Ciprofloxacin 0.3% w/v

Category- Allopathy

Medicine Highlights

Ciprofloxacin Uses 

Ciprofloxacin 0.3% w/v is an antibiotic eye/ear preparation used to treat bacterial infections caused by susceptible organisms. It is used to kill bacteria and treat symptoms of conditions like: 

1. Bacterial eye infections such as conjunctivitis (pink eye) 
2. Corneal ulcers of bacterial origin 
3. Bacterial ear infections (otitis externa / swimmer’s ear) 
4. Infections after eye or ear surgery to prevent or control bacterial growth 
5. Skin and soft tissue infections, like infected wounds or cellulitis   

Directions for use

1. Take this medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor, at the same time each day. 
2. Do not stop taking this medicine without your doctor’s approval, even if you feel better. 
3. If you forget to take this medicine, take it as soon as you remember. If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. 

Ciprofloxacin side effects 

More Common  

1. Mild burning or stinging feeling after use 
2. Redness or itching in the eye or ear 
3. Watery eyes 
4. Unpleasant taste in the mouth (especially with eye drops) 
5. Mild discomfort or irritation    

Less Common

1. Blurred vision for a short time after applying eye drops 
2. Ear discomfort or itching (when used in the ear) 
3. Dryness or swelling around the eye    

How Ciprofloxacin works 

Ciprofloxacin works by killing bacteria that cause infections in the eye or ear. It blocks certain enzymes inside the bacteria that are necessary for making and repairing their DNA. When the bacteria cannot make DNA properly, they are unable to grow, multiply, or survive. This helps the infection clear and reduces symptoms like redness, pain, discharge, and swelling. 

Safety Measures and Warning 

Allergy or hypersensitivity

Avoid Ciprofloxacin if you are allergic to ciprofloxacin or other fluoroquinolone antibiotics. Using it may cause serious allergic reactions such as skin rashes, itching, swelling on the face or throat, breathing difficulty, or severe dizziness. Always inform your doctor if you have had any allergic reactions 

Tendon Disorders

Avoid ciprofloxacin if you have a history of tendon problems (such as tendon rupture), especially related to fluoroquinolone use. This medicine can increase the risk of tendon pain, swelling, or tearing, particularly in older adults. 

Myasthenia Gravis

Avoid ciprofloxacin if you have myasthenia gravis. It can worsen muscle weakness and may lead to serious breathing difficulties. 

Children below 12 years

Ciprofloxacin is usually avoided in children unless clearly prescribed by a doctor, as it may affect bone and joint development. 

Seizure Disorders

If you have epilepsy or a history of seizures. Ciprofloxacin can increase the risk of seizures by affecting the nervous system. Communicate with your doctor about your past seizure history  

Heart Rhythm Problems

Avoid or use with caution if you have heart rhythm disorders (like prolonged QT interval). Ciprofloxacin may disturb heart rhythm and cause serious complications. Discuss with your doctor about your past disease history. 

Pregnancy or Breastfeeding

Avoid ciprofloxacin during pregnancy and breastfeeding unless the doctor feels it is necessary, as it may affect the baby’s development. 

Ciprofloxacin Interaction with Food Product

Avoid taking ciprofloxacin with milk, dairy products, or calcium-rich foods, as they reduce its effect. Keep a time gap with iron, zinc, or magnesium supplements. Limit tea and coffee while using this medicine. 

Ciprofloxacin Interaction with Other Medicines

Avoid taking Ciprofloxacin with the following medicines, as it may increase or decrease the desired effect, or in worse cases, it could be fatal: 

Ciprofloxacin Chemical Structure

IUPAC (International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry)/ Chemical name

Ciprofloxacin: 1-cyclopropyl-6-fluoro-1,4-dihydro-4-oxo-7-(1-piperazinyl)-3-quinolinecarboxylic acid 

Intake routine/cycle

Daily dose

Take Ciprofloxacin exactly as your doctor recommends. The dose may change based on your condition and how well you respond. Do not take more than prescribed without consulting your doctor. 

Missed Dose

If you forget to take your medicine, take the medication as soon as you remember. If it’s nearly time for your next dose, skip the missed one and continue with your regular schedule. Always consult the doctor before making any changes to your dosage. 

Overdose

It is not recommended to take more than 1500 mg per day of Ciprofloxacin, overdose symptoms include nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. If you know someone who takes this medicine and has these symptoms, then rush them to the hospital immediately. 

Storage

1. Store the medicine at room temperature 
2. Keep away from sunlight and moisture 
3. Keep out of reach of children 

Ciprofloxacin Summary

Ciprofloxacin is an antibiotic medicine used to treat bacterial infections of the eye, ear, and other parts of the body. It works by stopping bacteria from making and repairing their DNA, which kills the bacteria and clears the infection. It is commonly used for eye infections like conjunctivitis, ear infections, and to prevent or treat infections after surgery. Ciprofloxacin should not be used by people who are allergic to fluoroquinolone antibiotics, have tendon problems, myasthenia gravis, certain heart rhythm disorders, or seizure conditions, unless advised by a doctor.  

Common side effects include mild burning, redness, irritation, or temporary blurred vision, while serious allergic reactions are rare but need immediate medical attention. Dairy products, calcium-rich foods, and iron or mineral supplements should not be taken at the same time as ciprofloxacin, as they reduce its effectiveness. Always use this medicine exactly as prescribed and complete the full course for best results.  

FAQ’s

What class of medication does ciprofloxacin belong to?  

Ciprofloxacin belongs to the fluoroquinolone class of antibiotic medicines. 

Can I use ciprofloxacin for UTI? 

Yes, ciprofloxacin can be used for the treatment of urinary tract infections (UTIs). However, you should not self-medicate yourself. It is important to consult a doctor and follow their prescription, as they will have properly diagnosed your condition and can determine the correct dosage based on the severity of your illness. 

Can I use ciprofloxacin for ear infection? 

Yes, ciprofloxacin can be used to treat ear infections. However, you should not self-medicate yourself. Always consult a doctor and follow their prescription, as they will have properly diagnosed your condition and can recommend the appropriate dosage. 

Can I use ciprofloxacin for cold? 

No, this medication is not effective for colds, flu, or other viral infections because it is an antibiotic and only works against bacterial infections. 

Reference 

1. Thai T, Zito PM, Salisbury BH. Ciprofloxacin [Internet]. National Library of Medicine. StatPearls Publishing; 2023. Available from 
2. DrugBank. Ciprofloxacin [Internet]. go.drugbank.com. 2005. Available from 
3. PubChem. Ciprofloxacin [Internet]. Nih.gov. PubChem; 2019. Available from 
4. Cleveland Clinic. Ciprofloxacin Ear Drops: Side Effects, Uses, Dosage & Interactions [Internet]. Cleveland (OH): Cleveland Clinic; [cited 2025 May 21]. Available from.  

Pranathi Chintaluri

Pranathi is a final year Pharm D student at Chalapathi Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences. She loves learning and applying her knowledge in pharmacy and has a passion for writing, which allows her to express ideas clearly and creatively. She enjoys combining her technical skills with her love for writing and communication to make a meaningful impact. Currently she is working on a research paper about “Consanguineous marriages and its impact on children’s health” which will be published by the end of 2025.