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Ciloxan
A healthcare provider may prescribe Ciloxan for treating certain eye infections. This medication is a type of antibiotic and works to treat bacterial infections of the eye by interfering with bacteria's ability to multiply. It comes in the form of an eye drop or an eye ointment, and is typically used many times a day. Possible side effects may include eye burning, itching, or redness.
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Ciloxan® (ciprofloxacin ophthalmic) is a prescription antibiotic used to treat certain bacterial infections of the eye. It belongs to a class of medications called fluoroquinolones, or "quinolones" for short. Ciloxan is a topical medication, applied directly to the eye.
(Click Ciloxan Uses for more information on what the medication is used for, including possible off-label uses.)
Ciloxan is made by Alcon Laboratories, Inc.
Ciloxan works by killing bacteria that cause eye infections. It does this by interfering with a bacterial enzyme called DNA gyrase. This enzyme is needed by the bacteria to make DNA, which is important for the bacteria to multiply. Ciloxan does not kill viruses.
Some general considerations for using this medicine include the following:
- This medication comes in the form of an eye drop or eye ointment. The eye drop is normally used many times a day, between every 15 minutes and every 4 hours, for 7 to 14 days. Ciloxan ointment is normally used two to three times a day for seven days. Make sure you know your individual instructions for using this medicine.
- The tip of the Ciloxan container should not touch any surface, including your eye. This helps keep the container clean and prevent further spread of infection.
- Do not wear contact lenses while you are using this medicine. Ask your healthcare provider when you may use contacts again.
- Make sure you wash your hands thoroughly before and after you apply this medicine to your eye. This helps to prevent spreading the infection.
- This medication should only be used in the eye. Do not take it by mouth or apply it to your skin.
- Ciloxan ointment may cause blurred vision. This is common and will go away when you stop using the medicine. If you cannot see clearly, do not perform activities that require clear vision, such as driving.
- You should begin to feel better within a few days of starting Ciloxan. However, this does not mean your infection is gone. It is important that you finish the full course of this antibiotic. Stopping treatment too early may cause your symptoms to return or lead to antibiotic resistance.
- For the medication to work properly, it must be used as prescribed.
Written by/reviewed by: Susan Lakey, PharmD, MPH
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD