In this Article

• What is ciprofloxacin ophthalmic (Ciloxan Ophthalmic Solution)?
• What are the possible side effects of ciprofloxacin ophthalmic (Ciloxan Ophthalmic Solution)?
• What is the most important information I should know about ciprofloxacin ophthalmic (Ciloxan Ophthalmic Solution)?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using ciprofloxacin ophthalmic (Ciloxan Ophthalmic Solution)?
• How should I use ciprofloxacin ophthalmic (Ciloxan Ophthalmic Solution)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Ciloxan Ophthalmic Solution)?
• What happens if I overdose (Ciloxan Ophthalmic Solution)?
• What should I avoid while using ciprofloxacin ophthalmic (Ciloxan Ophthalmic Solution)?
• What other drugs will affect ciprofloxacin ophthalmic (Ciloxan Ophthalmic Solution)?
• Where can I get more information?

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using ciprofloxacin ophthalmic (Ciloxan Ophthalmic Solution)?

You should not use this medication if you allergic to ciprofloxacin (Cipro) or similar medications such as levofloxacin (Levaquin), lomefloxacin (Maxaquin), moxifloxacin (Avelox), ofloxacin (Floxin), norfloxacin (Noroxin), and others.

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether ciprofloxacin ophthalmic is harmful to an unborn baby. Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.

It is not known whether ciprofloxacin ophthalmic passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Do not use ciprofloxacin eye drops in a child younger than 1 year old. Do not use ciprofloxacin eye ointment in a child younger than 2 years old.

How should I use ciprofloxacin ophthalmic (Ciloxan Ophthalmic Solution)?

Use this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use it in larger amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

While treating a corneal ulcer, you may notice a whitish buildup in your eye. This is a sign that the medication is working and is not a harmful effect. This buildup should clear within a few days or weeks of treatment.

Wash your hands before using the eye drops.

To apply the eye drops:

• Tilt your head back slightly and pull down your lower eyelid to create a small pocket. Hold the dropper above the eye with the dropper tip down. Look up and away from the dropper as you squeeze out a drop, then close your eye.
• Use only the number of drops your doctor has prescribed.
• Gently press your finger to the inside corner of the eye (near your nose) for about 1 minute to keep the liquid from draining into your tear duct. If you use more than one drop in the same eye, wait about 5 minutes before putting in the next drop.

Do not use the eye drops if the liquid has changed colors or has particles in it. Call your doctor for a new prescription.

If you are using this medication to treat a corneal ulcer, you may need to use the eye drops every 15 to 30 minutes for the first day, and then every 1 to 4 hours for the rest of your treatment. Follow your doctor's instructions.

To apply the ointment:

• Tilt your head back slightly and pull down your lower eyelid to create a small pocket. Hold the ointment tube with the tip pointing toward this pocket. Look up and away from the tip.
• Squeeze out a ribbon of ointment 1/2-inch long into the lower eyelid pocket without touching the tip of the tube to your eye. Look down and close your eyes for a few minutes. Rolling your eyes around gently will help spread the ointment evenly.
• After opening your eyes, you may have blurred vision for a short time. Avoid driving or doing anything that requires you to be able to see clearly.

Do not allow the tip of the tube or dropper to touch any surface, including the eyes or hands. If the dropper becomes contaminated it could cause an infection in your eye, which can lead to vision loss or serious damage to the eye.

Store this medicine at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the bottle or tube tightly closed when not in use.