Ciprodex vs. Cortisporin Otic Solution

• Are Ciprodex and Cortisporin the Same Thing?
• What Are Possible Side Effects of Ciprodex?
• What Are Possible Side Effects of Cortisporin?
• What Is Ciprodex?
• What Is Cortisporin?
• What Drugs Interact with Ciprodex?
• What Drugs Interact with Cortisporin?
• How Should Ciprodex Be Taken?
• How Should Cortisporin Be Taken?

Ciprodex (ciprofloxacin and dexamethasone) and Cortisporin Otic Solution (neomycin and polymyxin B sulfates and hydrocortisone otic solution) are combinations of antibiotics and corticosteroids used to treat ear infections.

Cortisporin Otic Solution is generally used to treat outer ear infections caused by bacteria (also known as swimmer's ear).

The antibiotics in Ciprodex and Cortisporin Otic are different. Ciprodex is a combination of a fluoroquinolone antibiotic and a corticosteroid, and Cortisporin Otic Solution is a combination of an aminoglycoside antibiotic, a polymyxin antibiotic, and a corticosteroid.

Side effects of Ciprodex and Cortisporin Otic Solution that are similar include discomfort in the ear when applied.

Side effects of Ciprodex that are different from Cortisporin Otic Solution include pain or itching in the ear, or unusual taste in the mouth.

Side effects of Cortisporin Otic Solution that are different from Ciprodex include temporary stinging or burning of the ear for a minute or two when applied.

Common side effects of Ciprodex include:

• discomfort,
• pain, or
• itching in the ear, or
• unusual taste in the mouth.

Contact your doctor if you experience serious side effects of Ciprodex including:

• allergic reaction (difficulty breathing, closing of the throat, swelling of the lips/tongue/face),
• skin rash,
• ear drainage,
• ear discharge, or
• worsening pain.

Common side effects of Cortisporin include:

• temporary stinging or burning of the ear for a minute or two when applied.

Tell your doctor if you have this rare but very serious side effect of Cortisporin Otic Suspension:

• hearing problems (e.g., hearing loss).

Ciprodex (ciprofloxacin and dexamethasone) is a combination of a fluoroquinolone antibiotic and a steroid used to treat ear infections.

Cortisporin Otic Solution (neomycin and polymyxin B sulfates and hydrocortisone otic solution) is a combination of two antibiotics and an anti-inflammatory corticosteroid in an ear drop used to treat outer ear infections caused by bacteria (also known as swimmer's ear). Cortisporin Otic Solution is available in generic form.

Other drugs may interact with Ciprodex. Talk to your doctor before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including vitamins, minerals, and herbal products. Ciprodex should be used only when prescribed during pregnancy. This medication passes into breast milk but is unlikely to harm a nursing infant. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

Cortisporin Otic Solution may interact with other medications. Before using this medication, tell your doctor all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use. Cortisporin Otic Solution should be used only if prescribed during pregnancy. It is not known whether this medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

The usual recommended dosage of Ciprodex in patients age 6 months and older is four drops instilled into the affected ear twice daily for seven days. Do not use other ear drops during treatment with Ciprodex without first talking to your doctor.

The dose of Cortisporin Otic Solution for adults is four drops instilled into the affected ear 3 or 4 times daily. For infants and children, three drops are suggested.