Key takeaways
Ciprodex (ciprofloxacin/dexamethasone) and Otovel (ciprofloxacin/fluocinolone) are both ear drop medications used to treat ear infections in children aged 6 months and older. Ciprodex can treat both middle ear infections with ear tubes and outer ear infections (swimmer's ear), while Otovel is only for middle ear infections with ear tubes. Ciprodex combines ciprofloxacin, an antibiotic, with dexamethasone, a corticosteroid, whereas Otovel combines ciprofloxacin with fluocinolone, another corticosteroid. Ciprodex is available as a lower-cost generic, while Otovel comes in convenient, single-use vials but can be more expensive. Both medications need to be warmed in your hands before use to prevent dizziness and are used twice a day for 7 days. Common side effects for Ciprodex include ear discomfort and pain, while Otovel commonly causes ear drainage. Both medications carry risks of serious allergic reactions and should not be used for viral or fungal ear infections.
