Ciprofloxacin + Dexamethasone Combination

This is a combination medicine containing an antibiotic (Ciprofloxacin) and a steroid (Dexamethasone). It is commonly used for eye or ear infections that involve both bacterial infection and inflammation.

Components and Their Roles

1. Ciprofloxacin

   • Type: Fluoroquinolone antibiotic

   • Action: Kills bacteria by stopping them from replicating their DNA.

   • Purpose in the combo: Treats the bacterial infection.

2. Dexamethasone

   • Type: Corticosteroid

   • Action: Reduces swelling, redness, pain, and irritation.

   • Purpose in the combo: Helps control inflammation and discomfort.

Common Uses

• Eye drops/ointment:

  • Bacterial conjunctivitis (pink eye)

  • Corneal ulcers with significant inflammation

  • Post-eye surgery to prevent infection and reduce swelling

• Ear drops:

  • Bacterial outer ear infections (otitis externa)

  • Middle ear infections (in some cases, especially if ear tubes are present)

  • Swimmer’s ear with pain and swelling

Advantages

• Treats the infection and relieves symptoms at the same time.

• Faster relief of redness, pain, and swelling compared to antibiotic alone.

• Convenient single medication instead of separate antibiotic + steroid drops.

Possible Side Effects

From Ciprofloxacin:

• Temporary eye or ear stinging

• White deposits on the cornea (rare, in eye use)

• Risk of antibiotic resistance with overuse

From Dexamethasone:

• Increased eye pressure if used for a long time (risk of glaucoma)

• Delayed wound healing

• Can worsen viral or fungal infections if misused

Precautions

• Should be used only as prescribed — prolonged use can cause side effects, especially from the steroid.

• Not for viral or fungal infections (steroid can make them worse).

• Wash hands before use and avoid contaminating the dropper tip.

• If using other eye or ear drops, leave a few minutes between applications.