Topical Fluoroquinolone Antibiotic

Ciprofloxacin Ear Drops

Brand names: Cetraxal, Ciloxan Otic

Ciprofloxacin ear drops are a topical fluoroquinolone antibiotic preparation used for bacterial ear infections, including otitis externa and infection through grommets or perforations.

Dosing — being independently re-sourced

ClinCalc Pro is rebuilding its dose data from primary open sources — the manufacturer SmPC (eMC), the WHO Model Formulary and other official references — under clinician review. This drug's structured dose is not yet published here. Confirm all doses against the product SmPC and your local formulary before prescribing.

Clinical monograph

How it works

Ciprofloxacin inhibits bacterial DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV, blocking DNA replication and producing a bactericidal effect against a broad range of organisms.

Prescribing in practice

A topical preparation specifically licensed for aural use should be chosen, as some ciprofloxacin formulations are not intended for the ear.
It is particularly useful where Pseudomonas is a likely pathogen in otitis externa.
Aural toilet to remove debris improves antibiotic contact in the ear canal.

Monitoring

Review the ear clinically for response and tolerability during treatment.

Counselling the patient

Use only in the affected ear as directed.
Warming the bottle in the hand before use can reduce dizziness from cold drops.
Return if symptoms persist or worsen.

Evidence & guidelines

Topical quinolone ear drops are an established option for otitis externa and discharging ears in UK clinical guidance.

Reference: NICE NG91 Otitis Externa; SIGN Otitis Media Guidelines; Drug verified in RxNorm (NLM); confirm dosing against the manufacturer SPC (eMC). Verify against your local formulary and current prescribing references before prescribing. Monograph status: clinician-reviewed (2026-07-04).

Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.

Calculators

Pathways