What is Ciprofloxacin Opthalmic?

Ciprofloxacin Opthalmic is an antibiotic eye drop that belongs to a group of drugs known as fluoroquinolones. This medicine is prescribed for the treatment of bacterial eye infections. It is sold under various trade names, one of which is Ciplox (made by Cipla).

Ciprofloxacin Opthalmic may also be given for conditions not mentioned above.

Important Information about Ciprofloxacin Opthalmic

You must not use Ciprofloxacin Opthalmic (Ciplox) if you are allergic to it or to similar antibiotics like moxifloxacin (Avelox), levofloxacin(Levaquin), norfloxacin(Noroxin), or gemifloxacin (Factive) and others. You must also not take Ciprofloxacin Opthalmic if you are taking tizanidine (Zanaflex), if you have had myasthenia gravis in the past.

Prior to using Ciprofloxacin eye drops, let your doctor know about your medical history, especially of other eye problems, and contact lens use. Your vision may be temporarily blurred or unstable after administerig these medicinal eye drops. Do not do any activities which require proper and clear vision until you are sure you can perform such activities safely. Avoid or limit alcohol consumption while using Ciprofloxacin Opthalmic.

If you are a pregnant or breast feeding woman, consult your doctor before using Ciprofloxacin Opthalmic.

It is of utmost importance that you complete the full course of the Ciprofloxacin Opthalmic medication. Your condition may completely vanish even before completing the full dosage. If you stop taking the doses and don't complete the course, chances of relapse of your infection increase many fold and you may suffer from a more potent infection which can be drug resistant. Ciprofloxacin Opthalmic will not work with viral infections like cold or flu.

Always store Ciprofloxacin Opthalmic in a cool and dry place, preferably at room temperature. Keep away from heart, moisture, children and pets.

Before taking Ciprofloxacin Opthalmic

Prior to using Ciprofloxacin Opthalmic, take care of the precautions listed above.

How should I take Ciprofloxacin Opthalmic?

Apply Ciprofloxacin eye drops (Ciplox) strictly as prescribed by your doctor. Never alter the dosage by any amount or use it for longer than prescribed period. All medications come with a patient leaflet that contains complete information about the drug. Read it carefully for more details.

Putting Ciprofloxacin eye drops is very simple. Do not wear contact lenses while using this medicine. If you are using other Opthalmic medication, wait at least 10 minutes before administering it. Ensure a high level of hygiene while handling eye drops bottle and dropper. Do not touch the tip of the bottle or dropper as there is a high possibility of contamination. Use this medicine regularly as prescribed for best results. Store the eye drops in a cool and dark place.

What if I miss a dose of Ciprofloxacin Opthalmic?

Don't miss even a single dose of Ciprofloxacin Opthalmic or any medication, especially antibiotics. However, if you miss a dose of Ciprofloxacin Opthalmic for any reasons, apply it as soon as you remember. Don't take the missed dose if the time to take the next dose is almost up. Don't take two doses very close to each other to make up for the missed dose.

What to do if I over dose?

If you overdose on Ciprofloxacin Opthalmic, get emergency medical help or contact the Poison Help Line by dialing 1-800-222-1222.

Things to avoid while taking Ciprofloxacin Opthalmic

Your vision may be temporarily blurred or unstable after putting Ciprofloxacin eye drops. Do not do any activities which require proper and clear vision until you are sure you can perform such activities safely. Also, avoid or limit alcohol consumption while using this medicine

Ciprofloxacin Opthalmic Side Effects

Ciprofloxacin eye drops may temporarily cause stinging or burning in your eyes for a couple of minutes at the most. Some common side effects included eye discomfort, itching, redness, tearing, eyelid crusting, feeling as if something is in your eye, blurred vision, a bad taste in your mouth, or sensitivity to light. Stop using this medicine and get medical attention right away if any of these effects persist or deteriorate.

You may notice white crystal in the treated eye after the initial days of using Ciprofloxacin eye drops, but they go away usually in few weeks and are harmless. If you notice any serious side effects due to this medicine, get medical attention right away. If you use Ciprofloxacin eye drops for a long period, you may get a new fungal eye infection. Limit the use of this medicine to the prescribed period

The above list of side effects is not a complete one and there may be other side effects. You may contact the FDA by calling 1-800-FDA-1088 and report your

side effects.

Ciprofloxacin Opthalmic drug interactions

Some medications with which Ciprofloxacin Opthalmic may interact are tizanidine (Zanaflex),blood thinners like warfaring (Coumadin, Jantoven); clozapine(Clozaril, Fazaclo); cyclosporine; glyburid; methotrexate; metoclopramide; phenytoin; probenecid; ropinirole; theophylline; ibuprofen; dicloefenac;; meloxicam; or steroids. Don't take them together with Ciprofloxacin Opthalmic and let your doctor know if you are using the above mentioned medications. You may use them depending on your doctor's advice.

The list of drugs mentioned above is not a complete one and there may be other drugs which can interact with it. Always consult your doctor before starting a new medication and before stopping or altering the course of any existing one.