Ciprofloxacin Ophthalmic Solution (Generic for Ciloxan®) Eye Drops

What Ciprofloxacin Ophthalmic Solution Is and How It Works

Ciprofloxacin Ophthalmic Solution is a prescription antibiotic eye drop used to treat bacterial conjunctivitis and corneal ulcers. It contains ciprofloxacin 0.3%, a fluoroquinolone that stops bacterial growth by inhibiting DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV. Many people seek Ciprofloxacin Ophthalmic Solution without insurance because the generic is affordable and widely available.

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This medicine is for topical ophthalmic use only. It treats susceptible bacterial infections and will not help viral or fungal eye infections. Use exactly as prescribed by your clinician. Do not share eye drops with others.

Common treatment courses last 7 days for bacterial conjunctivitis and up to 14 days for corneal ulcers. A valid prescription (Rx) is required to purchase.

Dosage and Usage

Follow your prescriber’s directions for dose and duration. Typical regimens:

• Bacterial conjunctivitis: Days 1–2, instill 1–2 drops in the affected eye(s) every 2 hours while awake.
• Bacterial conjunctivitis: Days 3–7, instill 1–2 drops every 4 hours while awake.
• Corneal ulcer: Day 1, instill 2 drops into the affected eye every 15 minutes for the first 6 hours, then 2 drops every 30 minutes for the rest of Day 1.
• Corneal ulcer: Day 2, instill 2 drops hourly while awake.
• Corneal ulcer: Days 3–14, instill 2 drops every 4 hours while awake, or as directed by your prescriber.
• Missed dose: apply as soon as remembered unless it is near the next scheduled dose; do not double up.
• Avoid wearing contact lenses during active infection. Resume only when cleared by your clinician and the infection has resolved.

Application steps:

• Wash hands well and shake the bottle if instructed.
• Tilt head back, look up, and gently pull down the lower eyelid to form a pocket.
• Hold the bottle above the eye. Do not touch the tip to the eye, eyelid, or any surface.
• Instill the prescribed number of drops. Close the eye gently.
• Press the inner corner of the eye (nasolacrimal occlusion) for 1 minute to limit drainage.
• If using other eye medicines, wait at least 5 minutes between products. Use ointments last.
• Replace the cap tightly after each use and keep the tip clean.

Storage and travel:

• Store at 15–25 °C (59–77 °F). Do not freeze. Protect from excessive heat and light.
• Keep the bottle upright and tightly closed when not in use.
• Discard 28 days after first opening, or sooner if directed by your pharmacist.
• When traveling, keep in your carry-on bag. Avoid leaving drops in a hot car.
• Do not use if the solution changes color, becomes cloudy, or contains particles.

Benefits and Savings

Ciprofloxacin Ophthalmic Solution provides targeted antibiotic therapy at the site of infection with minimal systemic absorption. It covers many common gram-negative and some gram-positive bacteria that cause conjunctivitis and corneal ulcers. The dosing schedules are well established, and the generic formulation helps keep treatment accessible.

Ordering from YouDrugstore brings Canadian pharmacy pricing. Many customers save 60–80% compared with typical US prices, which is helpful if purchasing without insurance. Multi-bottle prescriptions can sometimes lower the per-bottle cost when promotions apply.

Ciprofloxacin Ophthalmic Solution coupon details may appear on our Promotions page during select periods.

Side Effects and Safety

• Temporary eye burning or stinging after instillation
• Eye irritation, redness, or itching
• Tearing or dry eye
• Blurred vision for a short time after dosing
• Eyelid crusting or discomfort
• Metallic or bitter taste in the mouth
• White crystalline deposits on the cornea in ulcer treatment (usually transient)

Serious reactions are uncommon. Stop use and seek medical advice for signs of allergy (swelling, rash, breathing trouble), severe eye pain, vision changes, or worsening infection. Prolonged use may promote overgrowth of non‑susceptible organisms, including fungi. Tell your clinician if pregnant, breastfeeding, or if there is a history of quinolone allergy. Avoid wearing contact lenses until infection resolves and therapy is completed.

Onset Time

Symptom relief often begins within 24–48 hours as redness, discharge, and irritation start to improve. Corneal ulcers may require several days before clear improvement appears because of intensive dosing early in therapy. Complete the full course even if symptoms improve sooner, and attend follow-up appointments for ulcer management as directed.

Compare With Alternatives

Ofloxacin ophthalmic solution is another fluoroquinolone eye drop used for similar infections. Dosing and bacterial coverage are comparable, and some prescribers choose based on local resistance patterns or individual tolerance.

Moxifloxacin (brand formulations such as Vigamox) is a later‑generation fluoroquinolone with broad coverage and a convenient dosing schedule for conjunctivitis. It can cost more than ciprofloxacin, and selection depends on severity, culture results, and clinical judgment.

Tobramycin is an aminoglycoside antibiotic eye drop often used for gram‑negative coverage. It may be used where fluoroquinolone allergy exists or based on culture and sensitivity. Your prescriber will choose the most appropriate agent for the specific infection.

Combination Therapy

• Artificial tears may be used between antibiotic doses to ease dryness or irritation. Separate by at least 5 minutes.
• Antihistamine/mast‑cell stabilizer drops may help allergic symptoms that coexist with bacterial infection; space doses apart.
• Antibiotic‑steroid combinations should be used only if specifically prescribed for corneal ulcers or severe inflammation.
• Oral pain relievers can be used as advised by your clinician.

Patient Suitability and Cost-Saving Tips

Good candidates include patients with suspected or confirmed bacterial conjunctivitis or a corneal ulcer where a fluoroquinolone is appropriate. It is not suitable for viral conjunctivitis (such as adenovirus), herpetic keratitis unless directed by a specialist, or fungal eye disease. Do not use if there is a known allergy to ciprofloxacin or other quinolones.

Use caution in pregnancy or while breastfeeding; discuss risks and benefits with a clinician. Children can receive ciprofloxacin eye drops when prescribed, with dosing tailored to age and condition. Remove soft contact lenses before each dose and wait to restart wearing lenses until the infection has cleared and therapy is finished.

Ways to manage cost include asking your prescriber if a generic is appropriate, using multi‑bottle prescriptions when clinically needed, and combining items in one shipment. Bulk promotions can reduce per‑bottle cost for eligible orders. If purchasing without insurance, consider signing up for reorder reminders so you do not miss therapy on future prescriptions.

Authoritative Sources

FDA Prescribing Information for Ciprofloxacin Ophthalmic Solution 0.3%

Health Canada Drug Product Database: Ciloxan (ciprofloxacin) Ophthalmic

Manufacturer Information: Ciloxan (ciprofloxacin) Ophthalmic

Order Ciprofloxacin Ophthalmic Solution from YouDrugstore: add to cart, upload your prescription, and we ship with prompt, express shipping.

This content is for educational purposes only and does not replace advice from your healthcare professional. Always follow your prescriber’s directions and local medical guidance.