Why is this medication prescribed?

Ciloxan is prescribed primarily for the treatment of bacterial eye infections. It belongs to a class of antibiotics known as fluoroquinolones and works by stopping the growth of bacteria.

How should this medicine be used?

Here are general guidelines on how it should be used:

• Dosage: The dosage and duration of treatment with Ciloxan will be determined by your healthcare provider based on the severity of the infection.
• Administration:
  • Ciloxan is typically applied as eye drops. Wash your hands before applying.
  • Tilt your head back slightly and pull down your lower eyelid to create a small pocket.
  • Hold the dropper directly over your eye and place the prescribed number of drops into the eye pocket.
  • Close your eyes gently for 1-2 minutes, keeping them closed and pressing lightly on the corner of your eye near your nose.
  • Wipe away any excess liquid from the eyelid with a clean tissue.
• Frequency: Follow your doctor’s instructions regarding the frequency of application. This is usually several times a day (e.g., every 4 to 12 hours), depending on the severity of the infection.
• Duration: It’s important to use Ciloxan for the full course of treatment prescribed by your doctor, even if the symptoms improve before the infection is completely cleared. Stopping too soon can allow the infection to return or worsen.
• Precautions: Avoid touching the tip of the dropper to any surface to prevent contamination. If you wear contact lenses, remove them before applying Ciloxan and wait at least 15 minutes before reinserting them. Do not use Ciloxan if you are allergic to ciprofloxacin or other fluoroquinolones.
• Side effects: Common side effects may include temporary stinging or burning in the eyes, or blurred vision. If these persist or worsen, inform your doctor promptly.

Always consult your healthcare provider for specific instructions tailored to your condition and follow them carefully to ensure the best possible outcome.

Other uses for this medicine

• Prophylaxis: Ciloxan may be prescribed to prevent eye infections in certain situations, such as after eye surgery or injury.
• Corneal Ulcers: It can be used to treat bacterial corneal ulcers, which are infections of the cornea.
• Conjunctivitis: In some cases, Ciloxan may be used for bacterial conjunctivitis (pink eye) when caused by susceptible bacteria.

What special precautions should I follow?

Special Precautions for Ciloxan:

• Allergic Reactions: If you have had an allergic reaction to ciprofloxacin or other fluoroquinolones, inform your doctor. Allergic reactions may include rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, or trouble breathing.
• Contact Lenses: Remove contact lenses before using Ciloxan eye drops. Wait at least 15 minutes after using the drops before reinserting your contact lenses.
• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. The safety of Ciloxan during pregnancy and breastfeeding has not been fully established, so your doctor will weigh the benefits and risks before prescribing.
• Children: The safety and effectiveness of Ciloxan in children under 1 year of age have not been established. Use in pediatric patients should be carefully monitored by a healthcare provider.
• Other Medications: Inform your doctor about all other medications you are taking, including prescription, over-the-counter, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Certain medications may interact with Ciloxan.
• Eye Irritation: Mild stinging or burning in the eyes may occur after using Ciloxan. If these symptoms persist or worsen, or if you experience any new symptoms such as eye pain, vision changes, or severe eye irritation, contact your doctor promptly.
• Handling the Dropper: To avoid contamination, do not touch the tip of the dropper to any surface, including the eye or hands. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.
• Follow Instructions: Always use Ciloxan exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not skip doses or stop treatment early, even if you feel better, unless instructed by your doctor.

Following these precautions will help ensure safe and effective use of Ciloxan for treating bacterial eye infections or other conditions as prescribed by your healthcare provider.

What special dietary instructions should I follow?

There are no specific dietary restrictions associated with the use of Ciloxan. However, it’s always a good idea to maintain a healthy diet to support overall health and recovery from any infection.

What should I do if I forget a dose?

If you forget to use a dose of Ciloxan eye drops, use it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

What side effects can this medication cause?

Ciloxan (ciprofloxacin ophthalmic solution) can cause side effects, although not everyone using it will experience them. Common side effects include:

• Mild Burning or Discomfort: Some people may experience mild burning or discomfort in the eyes immediately after applying the drops. This usually subsides quickly.
• Temporary Blurred Vision: Blurred vision may occur temporarily after using Ciloxan. Avoid driving or operating machinery if your vision is affected.
• Itching or Redness: Itching or redness of the eyes may occur as a reaction to the medication.
• Eye Irritation: Other symptoms of eye irritation such as stinging, dryness, or a feeling of something in the eye might occur.
• Taste Disturbance: In some cases, there may be a temporary bitter taste in the mouth after using the eye drops, as the medication can drain into the throat.
• Allergic Reactions: Although rare, allergic reactions to Ciloxan can occur. Symptoms may include rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, or difficulty breathing. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any signs of an allergic reaction.
• Other Serious Side Effects: While uncommon, serious side effects such as severe eye pain, vision changes, persistent redness, or increased sensitivity to light may occur. If you experience any of these symptoms, contact your doctor promptly.

It’s important to note that this list of side effects is not exhaustive. If you experience any unusual symptoms or side effects while using Ciloxan, contact your healthcare provider for further evaluation and advice.

What should I know about storage and disposal of this medication?

Storage and Disposal of Ciloxan:

• Storage:
  • Store Ciloxan eye drops at room temperature between 15°C to 30°C (59°F to 86°F).
  • Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.
  • Protect from light.
• Disposal:
  • Dispose of unused or expired Ciloxan eye drops according to local regulations or guidelines.
  • Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so.
  • If in doubt, consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company on how to safely dispose of unused medications.

In case of emergency/overdose

In case of an overdose or accidental ingestion of Ciloxan eye drops, seek emergency medical attention or contact a poison control center immediately. Overdose with Ciloxan is unlikely to occur through the eyes due to limited absorption systemically, but ingestion or excessive use could lead to more serious effects.

What other information should I know?

• Avoid Contamination: Do not touch the tip of the dropper to any surface, including the eye or hands, to prevent contamination of the eye drops.
• Follow Instructions: Use Ciloxan exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not skip doses or stop treatment early, even if you feel better, unless instructed by your doctor.
• Contact Lenses: Remove contact lenses before using Ciloxan eye drops and wait at least 15 minutes before reinserting them, to prevent interaction with the medication.
• Keep Appointments: Keep follow-up appointments with your healthcare provider as scheduled to monitor your progress and ensure the effectiveness of treatment.
• Inform Your Healthcare Provider::Inform your doctor about all other medications you are taking, including over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbal supplements, as they may interact with Ciloxan.
• Allergic Reactions: If you experience signs of an allergic reaction (e.g., rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing), seek immediate medical attention.
• Pregnancy/Breastfeeding: Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. The safety of Ciloxan during pregnancy and breastfeeding has not been fully established.
• Children: Use Ciloxan in children under the guidance of a healthcare provider, as safety and effectiveness in children under 1 year of age have not been established.

By following these guidelines and being aware of these considerations, you can use Ciloxan safely and effectively for the treatment of bacterial eye infections as prescribed by your healthcare provider. If you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to discuss them with your doctor or pharmacist.