Ciloxan (Ciprofloxacin)

What is Ciloxan?

Ciloxan (ciprofloxacin) belongs to a class of drugs known as fluoroquinolone antibiotic and is meant for ophthalmic use.

What is Ciloxan used for?

Ciloxan is used in the treatment of bacterial eye infections. It is also used to treat an ulcer in the cornea of eye. It is important to note that the medication will not treat fungal or viral infections.

How does Ciloxan work?

Being an antibiotic, Ciloxan inhibits the growth of bacteria and thus helps in the treatment and prevention of bacterial infections.

How to use Ciloxan

Ciloxan should be used exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Using the medication for longer period or in larger amount than prescribed is not advisable.

Before applying the eye drops wash your hands properly and remove your contact lenses, if any.

To use the drops, you should tilt your head back slightly, pull down your lower eyelid, look away from the dropper and put 1 drop into the eye. Close your eyes and gently press the inner corner of the eye for 2-3 minutes to prevent the drop from going into the tear duct. Maintain a gap of 5 minutes between subsequent drops.

Care should be taken that the dropper does not come in contact with your eyes, hands or any other body surface in order to prevent contamination of the dropper.

Ciloxan may be absorbed by soft contact lenses. Hence wear your lenses at least 15 minutes after application of the drop.

Ciloxan should be applied at evenly spaced intervals to get the best results.

To treat corneal ulcer the eye drops need to be taken every 15-30 minutes on the first day of treatment and thereafter every 1-4 hours for the rest of the course. Also, during treatment of corneal ulcer there may be a whitish build up in the eye. But this is only a sign of improvement and it would clear within a few days.

Do not increase or stop the dose during this period without consultation with your doctor. However, if your condition does not improve at all or if it worsens contact your doctor immediately.

Ciloxan warnings and precautions

Ciloxan is not administered to patients who are allergic to ciprofloxacin or similar medications.

Care should be taken to complete the full course of Ciloxan. The medication should not be stopped suddenly even if your condition improves within a few days. Doing so may allow the bacteria to resume their growth thus resulting into a relapse of the infection. The medication needs to be gradually decreased as per directions from your doctor. 

This medication should not be used in children below 1 year of age.

Application of the eye drops can cause temporary blurred vision. It is important to avoid activities which require clear vision during this period.

You should not use other eye medications along with Ciloxan.

Ciloxan is not considered to be harmful to a fetus and it is not known whether it passes through breast milk. Still, pregnant and lactating mothers should discuss the possible risks and benefits of using Ciloxan with their doctor.

What do I do if I have missed a Ciloxan dose?

If you have missed a Ciloxan dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue the routine.

What do I do if I have taken a Ciloxan overdose?

If you have taken an overdose of Ciloxan, rinse your eyes with warm water.

Ciloxan interactions

Oral drugs and injections are not expected to interact with Ciloxan. However, some drugs which may interact are: anticoagulants, theophylline, ophthalmic or oral cyclosporine. It is important to tell your doctor about all the prescription, non-prescription, herbal medications and vitamin-mineral supplements that you are taking.

Do not start using any new eye medication without consulting your doctor first.

Ciloxan side effects

Side effects from Ciloxan include allergic reactions such as hives, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat, breathing difficulty, weak pulse etc. Seek emergency medical attention on appearance of such symptoms. Contact your doctor immediately if you notice severe irritation after using the eye-drops, drainage or crusting of eyes, watery eyes, severe redness or swelling, vision changes, eye pain, increased sensitivity to light, signs of a new eye infection or a skin rash, no matter how mild.

Mild burning or stinging sensation in the eye, blurred vision, dry or watery eyes, puffy eyes, nausea, unpleasant taste in mouth are some common and less serious side effects of Ciloxan.