Ciprodex® Otic Suspension for Middle and Outer Ear Infections

What Ciprodex® Is and How It Works

Ciprodex Otic Suspension is a sterile ear-drop medicine for bacterial ear infections. It combines ciprofloxacin 0.3% (an antibiotic) and dexamethasone 0.1% (an anti-inflammatory). Many people call it ciprodex 0.3 0.1 or ciprofloxacin and dexamethasone otic suspension. It treats acute otitis externa (swimmer’s ear) and acute otitis media in patients with tympanostomy tubes. This page helps you understand ciprodex otic suspension dosage, expected results, and ciprodex otic suspension cost considerations.

YouDrugstore is a licensed Canadian pharmacy headquartered in Manitoba; prescriptions are reviewed by licensed pharmacists before dispensing.

We work with licensed, vetted international partner pharmacies to source authentic brands and broad selections at affordable pricing.

Ciprofloxacin stops bacterial growth by blocking DNA gyrase, and dexamethasone reduces swelling and pain in the ear canal. The otic suspension delivers the drugs directly where the infection is active. Ciprodex Otic Suspension is prescription-only and is not an OTC product. Do not use ciprodex otic suspension for eye conditions; it is for the ear only.

Dosage and Usage

Follow your prescriber’s instructions and the package insert. Typical directions:

• For acute otitis externa: instill 4 drops into the affected ear twice daily for 7 days.
• For acute otitis media with tympanostomy tubes: instill 4 drops into the affected ear twice daily for 7 days, after the ear canal is cleared as directed by a clinician.
• Wash hands. Shake the bottle well before each use to resuspend the medication.
• Warm the bottle in the hands for 1–2 minutes to reduce dizziness from cold drops.
• Lie with the affected ear facing up.
• For adults and older children, pull the outer ear upward and back. For young children, pull downward and back.
• Instill prescribed drops without touching the tip to the ear or fingers.
• Press the tragus several times to help move the suspension into the canal and middle ear (if tubes are present).
• Remain in position for about 60 seconds. Repeat for the other ear if instructed.
• Close the cap tightly after use. Do not insert cotton swabs into the ear canal.
• Missed dose: use it when remembered unless it is close to the next dose. Do not double the next dose.

Storage and travel tips:

• Store at 20–25 °C (68–77 °F); brief excursions 15–30 °C (59–86 °F) are acceptable.
• Protect from freezing and excessive heat. Keep the bottle upright and tightly closed.
• Do not refrigerate unless the label advises otherwise.
• Keep in the original carton during travel to protect from light.
• Do not use if the suspension changes color, shows particles that do not disperse with shaking, or is past the expiry date.

Benefits and Savings

Ciprodex® ear drops target infection at the source and ease inflammation in the canal. Many patients experience less ear pain within the first 1–2 days, with steady improvement through the 7-day course. The twice-daily dosing is simple, and the dropper bottle makes application straightforward. The combination of antibiotic and steroid in one sterile otic suspension helps treat bacteria and reduce swelling at the same time.

Buying from Canada can reduce ciprodex otic suspension price concerns. US customers often see 60–80% savings compared with typical US prices, especially when comparing brand-name costs. You can also check ciprodex otic suspension cost against the generic name for ciprodex otic, which appears as ciprofloxacin and dexamethasone otic suspension when available. Set a reorder reminder in your account if your prescriber authorizes refills for recurrent infections.

Looking for deals? See current offers on our promotions page for a ciprodex otic suspension coupon.

Side Effects and Safety

• Ear pain or discomfort
• Ear pruritus (itching)
• Taste disturbance after instillation
• Ear residue or debris
• Irritation at the application site
• Headache

Serious reactions are uncommon. Stop use and seek medical help if severe rash, allergic reaction, worsening ear pain, persistent discharge, or hearing changes occur. Do not use in the eye; ciprofloxacin and dexamethasone are formulated here as an ear-only, sterile otic suspension. Avoid use if there is known hypersensitivity to quinolones, corticosteroids, or any ingredients. Tell your clinician if you have a perforated eardrum without tubes, chronic middle-ear disease, or recent ear surgery. Long-term or repeated use can increase the risk of fungal or non-susceptible bacterial overgrowth.

Onset Time

Pain relief often begins within 24–48 hours as inflammation settles. Canal swelling and discharge usually lessen over several days. Most infections improve significantly by day 7 when the course ends. Complete the full treatment as prescribed even if symptoms improve earlier. If symptoms persist or worsen after the course, consult your clinician for reassessment.

Compare With Alternatives

Ofloxacin otic solution is a fluoroquinolone ear drop without a steroid. It can be suitable when steroid use is not desired or when cost is a primary concern. Dosing may vary by condition and age.

Neomycin/polymyxin B/hydrocortisone (often known as Cortisporin) is a combination antibiotic-steroid otic suspension. It can be effective for otitis externa but may carry a higher risk of contact sensitivity due to neomycin, and it is not ideal with certain eardrum conditions.

Generic ciprofloxacin and dexamethasone otic suspension, when available, offers the same active ingredients as Ciprodex® and may lower out-of-pocket costs. Compare ciprofloxacin otic suspension or combination options with your prescriber based on infection type, ear anatomy, allergies, and local resistance patterns.

Combination Therapy

• Analgesics such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen for short-term pain control, as advised by your clinician.
• Ear wick placement by a clinician for severe canal swelling to improve drop penetration.
• Oral antibiotics only when indicated for complicated infections or extension beyond the ear canal.
• Topical acidifying or drying agents are generally avoided during the treatment course unless directed.

Patient Suitability and Cost-Saving Tips

Ciprodex® is used for adults and children (often age 6 months and older) for acute otitis externa and for acute otitis media in patients with tympanostomy tubes. It is not for viral or fungal ear infections. It should not be used in the eye. If you wear hearing aids, remove them before dosing and reinsert once the drops have dispersed.

People with known allergy to quinolones or corticosteroids should not use this product. Tell your clinician about chronic skin conditions of the ear canal, recent ear surgery, or a torn eardrum without tubes. During pregnancy or breastfeeding, discuss risks and benefits with your healthcare provider. Do not share prescription ear drops with others, and do not keep partly used bottles for self-treatment later.

To manage ciprofloxacin dexamethasone otic suspension price:

• Compare brand and any available generic listings at checkout.
• Review bulk promotions on our site; multi-pack offers can reduce per-month costs on eligible chronic therapies.
• Turn on a reorder reminder in your account if your prescriber authorizes refills for recurrent episodes.

For clarity, the generic name for ciprodex otic is ciprofloxacin and dexamethasone otic suspension. If you are sensitive to any component or need a steroid-free option, your clinician may suggest an alternative.

Authoritative Sources

FDA Prescribing Information for Ciprodex (ciprofloxacin 0.3% and dexamethasone 0.1%)

Health Canada Drug Product Database listing

DailyMed: Ciprofloxacin and Dexamethasone Otic Suspension

Order Ciprodex® from Youdrugstore: add to cart, upload your prescription, and we ship with prompt, express, cold-chain handling.

This content is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your licensed healthcare provider for guidance tailored to your situation.