What is Ciloxan Ophthalmic Solution 3% used for?

Ciloxan Ophthalmic Solution 3% contains ciprofloxacin, a fluoroquinolone antibiotic for bacterial conjunctivitis and corneal ulcers caused by susceptible organisms. It is applied directly to the eye to control infection and reduce symptoms like redness and discharge. Complete the full course as prescribed, even when the eye feels better early in treatment.

How do I use Ciloxan eye drops correctly?

Wash hands, remove contacts, and instill the prescribed number of drops into the lower eyelid pocket without touching the dropper tip. Close eyes gently and press the inner corner of the eye for a minute to reduce aftertaste. Separate different eye products by at least five minutes, using gels or ointments last.

How fast does Ciloxan start to work?

For many bacterial conjunctivitis cases, symptom relief begins within 24–48 hours, with further improvement over several days as dosing tapers. Corneal ulcer treatment is more intensive; improvement can take longer and total therapy often runs up to 14 days. Always finish the prescribed course unless told otherwise by your prescriber.

Can I wear contact lenses while using Ciloxan?

Avoid contact lenses during active infection and while using the drops unless a clinician says otherwise. Wearing lenses can irritate the eye, delay healing, and raise the chance of reinfection. Replace or properly disinfect lenses and the lens case before restarting use after symptoms resolve and treatment ends.

What are the common Ciloxan Ophthalmic Solution 3% side effects?

The most common effects are brief eye burning or stinging after dosing, redness or irritation, watery eyes, blurred vision, eyelid crusting, and a bad taste in the mouth. Light sensitivity and a temporary white precipitate on a corneal ulcer can occur. Severe pain or swelling is uncommon and needs urgent assessment.

How much does Ciloxan Ophthalmic Solution 3% cost without insurance?

Pricing varies by supply and market conditions. Many customers compare Ciloxan Ophthalmic Solution 3% cost with the ciprofloxacin generic price to choose the best option. Ordering from a Canadian pharmacy can offer 60–80% savings versus typical US prices. Check the product page for the current cash price and available promotions.

Is there a generic alternative to Ciloxan Ophthalmic Solution 3%?

Yes. Ciprofloxacin ophthalmic solution is the generic equivalent for many indications. It has the same active ingredient and is used similarly, subject to prescriber guidance. Some patients choose brand Ciloxan while others opt for generic to lower out-of-pocket costs, especially when paying cash or lacking insurance coverage.

Ciloxan Ophthalmic Solution 3%

Ciloxan® Ophthalmic Solution for Bacterial Conjunctivitis and Corneal Ulcers

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What Ciloxan® Is and How It Works

Ciloxan® is a brand of ciprofloxacin ophthalmic solution used to treat bacterial eye infections, including bacterial conjunctivitis and corneal ulcers. It is a topical fluoroquinolone antibiotic that blocks bacterial DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV, which stops bacterial growth in the eye. Many customers look for Ciloxan Ophthalmic Solution 3% without insurance to manage costs while following their prescriber’s plan.

YouDrugstore is a licensed Canadian pharmacy headquartered in Manitoba, and licensed pharmacists review prescriptions before dispensing.

Ciprofloxacin covers many gram-negative and some gram-positive organisms commonly found in ocular infections. It is applied directly to the eye, so it achieves high local concentrations at the site of infection while limiting systemic exposure. We source authentic brand medications from licensed, vetted international partner pharmacies, offering a broad selection at accessible pricing.

If you plan to buy Ciloxan Ophthalmic Solution 3% or compare Ciloxan Ophthalmic Solution 3% price options, your prescriber determines if this drop fits the infection type and severity. Contact lenses should be avoided during active infection.

