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Topical fluoroquinolone antibiotic (ophthalmic)

Ciprofloxacin 0.3% Eye Drops/Ointment (Ciloxan)

Brand names: Ciloxan

Ciprofloxacin 0.3% eye drops and ointment (Ciloxan) are a topical fluoroquinolone antibacterial used for bacterial eye infections, including corneal ulcers and bacterial conjunctivitis.

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, preventing DNA replication and producing a bactericidal effect against a broad range of Gram-negative and many Gram-positive organisms.

Prescribing in practice

  • White corneal precipitates of the drug can form in patients with corneal ulcers; these are reversible and do not usually require stopping treatment.
  • Reserve for likely bacterial infection and consider local resistance patterns and the risk of selecting resistant organisms.
  • Avoid wearing contact lenses while the eye is infected and being treated.

Monitoring

Monitor the clinical response, particularly in corneal ulcers, and arrange specialist review if there is inadequate improvement or deterioration.

Counselling the patient

  • Complete the full prescribed course even if the eye looks better.
  • Do not wear contact lenses during the infection and the treatment period.
  • A temporary unpleasant taste or transient blurring after instillation can occur.

Evidence & guidelines

Topical fluoroquinolones such as ciprofloxacin are an established treatment for bacterial keratitis and serious bacterial eye infections.

Reference: RCOphth Corneal Infection Guidelines; Ciloxan SPC; 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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