This medication is used to treat ear infections for
children who have a tube in their ears. This medication contains
ciprofloxacin (a quinolone antibiotic) and fluocinolone (a corticosteroid).
This product works by stopping the growth of bacteria and reducing ear
inflammation and discomfort.
This medication treats only bacterial ear infections. It
will not work for other types of ear infections. Using any antibiotic when
it is not needed can cause it to not work for future
infections.
Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from
the pharmacist before you start giving ciprofloxacin/fluocinolone to your
child and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask the
doctor or pharmacist.
Use this medication in the infected ear as directed by
the doctor, usually twice daily (every 12 hours). Use in the ear only. Do
not use in the eyes.
To make sure that the right amount of medication is
given, and to avoid touching the ear with the dropper, a parent or
caregiver should give the drops if possible. To lower the risk of
dizziness, hold the container in your hand for 1 to 2 minutes in order to
warm it.
To apply ear drops, wash your hands first. To avoid
contamination, do not touch the dropper tip or let it touch the ear or any
other surface. Have your child lie on his or her side or tilt the affected
ear upward. Hold the dropper directly over the ear, and place all of the
solution from one single-dose vial into the ear canal. Gently press on the
part of the ear called the tragus 4 times to help the drops roll into the
ear. Keep the head tilted for about 1 minute, or insert a soft cotton plug
if so directed. If directed to use this medication in both ears, repeat
these steps for the other ear using a new single-dose vial. Use a new
single-dose vial for each dose.
For the best effect, use this medication at evenly
spaced times. To help you remember, use this medication at the same times
every day.
Continue giving this medication for the full time
prescribed, even if symptoms disappear after a few days. Stopping the
medication too early may result in a return of the
infection.
Tell the doctor if your child's condition lasts or gets
worse after 7 days.
Remember that this medication has been prescribed
because the doctor has judged that the benefit to your child is greater
than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not
have serious side effects.
Use of this medication for prolonged or repeated periods
may result in a new fungal ear infection. Do not give this medication for
longer than prescribed. Contact the doctor if you notice new or worsening
symptoms.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare.
However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a
serious allergic reaction, including:
- rash
- itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
- severe dizziness
- trouble breathing
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If
you notice other effects not listed above, contact the doctor or
pharmacist.
In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at
www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about
side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at
1-866-234-2345.
Before using this medication, tell the doctor or
pharmacist if your child is allergic to quinolone antibiotics (such as
ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin), or to corticosteroids (such as fluocinolone,
prednisone); or if your child has any other allergies. This product may
contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other
problems. Talk to the pharmacist for more details.
Before using this medication, tell the doctor or
pharmacist your child's medical history, especially of:
- an ear infection caused by a virus (such as herpes simplex,
chickenpox) or fungus
During pregnancy, this medication should be used only
when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your
doctor.
It is unknown if this medication passes into breast
milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
Drug interactions may change how medications work or
increase the risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain
all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products your child
uses (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and
share it with the doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the
dosage of any medicines without the doctor's approval.
This medicine may be harmful if swallowed. If someone
has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble
breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US
residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call
1-844-764-7669.
Do not share this medication with others.
This medication has been prescribed for your child's
current condition only. Do not use it later for another infection unless
your child's doctor tells you to.
It is important to keep the infected ear(s) clean and
dry. Try not to get the infected ear(s) wet when bathing. Avoid swimming
unless the doctor tells you otherwise.
If you miss a dose, give it as soon as you remember. If
it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Give the next
dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch
up.
Store at room temperature away from light. Keep the
medication in the original pouch until ready to use. Once the pouch is
opened, this medication expires after 7 days. Do not open a vial until you
are ready to give it and discard each vial after use. Keep all medications
away from children and pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them
into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when
it is expired or no longer needed. Consult the pharmacist or local waste
disposal company.