Ciprofloxacin+dexamethasone+benzalkonium Chloride
About
Ciprofloxacin+dexamethasone+benzalkonium Chloride is a combination medicine used to treat bacterial eye infections, post-operative inflammatory conditions of the eyes, acute otitis media (middle ear infections) and acute otitis externa (inflammation of the ear canal). Bacterial eye infection is associated with the inflammation or infection of the conjunctiva (white part of the eye) and the inner eyelid. An ear infection occurs when the bacteria affect the middle or outer ear, leading to pain and inflammation.
Ciprofloxacin+dexamethasone+benzalkonium Chloride is a combination of three drugs, namely: Ciprofloxacin, Dexamethasone, and Benzalkonium chloride. Ciprofloxacin kills the infection-causing bacteria by inhibiting the synthesis of enzymes necessary for the survival of bacteria. Dexamethasone blocks the chemical messengers that cause swelling, itching, and redness. Benzalkonium chloride acts as a preservative. Thereby, Ciprofloxacin+dexamethasone+benzalkonium Chloride helps in treating bacterial infections of the eye and ear.
You are advised to use Ciprofloxacin+dexamethasone+benzalkonium Chloride for as long as your doctor has prescribed it for you, depending on your medical condition. In some cases, Ciprofloxacin+dexamethasone+benzalkonium Chloride may cause common side-effects such as discomfort, irritation, stinging sensation, and redness. Most of these side-effects do not require medical attention and will resolve gradually over time. However, you are advised to talk to your doctor if the side-effects persist or worsen.
Talk to your doctor if the irritation persists despite using Ciprofloxacin+dexamethasone+benzalkonium Chloride for a week or if it worsens. Consult your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Ciprofloxacin+dexamethasone+benzalkonium Chloride should be used in children only if prescribed by the doctor. Do not touch the tip of the dropper, as it may contaminate the contents. Keep your doctor informed regarding your health condition and the medicines you are taking to prevent any side-effects/interactions.
Uses of Ciprofloxacin+dexamethasone+benzalkonium Chloride
Medicinal Benefits
Ciprofloxacin+dexamethasone+benzalkonium Chloride is a combination of three drugs, namely: Ciprofloxacin, Dexamethasone, and Benzalkonium chloride. Ciprofloxacin+dexamethasone+benzalkonium Chloride is used to treat bacterial eye infections, post-operative inflammatory conditions of the eyes, acute otitis media (middle ear infections) and acute otitis externa (inflammation of the ear canal). Dexamethasone is a corticosteroid that blocks the chemical messengers that cause swelling, itching, and redness. Ciprofloxacin is an anti-bacterial agent which kills the bacteria by preventing the synthesis of essential proteins required for the survival of the bacteria. Benzalkonium chloride acts as a preservative. Together, Ciprofloxacin+dexamethasone+benzalkonium Chloride helps in treating bacterial infections of the eye/ear.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Ciprofloxacin+dexamethasone+benzalkonium Chloride
- Discomfort
- Irritation
- Stinging sensation
- Redness
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Do not use Ciprofloxacin+dexamethasone+benzalkonium Chloride if you are allergic to any of its contents. Avoid using Ciprofloxacin+dexamethasone+benzalkonium Chloride if you have tuberculosis, damaged cornea, ulceration, lesions with incomplete formation of the covering tissue, increased intraocular pressure, allergy to steroids, viral ear infections, herpes simplex, fungal or parasitic ear infection. Inform your doctor if you have high closed-angle glaucoma, high blood pressure, ocular hypertension, diabetes, eye infection or injury, hyperthyroidism, heart, kidney or liver problems. Consult your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Ciprofloxacin+dexamethasone+benzalkonium Chloride should be used in children only if prescribed by the doctor.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Inform your doctor if you are taking anti-viral drugs (ritonavir, cobicistat)
Drug-Food Interactions: No interactions found/established.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Inform your doctor if you have tuberculosis, damaged cornea, ulceration, lesions with incomplete formation of the covering tissue, increased intraocular pressure, allergy to steroids, viral ear infections, herpes simplex, fungal or parasitic ear infection.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionIt is not known whether Ciprofloxacin+dexamethasone+benzalkonium Chloride interacts with alcohol. Please consult your doctor.
