodex

Indications for Ciprodex

Pros and Cons for Ciprodex

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Ciprodex

Warnings for Ciprodex

Prices with our coupons for Cipro HC vs. Ciprodex

Browse medications by letter

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Cipro HC

Ciprodex

Summary for Cipro HC

Indications for Cipro HC

Pros and Cons for Cipro HC

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Cipro HC

Warnings for Cipro HC

Summary for Ciprodex

Indications for Ciprodex

Pros and Cons for Ciprodex

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Ciprodex

Warnings for Ciprodex