1. Anatomy of an Ear Infection Slideshow Pictures
2. Take the Ear Infection Quiz
3. Tinnitus (Ringing of the Ears) Slideshow Pictures

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using ciprofloxacin and hydrocortisone otic (Cipro HC)?

Do not use ciprofloxacin and hydrocortisone otic if the ear drum (tympanic membrane) has ruptured (broken). It may be dangerous for medicine to get into the inner ear. A ruptured ear drum usually causes a considerable amount of pain. A decrease in hearing may also occur. Call your doctor if you suspect a ruptured ear drum. Your doctor will know if the ear drum is ruptured by looking into the ear with a special device (otoscope).

Do not use ciprofloxacin and hydrocortisone otic without first talking to your doctor if you have had a previous allergic reaction to it or to another similar oral or topical medication such as:

• a fluoroquinolone antibiotic such as ciprofloxacin (Cipro), gatifloxacin (Tequin), levofloxacin (Levaquin), lomefloxacin (Maxaquin), moxifloxacin (Avelox), norfloxacin (Noroxin), ofloxacin (Floxin), sparfloxacin (Zagam), or trovafloxacin (Trovan);
• an oral or injectable steroid such as cortisone (Cortef, Cortone), dexamethasone (Decadron), hydrocortisone (Hydrocortone), methylprednisolone (Medrol), prednisolone (Prelone, Pediapred), prednisone (Orasone, Deltasone), and others; or
• a topical steroid such as betamethasone (Diprosone, Diprolene), clobetasol (Temovate, Olux), fluocinolone (Synalar, Synemol, Fluonid), fluocinonide (Lidex), fluticasone (Cutivate), halobetasol (Ultravate), mometasone (Elocon), triamcinolone (Aristocort), and others.

You may not be able to use ciprofloxacin and hydrocortisone otic, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment.

Ciprofloxacin and hydrocortisone otic is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether it will be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not use ciprofloxacin and hydrocortisone otic without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.

It is not known whether ciprofloxacin and hydrocortisone otic passes into breast milk. Do not use ciprofloxacin and hydrocortisone otic without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I use ciprofloxacin and hydrocortisone otic (Cipro HC)?

Use ciprofloxacin and hydrocortisone otic exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these instructions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

Do not use this medication in the eyes or take it by mouth. Ciprofloxacin and hydrocortisone otic is intended for use in the ears only.

In general, ciprofloxacin and hydrocortisone otic should be used as follows:

• Warm the drops slightly by holding them in the hands for 1 or 2 minutes. Administration of cold drops into the ear may cause dizziness.
• Have another person administer the drops whenever possible. Have the affected person lie on their side or tilt the ear up to make administering a drop easier.
• Gently shake the drops just before administration.
• For adults, hold the earlobe up and back. For children, hold the earlobe down and back. This will allow the drops to run into the ear canal. Carefully instill the prescribed number of drops in the first ear.
• Keep the ear tilted for approximately 30 to 60 seconds to allow the medication to penetrate the ear.
• Repeat the process in the other ear if prescribed.

Use all of the medication that has been prescribed. Symptoms may begin to improve before the condition is completely treated. If you do not use all of the medication prescribed, the condition could return or worsen.

It is important to use ciprofloxacin and hydrocortisone otic regularly to get the most benefit.

Notify your doctor if the condition does not improve or appears to worsen.

Avoid getting water inside of the affected ear(s) during treatment with ciprofloxacin and hydrocortisone. Care should be used while bathing and swimming may not be recommended. Talk to your healthcare provider.

Store ciprofloxacin and hydrocortisone otic at room temperature or in the refrigerator, away from moisture, heat, and direct light. Keep the bottle properly capped. Do not allow the medication to freeze.

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