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Topical otic antibiotic + corticosteroid

Ciprofloxacin with fluocinolone acetonide

Brand names: Cetraxal Plus, Otovel

This is a combined ear-drop solution of the fluoroquinolone ciprofloxacin with the corticosteroid fluocinolone acetonide, used for acute otitis externa and for otitis media with discharge in patients with tympanostomy tubes.

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 to provide antibacterial cover, while fluocinolone acetonide reduces local inflammation and pruritus.

Prescribing in practice

  • It is for auricular use only and must not be used in the eye, and the drops should be warmed in the hand before instillation to reduce vestibular upset.
  • Treatment is short term because prolonged topical corticosteroid use can favour fungal or resistant bacterial superinfection.
  • Persistent or recurrent discharge should prompt clinical reassessment and consideration of an alternative agent.

Monitoring

Monitor by clinical response, watching for resolution of discharge and any emergent superinfection.

Counselling the patient

  • Warm the bottle in your hands and keep the treated ear uppermost briefly after each dose.
  • Report itching, worsening discharge or a lack of improvement to your prescriber.

Evidence & guidelines

Combined ciprofloxacin–corticosteroid ear preparations are supported for ear infection by their SPCs and standard ENT prescribing practice.

Reference: 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).

Related

Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.

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