Dosage and Usage

Bacterial conjunctivitis (typical adult/pediatric regimen): Instill 1–2 drops into the affected eye(s) every 2 hours while awake for the first 2 days, then 1–2 drops every 4 hours while awake for the next 5 days (or as directed).
Corneal ulcer: Day 1: 2 drops every 15 minutes for the first 6 hours, then 2 drops every 30 minutes for the rest of day 1 while awake. Day 2: 2 drops every hour while awake. Days 3–14: 2 drops every 4 hours while awake, or as directed by the prescriber.
Administration steps: Wash hands. Remove contact lenses. Tilt head back and pull the lower eyelid down to form a pocket. Hold the bottle tip down without touching the eye or lashes. Instill the prescribed drops. Close eyes gently for 1–2 minutes and press the inner corner of the eye (nasolacrimal occlusion) for 1 minute to reduce aftertaste. If using other eye drops, separate products by at least 5 minutes, using gels/ointments last.
Missed dose: Instill when remembered. If the next dose is near, skip the missed dose. Do not double up.
Contacts: Do not wear contact lenses during treatment for an active infection. Resume only when cleared by the prescriber.

Storage: Store at 15–25 °C (59–77 °F). Do not freeze. Keep the cap tightly closed and protect from contamination and light. Discard the bottle 28 days after first opening, even if solution remains.
Travel: Keep the bottle in original packaging in your carry-on. Avoid heat and direct sun. Do not leave the drops in a hot car. Keep upright when possible. Use a sealable pouch to prevent leaks.
Handling: Do not share eye drops. Keep out of reach of children. If the solution changes color, becomes cloudy, or particles are seen, do not use.

Benefits and Savings

Ciloxan ophthalmic drops deliver antibiotic therapy directly to the eye, where bacteria concentrate. This local delivery supports rapid symptom improvement for many cases within 1–2 days and helps protect vision when used promptly for corneal ulcers under medical supervision. The drop format is simple to use and fits into daily routines.

Ordering from a Canadian pharmacy often brings meaningful savings. You can buy Ciloxan Ophthalmic Solution 3% and expect typical 60–80% savings versus many US prices. Many customers compare Ciloxan Ophthalmic Solution 3% cost with the ciprofloxacin generic price to choose the best fit for budget and coverage. If paying out of pocket, pricing without insurance can still be affordable through our Canadian pricing model.

For extra value, multi-bottle promotions or larger-quantity purchases may lower the per-bottle cost where available. You can also set gentle reorder reminders so you never run out during travel or treatment windows.

To see current promotions, check our Ciloxan Ophthalmic Solution 3% coupon page.

Side Effects and Safety

Temporary eye burning or stinging after instillation
Eye redness, irritation, or discomfort
Blurred vision or watery eyes
Foreign-body sensation or itching
Bad taste in the mouth after dosing
Eyelid crusting or residue
Light sensitivity
White crystalline precipitate on corneal ulcers during healing (typically transient)

Serious reactions are uncommon with topical use. Stop use and seek urgent care for signs of an allergic reaction (swelling of eyelids/face, hives, trouble breathing), severe eye pain, sudden vision changes, or worsening infection. Prolonged use may increase risk of fungal or non-susceptible organism overgrowth. Use only as prescribed and for the full course.

Onset Time

Many people notice less irritation and discharge within 24–48 hours for bacterial conjunctivitis. Redness and tearing often continue to improve over 2–3 days as dosing tapers. Corneal ulcers are more serious; improvement may start within days, but full treatment can take up to 14 days or longer based on response and clinical guidance.

Complete the prescribed course even if symptoms improve early. Early discontinuation may allow recurrence or reduced response.

Compare With Alternatives

Moxifloxacin (e.g., brand Vigamox): A later-generation fluoroquinolone used for bacterial conjunctivitis, often dosed less frequently (for example, three times daily). It may be chosen for convenience or coverage, though cost can be higher compared with ciprofloxacin.

Ofloxacin (e.g., Ocuflox): Another fluoroquinolone with broad gram-negative coverage. Dosing is similar to ciprofloxacin for conjunctivitis, and it is frequently used when susceptibility patterns or formulary preferences support it.

Aminoglycosides (e.g., tobramycin): Useful for gram-negative organisms and commonly used in bacterial conjunctivitis. Some prescribers select tobramycin based on local resistance patterns, patient tolerance, or previous response.

Choice depends on organism risk, severity, resistance patterns, cost, and dosing preferences discussed with the prescriber.

