CIPRODEX® Otic Suspension for Ear Infections

These prescription ear drops combine an antibiotic and a corticosteroid to treat ear canal infections. They are used for acute outer ear infections and certain middle ear infections in people with ear tubes. This page explains how the drops work, how to use them, and ways to access US shipping from Canada without insurance.

What CIPRODEX Is and How It Works

Ciprofloxacin fights the bacteria that commonly cause otitis externa and infections in ears with tympanostomy tubes. Dexamethasone reduces swelling, pain, and redness in the ear canal. Together, the class delivers targeted antibacterial activity and local anti-inflammatory effect. CIPRODEX® is a well-known brand reference for this combination, though your prescription may be for a generic equivalent.

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

You’ll see this medicine referred to as Ciprofloxacin/Dexamethasone 0.3%/0.1% otic suspension. It is applied directly into the ear canal. This topical route concentrates therapy at the site of infection while limiting whole-body exposure.

These drops are not designed for the eye. If your clinician diagnoses an eye condition, they may recommend a separate treatment such as Ciprofloxacin Ophthalmic Solution or another option within Ophthalmology. The ear dropper tip should never touch the eye or other surfaces.

Who It’s For

This treatment is indicated for acute otitis externa (swimmer’s ear) in adults and children when a bacterial cause is suspected. It is also used for acute otitis media in patients with tympanostomy tubes, when bacteria enter through the tube opening. As a topical agent, it targets the ear canal and middle ear space accessed via a tube.

People with a known allergy to quinolones, corticosteroids, or any component should avoid the product. Do not use in the eye. If you have a non-intact eardrum without tubes, or if your prescriber suspects viral or fungal causes, different care may be needed. Ask a healthcare professional if you are unsure whether Otic antibiotic drops for ear infection are appropriate.

Dosage and Usage

Follow the exact instructions from your prescriber and the official label. Common directions include shaking the bottle well before each use, warming it in your hands, and instilling the prescribed number of drops into the affected ear twice daily for a set number of days.

General technique tips:

• Head position: Lie or tilt with the affected ear upward.
• Adults: Gently pull the upper ear up and back to straighten the canal.
• Children: Gently pull the lower ear down and back.
• Avoid touching the dropper tip to the ear or fingers.
• Keep the ear upward for 60 seconds to help the drops spread.

Continue for the full course, even if symptoms improve. Do not stop early unless your clinician advises. If discomfort increases or hearing changes suddenly, contact your prescriber promptly. This guidance also applies to Ciprofloxacin with dexamethasone ear drops from different manufacturers.

Strengths and Forms

This medicine is generally supplied as an otic suspension in a small bottle with a dropper tip. Availability can vary by manufacturer.

• Common strength: ciprofloxacin 0.3% with dexamethasone 0.1%.

Formulations and bottle sizes may differ by source and by Canada manufacturer. Your dispensed product will match your prescription and jurisdictional rules.

Missed Dose and Timing

If you miss a dose, use it when you remember unless it is almost time for the next one. If it is close to the next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular timing. Do not double up. Keeping a simple schedule and setting reminders can help you finish the course as directed.

Storage and Travel Basics

Store at typical room temperature according to the label. Keep the bottle tightly closed and upright when not in use. Do not freeze. Protect from excessive heat and direct sunlight. Keep out of reach of children and pets.

When traveling, pack your prescription in original packaging for screening, and keep it in your carry-on. You may store it in a small protective case to prevent leakage. If you are packing other therapies that require cool storage, follow their specific instructions; our partners use temperature-controlled handling when required.

Benefits

This combination can address bacterial infection and related inflammation at the same time. Targeting the canal with a topical suspension may reduce ear pain and swelling while treating the underlying cause. Local administration generally avoids the higher systemic exposure associated with oral antibiotics. Completing the course as prescribed can help reduce recurrence.

Side Effects and Safety

Common effects can include mild ear discomfort, itching, residue in the canal, or a sensation of fullness. A brief aftertaste may occur if drops pass through the Eustachian tube. These effects are usually temporary.

• Mild ear discomfort
• Itching or irritation
• Ear residue or debris
• Transient taste disturbance

Serious reactions are uncommon but can include severe allergic response, worsening pain, new drainage, or hearing changes. Topical steroids can, rarely, mask persistent infection or allow overgrowth of non-susceptible organisms. Stop using the product and seek medical help if you experience symptoms of hypersensitivity or notable hearing changes. Caution is advised if you have a history of perforated eardrum without tubes; your clinician will guide appropriate care.

Drug Interactions and Cautions

Because this medicine is applied to the ear, significant drug interactions are unlikely. Avoid using other otic products at the same time unless your prescriber instructs. Do not insert cotton swabs deep in the canal while using therapy. Tell your clinician about all medicines and allergies, including previous reactions to quinolones or steroids.

What to Expect Over Time

Symptoms such as pain and swelling may begin to improve after a few doses. Full benefit depends on completing the course and keeping the ear canal dry as advised. Your prescriber may suggest avoiding swimming or submerging the ear during treatment. If symptoms do not improve or worsen, contact your clinician for evaluation.

Compare With Alternatives

Clinicians may also prescribe ofloxacin otic solution, or a combination of neomycin, polymyxin B, and hydrocortisone, depending on culture results, canal condition, and tolerance. Some patients use the brand option Ciprodex Otic Suspension when appropriate. Your prescriber will select based on infection type, ear status, and medical history.

Pricing and Access

Our marketplace highlights CIPRODEX Canadian pricing side by side with comparable generics when available. You can review options and see typical self-pay approaches. We list the CIPRODEX price without insurance so you can compare with local cash quotes and discuss choices with your prescriber.

Access is designed for convenience with US payment methods and Ships from Canada to US. Your prescription is required before dispensing. If you track promotions, see our current offers on the Promotions page.

Availability and Substitutions

Supply can vary by manufacturer and bottle size. If a specific label is unavailable, your prescriber may recommend a therapeutically appropriate alternative. If you prefer to manage your order online, many patients search for CIPRODEX ear drops online and then compare brand and generic options with their clinician before checkout.

Patient Suitability and Cost-Saving Tips

This medicine may suit adults and children when bacterial otitis externa is suspected, or for acute otitis media in those with ear tubes. It is not intended for viral or fungal infections. People with hypersensitivity to ingredients should avoid use and notify their prescriber.

To reduce costs, consider multi-month refills if your prescriber anticipates repeated exposures, such as frequent swimming seasons. Setting refill reminders helps you avoid lapses. Discuss whether a generic is appropriate for you; some patients evaluate the CIPRODEX out-of-pocket cost versus a comparable generic with their clinician. For systemic therapy needs determined by your prescriber, options like Cephalexin may be considered for non-canal infections.

Questions to Ask Your Clinician

• Diagnosis details: What signs point to bacterial otitis externa or tube-related otitis media?
• Dosage: How many drops and for how many days?
• Technique: How should I position the ear and for how long?
• Precautions: Can I swim or get the ear wet during treatment?
• Follow-up: When should I be checked again if symptoms persist?
• Alternatives: If this isn’t suitable, what are the next options?

Authoritative Sources

FDA DailyMed: Ciprofloxacin and Dexamethasone Otic Suspension

Health Canada DPD: Ciprofloxacin and Dexamethasone Otic

For eye surface disease information, see Xiidra Eye Drops Relief, which is separate from ear therapy.

Ready to compare options and arrange US delivery from Canada? You can place your order with prompt, express shipping after your prescription is verified. This information is educational and not a substitute for the official label or your clinician’s advice.