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What is ciprofloxacin-ophthalmic drops, and how does it work (mechanism of action)?
Ciprofloxacin is an antibiotic that is used to
treat bacterial infections. Ciprofloxacin belongs to the fluoroquinolone class
of antibiotics which includes levofloxacin (Levaquin), ofloxacin (Floxin),
gatifloxacin (Tequin), norfloxacin (Noroxin), moxifloxacin (Avelox), and others.
Ciprofloxacin interferes with bacterial DNA uncoiling and replication, which
ultimately leads to bacterial cell death. Ciprofloxacin, like other
fluoroquinolone antibiotics, targets a wide range of bacteria. Targeted
organisms include Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Serratia marcescens, Staphylococcus
aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and the viridans
group of Streptococcus. Ciprofloxacin ophthalmic solution was approved in March
1998.
What brand names are available for ciprofloxacin-ophthalmic drops?
Ciloxan
Is ciprofloxacin-ophthalmic drops available as a generic drug?
Yes
Do I need a prescription for ciprofloxacin-ophthalmic drops?
Yes
What are the side effects of ciprofloxacin-ophthalmic drops?
It is common to have white crust or crystals (precipitate) into
the eye or on the eyelid during treatment; they dissolve in a few weeks. Other
common side effects include:
- unpleasant taste in the mouth immediately after instilling the drop,
- redness,
- burning,
- numbness,
- itching,
- discomfort of the eye,
- the sensation that something is in the eye.
The eye can also appear
tired, stained, or
swollen.
What is the dosage for ciprofloxacin-ophthalmic drops?
The dose for bacterial eye infections in adults and children 1 year
old or greater is 1 to 2 drops every 2 hours in the infected eye for 2 days,
followed by 1-2 drops every 4 hours for 5 days. For corneal ulcers in this
population, instill 2 drops into the eye every 15 minutes for 6 hours, followed
by 2 drops every 30 minutes for the rest of day 1. On day 2, 2 drops should be
used every hour, followed by 2 drops every 4 hours on days 3 to 14.
QUESTION
Bowel regularity means a bowel movement every day.
See Answer
Which drugs or supplements interact with ciprofloxacin-ophthalmic drops?
There are no known significant drug interactions with
ciprofloxacin ophthalmic solution.
Is ciprofloxacin-ophthalmic drops safe to take if I’m pregnant or breastfeeding?
Use
during pregnancy has not been adequately evaluated. Ophthalmic
use may lead to some systemic absorption, so caution should be used.
Oral and IV ciprofloxacin passes into
breast milk.
Ophthalmic use may lead to some absorption into the body, so caution should be
used in nursing mothers.
What else should I know about ciprofloxacin-ophthalmic drops?
What preparations of ciprofloxacin-ophthalmic drops are available?
Ophthalmic Solution 0.3%
How should I keep ciprofloxacin-ophthalmic drops stored?
Ciprofloxacin solution should be stored at room temperature, between
15 C to 30 C (59 F to 86 F), or may be refrigerated and stored between 2 C to 8
C (36 F to 46 F). Protect from light.