What you need to know about this ear medication (Ciprofloxacin; Hydrocortisone)

Anyone who knows the pain of an earache knows, right? Sometimes there is also a discharge from the ear. A combination of two medications called Ciprofloxacin and Hydrocortisone is a type of ear drops that doctors often prescribe for bacterial infections like this. You may have been prescribed this medication too. So let's see what exactly this medication is, how to use it, and what precautions you need to take.

Simply put, what is this medicine?

This is a combination of two types of medicine.

1. Ciprofloxacin: This is an antibiotic . Simply put, it kills the bacteria that are causing your ear infection, or stops them from growing.

2. Hydrocortisone: This is a type of steroid . It is used to control symptoms such as swelling, redness, and pain in the ear. That is, it reduces inflammation.

When these two medicines are combined, they eliminate the cause of the infection on the one hand, and on the other hand, they reduce the pain and discomfort you feel. But you need to remember one thing. This medicine only works for bacterial infections. It is not useful for infections caused by viruses.

Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine

Before prescribing this medicine to you, your doctor will ask you about certain things. At that time, if you have any of the following conditions, it is very important that you tell your doctor without hiding it.

• If you have a liquid-like discharge coming from your ear .
• If you currently have another infection such as chickenpox, herpes, or tuberculosis .
• If you have a perforated eardrum , this is a very important point.
• If you have allergies to this medicine (Ciprofloxacin, Hydrocortisone), latex, other medicines, foods, or dyes.
• If you are pregnant or expecting a baby .
• If you are a breastfeeding mother .

Based on this information, your doctor will decide whether this medication is right for you or not.

How exactly do I use this medicine?

To get the full benefit of the medicine, it is essential to use it correctly. Let's see how.

1. Wash your hands: Wash your hands thoroughly with soap before and after applying the medicine.

2. Warm the bottle: Hold the medicine bottle in your hand and warm it for a minute or two. This will eliminate the discomfort you feel when you get cold liquid in your ear.

3. Shake well: Shake the bottle well before use.

4. Correct posture: Lie on one side, with the ear you want to apply the medicine to above it.

5. Put the medicine: Put exactly the number of drops your doctor told you to put into your ear. This is very important. Do not let the tip of the dropper touch your ear, your fingers, or anywhere else. Doing so can introduce germs into it and contaminate the medicine in the bottle.

6. Wait a while: After putting the medicine in, hold the position for 30 to 60 seconds (about a minute). This will allow the medicine to be absorbed well into the ear.

7. For the other ear (if necessary): If you are instructed to apply medication to both ears, turn to the other side and repeat these steps for the other ear.

About use in children

This medicine is usually prescribed for children over one year old under certain circumstances. However, if you are giving this to a child, consult your doctor for specific advice.

What if I miss a dose of medication? What if I use too much?

• If you miss a dose: Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next dose at the scheduled time. Never take two doses at the same time.
• If you overdose: If you think you have accidentally taken too much medicine, immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital , or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.

Side effects and things to be aware of

While using this medication, some side effects may occur. Some of them can be serious, so it's good to be aware of them.

Other things to be careful about

• Keep the ear clean and dry: Avoid getting water in the infected ear. Be especially careful when bathing. Avoid swimming pools until your doctor gives you permission.
• Prevent the spread of infection: Do not share items you use, such as ear drops and towels, with others.
• Other ear medications: Do not use any other types of ear drops without asking your doctor.

How do you store and dispose of the medicine?

• Storage: Keep out of reach of children and pets. Store at room temperature (between 20-25 degrees Celsius). Do not freeze. Protect from direct light.
• Disposal: If you need to dispose of expired, unused medications, do not flush them down the toilet. The best way to dispose of them is to remove the medication from the bottle, mix it with something like used coffee grounds or soil, put it in a bag, seal it tightly, and throw it in the trash. If you are unsure about this, ask your doctor for advice.