Ciprofloxacin eye preparations

About ciprofloxacin eye preparations

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

Ciprofloxacin is an antibiotic which kills the bacteria causing the infection or corneal ulcer.

Before using ciprofloxacin eye preparations

Before using ciprofloxacin eye preparations 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 are taking or using other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines.
• If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine.

• Note: ciprofloxacin eye preparations are not suitable for children aged under 1 year.

How to use ciprofloxacin eye preparations

Before beginning treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet.

Using the ophthalmic solution (eye drops):

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 into the the gap between the eye and the lower lid.
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.

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 squeeze a thin line of the ointment along the inside of the lower lid.
6. Close the eye and blink for a minute or two to spread the ointment.
7. Repeat in the other eye if you have been instructed to use this preparation in both eyes.
8. Replace the outer cap on the container, trying not to touch the applicator tip with any surface, including the eye or fingers.
9. Wash your hands.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Use ciprofloxacin eye preparations exactly as directed by your doctor. You may be asked to apply ciprofloxacin regularly during the day and night. It is important that you do not miss any of the applications.
• Even when the eye appears normal again, there may still be some bacteria present. It is important to continue using ciprofloxacin eye preparations for a further 48 hours after the eye appears normal to ensure that all of the bacteria have been killed.
• Do not wear soft contact lenses while you are being treated with ciprofloxacin eye preparations.
• If you are using any other eye drops or eye ointments, leave at least five minutes between applying each preparation.
• Do not use these drops or ointment more often or for a longer period than your doctor has 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.
• Be careful to use separate towels to other members of your household to prevent the infection from spreading to them.
• If only one eye is infected, take care not to spread the infection from one eye to the other.

Can ciprofloxacin eye preparations cause problems?

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side-effects. These usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side-effects continue or become troublesome.

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to this medicine, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store ciprofloxacin eye preparations

• Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.
• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.
• Do not store or use eye drops or eye ointment for longer than four weeks once opened.

Important information about all medicines

References

• Manufacturer's PIL, Ciloxan® ophthalmic solution, Alcon Laboratories (U.K) Limited, electronic Medicines Compendium. dated October 2003, accessed October 2009.
• Manufacturer's PIL, Ciloxan® eye ointment, Alcon Laboratories (U.K) Limited, electronic Medicines Compendium. dated July 2004, accessed October 2009.
• British National Formulary; 58th Edition (September 2009) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London (link to current BNF).