Ciprodex® Otic Suspension for Ear Infections

This prescription ear-drop medicine treats certain bacterial ear infections. It combines an antibiotic and an anti-inflammatory to target infection and ease swelling. You can view options with US delivery from Canada, compare formats, and see ways to save without insurance.

What Ciprodex Is and How It Works

Ciprodex® is a sterile otic suspension containing ciprofloxacin, a fluoroquinolone antibiotic, and dexamethasone, a corticosteroid. The antibiotic helps stop the growth of susceptible bacteria. The steroid helps reduce ear canal inflammation, redness, and discomfort. Together, the ear drops are used for acute otitis externa and for acute otitis media in patients with tympanostomy tubes.

Border Free Health connects U.S. patients with licensed Canadian partner pharmacies; prescriptions are verified with prescribers before dispensing.

This medicine is instilled into the ear canal. It is not for the eyes, by mouth, or injection. The drops are typically used twice daily for a short course as directed on the product label. Avoid touching the dropper tip to the ear or any surface to keep the suspension clean. For broader ear, nose, and throat needs, explore our Ear Nose Throat category.

When uncertain about your symptoms, speak with a healthcare professional. Ear pain that comes with high fever, severe swelling, or drainage may need a different evaluation before drops are used.

Who It’s For

The treatment is indicated for acute otitis externa caused by susceptible bacteria and for acute otitis media in pediatric patients with tympanostomy tubes. It may be appropriate for adults and children when the prescriber confirms a bacterial cause. People with known hypersensitivity to ciprofloxacin, dexamethasone, or any component should not use this product.

Avoid use if a fungal or viral ear infection is suspected unless a clinician advises otherwise. The suspension is for patients generally 6 months of age and older. If your symptoms reflect seasonal allergies rather than infection, review our guide on Allergic Rhinitis. For ear-specific conditions, see our pages for Otitis Externa and Otitis Media.

Dosage and Usage

Follow the official label and your prescriber’s instructions. Typical labeled dosing is four drops into the affected ear twice daily for seven days. Shake the bottle well before each dose. Warm the closed bottle in your hands for a minute to reduce dizziness from cold drops.

How to instill:

• Prepare drops: Wash hands and shake the bottle thoroughly.
• Position: Lie or tilt the head with the affected ear upward.
• Instill: Place the prescribed number of drops into the ear canal.
• Stay still: Keep the ear upward for 60 seconds to help the medicine coat the canal.
• For tubes: The prescriber may advise gentle tragus pumping to help the drops reach the middle ear.
• Finish: Replace the cap tightly; avoid touching the tip.

Use only in the ear. Do not share bottles. If you are using other otic products, ask a clinician about spacing administration. For package sizes, many prescriptions are written for Ciprodex 7.5 mL.

Strengths and Forms

This product is supplied as a sterile otic suspension in a dropper bottle. Commonly available presentation:

• Ciprofloxacin 0.3% and Dexamethasone 0.1% Otic Suspension in a 7.5 mL bottle.

Availability may vary by pharmacy and country of origin. Your prescriber will specify the amount and course based on the labeled indication.

Missed Dose and Timing

If you miss a dose, administer it when remembered unless it is close to the next dose. If it is nearly time for the next one, skip the missed dose and resume your normal schedule. Do not double doses. Try to keep doses roughly 12 hours apart during the course for consistent exposure.

Storage and Travel Basics

Store the bottle at room temperature as described on the label. Keep it tightly closed and upright when not in use. Do not freeze. Protect from contamination and keep out of children’s reach. When traveling, carry the original labeled container in your hand luggage. Bring a copy of your prescription if you will pass through security or customs. Pack a small resealable bag to prevent leakage onto other items.

Do not use the drops if the suspension has changed in color, has particles, or the seal is damaged. Mark your start date on the carton to help you track the 7-day course. As an added safeguard for online orders, our checkout is encrypted.

