Ciprofloxacin

Medically Reviewed by Dr. Harshi Dhingra, M.D.

Last Reviewed: Mar 13, 2024

Warnings

Ciprofloxacin (Ciloxan) Risks, Warnings, and Complications

Ciprofloxacin can cause or worsen health problems in some people. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other treatments for conjunctivitis or corneal ulcers if you are at increased risk of adverse reactions from ciprofloxacin ophthalmic.

ONLY FOR USE IN THE EYE: Ciprofloxacin (Ciloxan) eye drops and solution are only for topical application to the eye. They are not for oral administration or intravenous administration. Do not ingest or inject ciprofloxacin ophthalmic. If you have an infection in other parts of the body, your doctor will prescribe ciprofloxacin, that is formulated for oral administration (daily oral dosing).
CONTAMINATION: If the eye dropper or ointment tube becomes contaminated, it can lead to eye infections. Wash your hands with soap and water each time before using ciprofloxacin ophthalmic. Don't touch the dropper or ointment tube tip to any surface, including your eye surface. Replace the cap on the tube and dropper in the bottle immediately after use.
HYPERSENSITIVITY REACTIONS: Using Ciloxan (ciprofloxacin ophthalmic) can cause a severe allergic reaction, including cardiovascular collapse and occasionally fatal hypersensitivity. This is very rare, and only a few patients experience severe allergic reactions. Signs and symptoms may include skin rash, redness, itching, hives, swelling of the head and neck, arms, and legs, and difficulty breathing and swallowing.
Before starting treatment, tell your healthcare provider if you have had allergic reactions in the past to fluoroquinolones, other antibiotics, or any other drugs. Stop using ciprofloxacin and contact your doctor or seek immediate emergency treatment if you develop a hypersensitivity reaction. Drug reactions from ciprofloxacin use can include anaphylaxis (throat closing). This is a medical emergency.
NEW CLINICAL INFECTIONS: Topically applied ciprofloxacin is effective against susceptible strains of bacteria, but prolonged use of this medicine can lead to new infections with non-susceptible strains (organisms resistant to this antibiotic). Don't use ciprofloxacin (Ciloxan) eye drops or eye ointment for longer than prescribed. If you continue to have symptoms after finishing the prescription, tell your doctor. If superinfection occurs, your doctor will prescribe the appropriate therapy.
CONTACT LENSES: Do not wear hard or soft contact lenses if you have an eye infection that is being treated with ciprofloxacin ophthalmic. Throw away the old pair of contact lenses that you used before starting ciprofloxacin (they may be contaminated with bacteria). Do not resume wearing contacts until the infection has cleared. Start with a fresh pair after finishing the antibiotic.

Precautions Before Starting Ciprofloxacin (Ciloxan)

Tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction to ophthalmic or oral ciprofloxacin, any of the active or inactive ingredients in ciprofloxacin ophthalmic, systemic quinolone therapy, benzalkonium chloride (a preservative used in eye drops), or any other medications. Your pharmacy can give you a list of ingredients. Examples of other quinolones include levofloxacin (Levaquin, Iquix, Quixin), moxifloxacin (Avelox, Vigamox), ofloxacin (Floxin, Ocuflox), gatifloxacin (Tequin, Zymar), lomefloxacin (Maxaquin), norfloxacin (Noroxin), and sparfloxacin (Zagam).

Give your doctor and pharmacist a complete list of your medications (other eye medications and medications you take by mouth), including prescription medications, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, supplements, and herbal products. This can help avoid possible interactions between your medicines.

Give your doctor a complete medical history. Ciprofloxacin ophthalmic may not be safe for people with certain health conditions.

Tell your health care professional if you are pregnant, could be pregnant, or plan to get pregnant in the near future. Animal studies have not shown evidence that this medicine can adversely affect the developing fetus, but well-controlled studies have not been done in humans (pregnant women). Also, tell your provider if you are nursing an infant with human breast milk.

Precautions During Use of Ciprofloxacin (Ciloxan)

Keep all your healthcare appointments during treatment with ciprofloxacin hydrochloride.

Ciprofloxacin ophthalmic can cause temporary blurred vision. Avoid rubbing your eyes if this occurs. Do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything that requires clear vision if you have decreased visual acuity or other visual disturbances.

Do not wear contact lenses while using ciprofloxacin ophthalmic. Use a fresh pair of contacts after finishing treatment.

Ciprofloxacin (Ciloxan) Drug Interactions

Certain other drugs can affect how ciprofloxacin ophthalmic works. Possible drug interactions with other medicines can increase the risk of severe adverse effects. For example, patients receiving cyclosporine concomitantly with ciprofloxacin can have more severe side effects. Tell your doctor if you are taking:

An oral anticoagulant (blood thinner) such as warfarin (Coumadin)
An immunosuppressant such as cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune)
A medication for lung conditions, such as theophylline (Theo-Dur)

The above list may not contain all the possible interactions of ciprofloxacin ophthalmic eye drops or ointment. Give your doctor or pharmacist a complete list of your medications, including other eye medications, oral prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, dietary supplements, and herbal remedies. Also, tell your healthcare professional if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use recreational drugs because some of these substances can cause serious health complications when used with prescription medications.

Find the best discount on Ciprofloxacin »