Combination Therapy

Artificial tears for comfort, spaced at least 5–10 minutes from antibiotic drops
Nighttime ointment (e.g., ciprofloxacin or antibiotic ointment) to extend contact time during sleep
Antibiotic-steroid combinations only under prescriber direction for specific cases
Separate different ophthalmic products by at least 5 minutes; use gels/ointments last
Avoid contact lenses during active infection to prevent irritation and reinfection

Patient Suitability and Cost-Saving Tips

Ciloxan may be suitable for bacterial conjunctivitis or corneal ulcers caused by susceptible organisms. It is not effective for viral conjunctivitis or fungal keratitis. Do not use in anyone with a known allergy to ciprofloxacin or other quinolones. Discuss use in pregnancy or breastfeeding with the prescriber.

Pediatric use is common for bacterial conjunctivitis under medical guidance. Those with severe eye pain, marked swelling, vision loss, or photophobia should be assessed promptly to rule out more serious conditions. Contact lens wearers should stop lens wear during infection and replace or disinfect lenses and cases before resuming.

For budgeting, compare Ciloxan Ophthalmic Solution 3% price with the Ciprofloxacin Ophthalmic Solution generic price on the product page when available. Bulk purchase options may reduce the per-bottle cost for households that want an extra bottle for travel. Reorder reminders help you time refills. If paying cash, many patients still find Ciloxan 3% ophthalmic solution no insurance pricing competitive through Canadian pharmacy rates.

Authoritative Sources

Alcon Ciloxan product information

DailyMed: Ciprofloxacin ophthalmic solution labeling

Health Canada Drug Product Database

Order Ciloxan® from YouDrugstore: add to cart, upload your prescription, and we ship with prompt, express shipping.

This page is educational and does not replace advice from your healthcare professional. Always follow your prescriber’s instructions and local guidance.

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View All FAQs

What is Ciloxan Ophthalmic Solution 3% used for?
Ciloxan Ophthalmic Solution 3% contains ciprofloxacin, a fluoroquinolone antibiotic for bacterial conjunctivitis and corneal ulcers caused by susceptible organisms. It is applied directly to the eye to control infection and reduce symptoms like redness and discharge. Complete the full course as prescribed, even when the eye feels better early in treatment.
How do I use Ciloxan eye drops correctly?
Wash hands, remove contacts, and instill the prescribed number of drops into the lower eyelid pocket without touching the dropper tip. Close eyes gently and press the inner corner of the eye for a minute to reduce aftertaste. Separate different eye products by at least five minutes, using gels or ointments last.
How fast does Ciloxan start to work?
For many bacterial conjunctivitis cases, symptom relief begins within 24–48 hours, with further improvement over several days as dosing tapers. Corneal ulcer treatment is more intensive; improvement can take longer and total therapy often runs up to 14 days. Always finish the prescribed course unless told otherwise by your prescriber.
Can I wear contact lenses while using Ciloxan?
Avoid contact lenses during active infection and while using the drops unless a clinician says otherwise. Wearing lenses can irritate the eye, delay healing, and raise the chance of reinfection. Replace or properly disinfect lenses and the lens case before restarting use after symptoms resolve and treatment ends.
What are the common Ciloxan Ophthalmic Solution 3% side effects?
The most common effects are brief eye burning or stinging after dosing, redness or irritation, watery eyes, blurred vision, eyelid crusting, and a bad taste in the mouth. Light sensitivity and a temporary white precipitate on a corneal ulcer can occur. Severe pain or swelling is uncommon and needs urgent assessment.
How much does Ciloxan Ophthalmic Solution 3% cost without insurance?
Pricing varies by supply and market conditions. Many customers compare Ciloxan Ophthalmic Solution 3% cost with the ciprofloxacin generic price to choose the best option. Ordering from a Canadian pharmacy can offer 60–80% savings versus typical US prices. Check the product page for the current cash price and available promotions.
Is there a generic alternative to Ciloxan Ophthalmic Solution 3%?
Yes. Ciprofloxacin ophthalmic solution is the generic equivalent for many indications. It has the same active ingredient and is used similarly, subject to prescriber guidance. Some patients choose brand Ciloxan while others opt for generic to lower out-of-pocket costs, especially when paying cash or lacking insurance coverage.