PRODUCT DETAILS

Composition

• Active ingredient: Ciprofloxacin 0.3% w/w (as ciprofloxacin hydrochloride)
• Class: Fluoroquinolone antibiotic (ophthalmic)
• Base (ointment form usually):
• White petrolatum
• Mineral oil
  (standard excipient base for ciprofloxacin eye ointments such as Ciloxan)

Indication / Use

Used for:

• Bacterial eye infections, including:
• Bacterial conjunctivitis (pink eye)
• Blepharitis (eyelid infection)
• Corneal ulcers (more severe infections)
• Works by inhibiting bacterial DNA replication, killing susceptible bacteria

It is not effective for viral or allergic eye conditions.

Direction of Use

Typical dosing (depends on severity):

• Apply a small ribbon of ointment (inside lower eyelid)
• Common schedules:
• Mild infection: 2–3 times daily
• Severe infection/corneal ulcer: may start frequently (even every 1–2 hours) then reduce as healing occurs
• Wash hands before use
• Do not touch tube tip to eye
• Blurred vision is common after application

Side Effects

Common:

• Temporary blurred vision
• Eye irritation or burning
• Redness (hyperaemia)
• Itching or discomfort
• Foreign body sensation
  
  

Less common:

• Crusting of eyelids
• Watery eyes
• Dry eye sensation
• Light sensitivity

Rare but serious:

• Allergic reaction (swelling, rash, breathing difficulty)
• Corneal staining or delayed healing (with prolonged use)
• Severe eye pain or worsening infection
  
  

Warnings

• Do NOT use if allergic to:
• Ciprofloxacin
• Other quinolone antibiotics
• Not for injection into the eye (topical use only)
• Stop and seek care if:
• Pain worsens
• Vision decreases
• No improvement after a few days
• Avoid contact lens use during infection

Interactions

• Minimal systemic interactions (low absorption)
• Caution with:
• Other topical eye antibiotics (avoid duplication unless prescribed)
• Other quinolone medications

Caution

• Complete the full course, even if symptoms improve early (prevents resistance)
• Ointment may blur vision temporarily → avoid driving immediately after use
• Overuse can promote antibiotic resistance
• Not useful for:
• Dry eyes
• Allergic conjunctivitis
• Viral infections
• If infection is severe or recurrent, further evaluation is needed