Ciprofloxacin eye drops

About Ciprofloxacin eye drops

This belongs to the group of medicines known as anti-infective eye preparations.

Ciprofloxacin eye drops are used to treat bacterial infections of the eye, such as conjunctivitis. They may also be prescribed to treat corneal ulcers, when the delicate layer covering the surface of the eye is ulcerated.

It is also sometimes known as: Ciloxan. You may notice the use of any of these names on the packaging of your medicine.

Before using Ciprofloxacin eye drops

Before using ciprofloxacin make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• if you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding
• if you wear soft contact lenses
• if you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine
• if you are taking or using any other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal and complementary medicines

How to use Ciprofloxacin eye drops

Always read the manufacturer's information leaflet, if possible, before beginning treatment.

If the eye(s) have an obvious discharge or 'crust' they may be bathed with boiled and cooled water before treating with ciprofloxacin.

1. Wash your hands well before use
2. Remove the outer cap
3. Tilt the head back and pull the lower lid of the eye down to form a pocket
4. Hold the container between the thumb and middle finger of the other hand; turn the container upside down near to the eye, try not to touch the eye
5. Apply enough pressure to the container to release one to two drops
6. Close the eye, and keep it closed for one to two minutes
7. If you think that you have missed the eye, then insert another drop
8. Repeat in the other eye if you have been instructed to use this preparation in both eyes
9. Replace the outer cap on the container, try not to touch the applicator tip with the fingers as you do so
10. Wash your hands

Getting the most from your treatment

• Use ciprofloxacin eye drops exactly as directed by your doctor or pharmacist.
• For conjunctivitis, at first, the drops should be applied every two hours. As the infection improves, you can reduce this frequency down to four times a day.
• When the eye appears normal again, there may still be some bacteria present. It is important to continue using ciprofloxacin eye drop for a further 48 hours after the eye appears normal, to ensure that all of the bacteria have been killed.
• For corneal ulcers, throughout the day and night, apply every fifteen minutes for the first six hours, then every thirty minutes for the next eighteen hours. On day 2, apply every hour. For the next 3 - 14 days, apply every four hours.
• Do not wear soft contact lenses while you are being treated with ciprofloxacin eye drops.
• Ciprofloxacin eye drops are not usually recommended for children under one year old.
• If you are using any other eye drops or eye ointments, leave at least five minutes between applying each preparation.
• Try not to miss doses. If you do miss a dose, then apply the missed dose as soon as possible.
• Do not use ciprofloxacin eye drops more often or for a longer period than your doctor had directed. They should not be used for longer than three weeks.
• If your symptoms do not improve within a few days or if they become worse, check with your doctor.
• Strict attention to hygiene and cleanliness is important to prevent the infection spreading.
• Be careful to use separate towels to other members of your household.
• If only one eye is infected care must be taken to avoid spreading the infection from one eye to the other.
• Ciprofloxacin eye drops can cause problems with eyesight. Make sure you are unaffected before driving, operating machinery or doing any other jobs which could be dangerous if you were unable to see properly.
• Eye infections can cause the eyes to become more sensitive to sunlight. Wearing dark glasses may help prevent this.
• Ciprofloxacin eye drops are for you. Never give it to others even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
• Ciprofloxacin eye drops are for external use only. If you suspect someone has swallowed any, contact your doctor or go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if empty.

Can Ciprofloxacin eye drops cause problems?

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects. If any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome ask your doctor for advice.

Burning, itching or puffiness of the eye, crusting around the eyes, a bad taste in the mouth, watery eyes, a dislike of bright lights, nausea (feeling sick) or problems with eyesight.

If you experience any other worrying symptoms, which you think may be due to this preparation, or if your condition worsens, speak to your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store Ciprofloxacin eye drops

• Keep out of reach of children.
• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct light and heat.
• Discard these eye drops four weeks after opening.
• Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Discard them safely out of the reach of children or take them to your local pharmacist who will dispose of unwanted medicines for you.

© EMIS and Cegedim Pharmacy Services Ltd 2005   Updated: 08/07/2003