Pregnancy
cautionPlease consult your doctor if you have any concerns regarding this; your doctor will prescribe only if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Breast Feeding
cautionPlease consult your doctor if you have any concerns regarding this; your doctor will decide whether Ciprofloxacin+dexamethasone+benzalkonium Chloride can be used by breastfeeding mothers or not.
Driving
cautionCiprofloxacin+dexamethasone+benzalkonium Chloride may temporarily blur your vision when instilled in the eyes. So, avoid driving or operating machinery until your vision is clear.
Liver
cautionPlease consult your doctor if you have any concerns regarding the usage of Ciprofloxacin+dexamethasone+benzalkonium Chloride in patients with liver impairment.
Kidney
cautionPlease consult your doctor if you have any concerns regarding the usage of Ciprofloxacin+dexamethasone+benzalkonium Chloride in patients with kidney impairment.
Children
cautionCiprofloxacin+dexamethasone+benzalkonium Chloride should be used in children only if prescribed by the doctor.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
Eye infections:
- Wash your hands regularly. Avoid touching the eyes with dirty hands.
- Avoid rubbing the eyes.
- Avoid sharing eye makeup such as eyeliner, mascara or kohl.
- Always use clean towels or tissues to wipe your eyes and face.
- Regularly wash and change the pillowcases.
- If you wear contact lens: Clean and replace contact lens more often. Never share contact lens. Always remember to wash your hands before inserting and after removing the contact lens.
- Avoid staring at digital screens for longer durations. Rest your eyes for every 20 minutes.
- Blink regularly as it helps in the spread of hydrating substances such as mucus and tears across the eyes.
Ear infections:
- Include fruits, vegetables, high-quality proteins and whole wheat grains in your diet to strengthen the immune system.
- Avoid consuming foods that you are allergic to as it can cause the body to produce excess mucus leading to inflammation.
- Avoid getting things like shampoo, soap, and water into the ear, as it can cause itching.
- Do not poke or scratch the ear, as it can cause damage to the ear canal, leading to inflammation. The inflamed skin can be infected by bacteria or fungi, which can cause infections in the ear.
- Stay healthy as immunity prevents infections.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Bacterial eye infections: The common bacterial eye infections are conjunctivitis, stye, and keratitis. Conjunctivitis (pink eye) is the infection or inflammation of the conjunctiva (white part of the eye) and the inner eyelid. A stye is a bump on the eyelid or base of eyelashes. Keratitis is the inflammation of the cornea. It is a common problem in people who wear contact lenses. Symptoms include redness, pain, discomfort, itchiness, burning sensation, and watery discharge from the eye.
Post-operative eye inflammation: It is the inflammation of the eye following surgical intervention. Symptoms include pain, photophobia, increased intraocular pressure, glaucoma, redness, and uveitis (eye inflammation).
Ear infections: An ear infection occurs when the bacteria affect the middle or outer ear, leading to pain and inflammation. An ear infection occurs when the Eustachian tubes (small tubes that run from each ear to the back of the throat) become blocked or swollen. Ear infections can be painful due to inflammation and fluid build-up. Symptoms include pain or discomfort inside the ear, pus or fluid-like drainage from the ear, feeling of pressure inside the ear, and loss of hearing.
FAQs
Ciprofloxacin+dexamethasone+benzalkonium Chloride kills the bacteria by preventing the synthesis of essential proteins required for survival of the bacteria. It also blocks the synthesis of chemical messengers that cause irritation. Thereby treats bacterial infections of the eye/ear.
Do not stop using Ciprofloxacin+dexamethasone+benzalkonium Chloride on your own. To treat your condition effectually, continue using Ciprofloxacin+dexamethasone+benzalkonium Chloride for as long as your doctor has prescribed it. Consult the doctor if the irritation persists or worsens.
Ciprofloxacin+dexamethasone+benzalkonium Chloride can be used with other eye/ear medications if prescribed by the doctor. However, maintain a gap of 5-10minutes between Ciprofloxacin+dexamethasone+benzalkonium Chloride and other eye/ear medications.
Do not use Ciprofloxacin+dexamethasone+benzalkonium Chloride for longer durations unless prescribed as it may lead to other infections. Consult your doctor if your condition worsens or does not improve despite using Ciprofloxacin+dexamethasone+benzalkonium Chloride for a week.
