CILOXAN EYE DROPS (CIPROFLOXACIN)
Description of Ciloxan Eye Drops
Ciloxan Eye Drops are an antibacterial medication from the family of quinolones that are commonly prescribed to treat conjunctivitis, blepharitis, and corneal ulcers. The active ingredient in Ciloxan Eye Drops is Ciprofloxacin; this is a bactericidal medicine that actually kills the bacteria instead of only interfering with their ability to reproduce.
How the Active Ingredient Works
When administered as directed, Ciloxan Eye Drops enter the bacterial cells and inhibit DNA-gyrase. This is an enzyme involved in repairing and replicating the bacteria’s DNA. Once Ciloxan Eye Drops have rendered this enzyme useless, the bacteria cannot repair themselves or multiply so they die.
It’s important that you instill Ciloxan Eye Drops for the time period stated by your doctor to make certain all of the bacteria have been killed. You may start feeling better after 4 or 5 days, but continue as prescribed.
Conditions Treated by Ciloxan Eye Drops
Conjunctivitis, commonly called pink eye, is the infection or inflammation of the membrane that covers the whites of your eyeballs and lines the inside of your eyelid. This causes redness, itching, and tearing as it feels like you have something in your eye. You may notice in the morning that your eye has formed a crust overnight and opening it is difficult. Pink eye is highly contagious so see your doctor as soon as possible to start treatment and reduce the risk of passing it on to other family members or friends and coworkers.
Blepharitis is the inflammation of your eyelids and causes red, watery eyes with a burning or stinging sensation. If your doctor believes your blepharitis is caused by bacteria, you should start administering Ciloxan Eye Drops right away, being careful not to touch the tip of the dropper to your eye and pass on more bacteria during the next dose.
Ciloxan Eye Drops are also effective on corneal ulcers, an open sore on your cornea that may be from wearing contact lenses long-term. This allows an opening for bacteria to enter so treatment is necessary to potentially protect your eyesight.
Before You Use Ciloxan Eye Drops
You should advise your doctor of any other medical conditions you are being treated for and list all OTC and Rx drugs you are taking, including herbal preparations and dietary or vitamin supplements. Your doctor can determine if using Ciloxan Eye Drops in combination with your other meds are likely to cause any adverse effects.
If you are a contact lens wearer, you should remove them before administering Ciloxan Eye Drops and wait for at least 15 minutes before placing them back in your eyes to avoid possible irritation or discoloration of the contacts.
Precautions for Ciloxan Eye Drops
You should not drive, operate machinery, or attempt any task immediately after administering Ciloxan Eye Drops as your sight will be impaired temporarily. If you are using other eye meds, talk to your doctor about how long you should wait between instilling Ciloxan Eye Drops and your other ophthalmic medicine.
Possible Side Effects of Ciloxan Eye Drops
- Eye discomfort after administration
- Itchy eye
- Crusting at the eye corners
Drugs Similar to Ciloxan Eye Drops
The information provided on the NorthWestPharmacy.com website is intended to facilitate awareness about healthcare products and medical conditions generally but it is not a substitute for professional medical attention or advice. You should always speak with a qualified healthcare practitioner before taking any prescription or non-prescription drug.