Ciprodex Ear Drops: How to put in

What is Ciprodex?

Ciprodex is a combination of two medicines:

• Ciprofloxacin, which is an antibiotic that treats certain types of bacteria.
• Dexamethasone, which is a steroid drug that reduces inflammation. Together, they help fight the infection that is causing inflammation inside your child's ears.

Before giving Ciprodex to your child

Tell the doctor if your child has ever had any unusual or allergic reactions to Ciprodex, ciprofloxacin, dexamethasone or any other medications.

Keep in mind the expiry date on the Ciprodex bottle.

How to give Ciprodex ear drops

1. Wash hands with soap and water.
2. Warm the bottle by holding it in your hands for 1 to 2 minutes. Then shake well.
3. Ask your child to lie on their side with the infected ear up. The tip of the bottle should not touch the fingers, ear, or any other surface.
4. Pull the outer ear lobe upward and backward. This will allow the drops to flow down into the ear canal.
5. If your child has a hole in the ear drum, or a middle ear infection with tubes, press the tragus 5 times in a pumping motion. The tragus is the skin flap in the center of the ear (above the earlobe). This will allow the drops to pass through the tube in the eardrum and into the middle ear.
6. Squeeze the bottle gently to drop the required number of drops into the ear.
7. Your child should stay on their side for 60 seconds.
8. Repeat the process with the other ear if needed.
9. After finishing, wash your hands with soap and water.

What to do if your child misses a dose

• Give your child the missed dose as soon as you remember.
• If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose.
• Give your child the next dose at the regular time.
• Give your child only one dose at a time.

Possible side effects of Ciprodex

• Ear discomfort or pain
• Ear precipitate or residue
• Ear discharge
• Altered taste
• Ear congestion

When to see a doctor

If your child has a reaction to the ear drops, or your child's ear condition worsens, tell the doctor who prescribed the medicine.

The name of my child's doctor is: ___________________________________________

The phone number is: ____________________________________________________

Keep ciprodex ear drops out of your child’s sight and reach and locked up in a safe place. If your child takes too much ciprodex ear drops, call your local Poison Information Centre at one of these numbers. These calls are free. 

• Call 1-844 POISON-X, or 1-844-764-7669, from anywhere in Canada except Quebec.
• Call 1-800-463-5060 if you live in Quebec.