Ciloxan (Ciprofloxacin Ophthalmic) is a prescription medication used to treat bacterial eye infections, such as conjunctivitis. It can also be used to treat ulcers in the cornea of the eye. Ciloxan belongs to a class of medications called quinolone antibiotics. Ciloxan works by inhibiting specific enzymes in the DNA of bacterial cells that are responsible for cell division. By blocking cell division, Ciloxan can effectively stop the replication and growth of bacteria, and treat the infection. Ciloxan will only work for bacterial eye infections. It will not work for fungal or viral eye infections.
Manufacturer Information
Canadian Pharmacy King currently offers the brand Ciloxan from Canada by Novartis and Turkey by Alcon. The generic Ciprofloxacin eye drops come from Canada by a different manufacturer. The brand Ciloxan is available in the strength of 0.3%/3.5 gm ointment and 0.3%/5 ml eye drops. The generic Ciprofloxacin eye drops is available in the dosage of 0.3%/5 ml eye drops only.
Common side effects of Ciloxan may include eye discomfort, itching, redness, tearing, eyelid crusting, feeling as if something is in your eye, blurred vision, a bad taste in your mouth, or sensitivity to light. Your eyes may also sting or burn temporarily after using this medication. White crystals may also occur after the first few days of treatment, but usually go away in a few weeks. Contact your doctor if you notice more serious side effects such as:
• Crusting or drainage;
• Severe eye pain;
• Staining of the eyes;
• Swelling in or around the eye;
• Worsening of your eye symptoms;
• Worsening vision
If you notice any signs of an allergic reaction, seek emergency medical attention.
You should not use Ciloxan if you are allergic to Ciprofloxacin or other quinoline medications such as gemifloxacin, levofloxacin, moxifloxacin, ofloxacin, or norfloxacin. To make sure Ciloxan is safe for you, tell your doctor if you wear contact lenses, or if you have any other eye problems. It is unknown if this medication will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if this medication passes into breast milk, or if it could affect a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding. Ciloxan Eye Drops is not approved for use by anyone younger than 1 year old. Ciloxan Ointment is not approved for use by anyone younger than 2 years old.
Avoid wearing contact lenses until you no longer have symptoms of the eye infection. Ciloxan may cause blurred vision and may impair your thinking or reactions. Do not drive or operate heavy machinery until you know how this medication will affect you. Do not use other eye medications while using Ciloxan unless your doctor tells you to, as they may interact with each other and increase certain side effects of Ciloxan. It is not likely that Ciloxan will interact with oral or injection medications. Regardless, tell your doctor about any other medications, vitamins, or herbal supplements you are currently taking or have recently taken in order to reduce the risk of any possible interactions.
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