Dosing and uses of Ciprodex (dexamethasone-ciprofloxacin)
Adult dosage forms and strengths
ciprofloxacin/dexamethasone
otic suspension
- 0.3%/0.1%
Acute Otitis Externa
4 drops in affected ear q12hr for 7 days
Pediatric dosage forms and strengths
ciprofloxacin/dexamethasone
otic suspension
- 0.3%/0.1%
Acute Otitis Media with Tympanostomy Tubes, Acute Otitis Externa
<6 months: Not recommended
>6 months: 4 drops in affected ear q12hr for 7 days
For acute otitis media, administer through tympanostomy tube
Ciprodex (dexamethasone-ciprofloxacin) adverse (side) effects
Frequency not defined
Alopecia
Dermatitis
Dysgeusia
Fungal dermatitis
Headache
Hyperesthesia
Migraine headache
Paresthesias
Pruritus
Rash
Urticaria
Warnings
Contraindications
Hypersensitivity to any component (contains benzalkonium chloride)
Fungal or viral infections of external canal, including varicella and herpes simplex virus infections
Cautions
Discontinue if hypersensitivity or superinfection occurs
Reevaluate if no improvement is noted after 1 week
Prolonged use may result in overgrowth of non-susceptible bacteria and fungi
Pregnancy and lactation
Pregnancy category: C
Lactation: Unknown whether drug is excreted in milk; use not recommended
Pregnancy categories
A: Generally acceptable. Controlled studies in pregnant women show no evidence of fetal risk.
B: May be acceptable. Either animal studies show no risk but human studies not available or animal studies showed minor risks and human studies done and showed no risk.
C: Use with caution if benefits outweigh risks. Animal studies show risk and human studies not available or neither animal nor human studies done.
D: Use in LIFE-THREATENING emergencies when no safer drug available. Positive evidence of human fetal risk.
X: Do not use in pregnancy. Risks involved outweigh potential benefits. Safer alternatives exist.
NA: Information not available.
Pharmacology of Ciprodex (dexamethasone-ciprofloxacin)
Mechanism of action
Ciprofloxacin: Inhibits DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV; bactericidaL
Dexamethasone: Suppresses inflammatory response associated with bacterial infections
Absorption
Negligible systemic absorption
Peak plasma time: 15 min to 2 hr
Elimination
Excretion: Urine