Benefits

This medicine treats the infection while helping reduce swelling and pain in the ear canal. Twice-daily dosing is straightforward for most routines. Short labeled courses can encourage adherence. The dropper bottle enables targeted therapy at the site of infection and may limit systemic exposure compared with oral antibiotics used for similar conditions.

Side Effects and Safety

Common effects can include mild ear discomfort, itching, a sensation of ear residue, or a taste in the throat after instillation. These are usually temporary. Stop use and seek medical help for signs of allergic reaction such as rash, hives, or swelling of the face or throat. Prolonged use may allow overgrowth of non-susceptible organisms, including fungi, so follow the prescribed duration.

Do not use in the eyes. Keep the tip clean. If significant ear pain, worsening swelling, persistent discharge, fever, or hearing changes occur, contact a healthcare professional. Children should be supervised during administration.

Drug Interactions and Cautions

Because the treatment acts locally in the ear, systemic interactions are unlikely. Still, tell your clinician about all medicines you use, including other ear products. Avoid concurrent use of other otic drops unless directed. Let your prescriber know about prior reactions to fluoroquinolones or corticosteroids. Do not use for viral infections such as herpes zoster oticus unless your clinician recommends it.

What to Expect Over Time

Symptoms may start to ease during the course as the infection is treated and inflammation decreases. Finish the full prescribed duration even if you feel better early. Keep the ear dry during therapy unless your clinician gives different guidance. If you do not notice steady improvement during the course or if symptoms recur after completion, arrange a follow-up evaluation.

Compare With Alternatives

Some patients may be treated with oral antibiotics when drops are not suitable or when infection extends beyond the ear canal. Two options sometimes used for ear-related bacterial infections include Cephalexin and Ceftin Suspension. Your prescriber will choose based on the organism suspected, the site of infection, and your history.

Pricing and Access

Canadian pharmacies often publish transparent rates for ear drops. You can review Ciprodex Otic Suspension Price details and see how cash-pay totals compare to local options. If you are looking for deals, check for a Ciprodex Otic Suspension Coupon when available. We offer US shipping from Canada with prescription validation. For region-specific information, see Canada. You may also find periodic offers on our Promotions page.

Availability and Substitutions

If the requested brand is temporarily unavailable, a prescriber may recommend an alternative otic fluoroquinolone or a different anti-infective/steroid combination. Some pharmacies may dispense a Generic Ciprofloxacin and Dexamethasone Otic Suspension when allowed by your prescriber and local regulations. Availability can differ by supplier. We do not promise restock dates; your clinician can guide a safe substitution when needed.

Patient Suitability and Cost-Saving Tips

Good candidates are patients with confirmed bacterial otitis externa or pediatric patients with tubes who have acute otitis media caused by susceptible organisms. People with allergies to any component should avoid this medicine. Those with chronic or recurrent infections should ask about culture-directed therapy. If you are prone to swimmer’s ear, discuss preventive strategies with your clinician.

To manage expenses, ask your prescriber if one bottle covers the full course, or if a second bottle is advisable for a bilateral infection. If you anticipate seasonal recurrences, a prescription with refills may reduce clinic visits. Sign up for refill reminders so you can request your bottle ahead of travel. When comparing cash-pay options, consider Canadian pricing, fulfillment timing, and your prescriber’s flexibility on brand or generic.

Questions to Ask Your Clinician

• Diagnosis confirmation: Is my ear problem bacterial and suitable for drops?
• Administration tips: Should I use tragus pumping with my ear tubes?
• Course length: How many days should I use the suspension?
• Water exposure: Can I swim or should I keep the ear dry?
• Pain control: What can I take safely for discomfort while using these drops?
• Follow-up: When should I recheck if symptoms do not improve?
• Alternatives: If this therapy is not suitable, what options fit my case?

Authoritative Sources

FDA Prescribing InformationDailyMed: Ciprofloxacin and Dexamethasone OticHealth Canada Drug Product Database

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Disclaimer: This page is informational and does not replace professional medical advice. Always follow your prescriber’s instructions and the official product label.