Cetraxal (ciprofloxacin) is a quinolone antibiotic that fights bacteria.
Cetraxal is used to treat ear infections that affect the outer ear canal. This type of ear infection is sometimes called "swimmer"s ear."
Cetraxal may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Important information
You should not use Cetraxal if you are allergic to ciprofloxacin (Cipro). Avoid getting Cetraxal in your mouth or eyes or on the skin. If it does get into any of these areas, rinse with water. Stop using this medication and call your doctor at once if you have any skin rash (no matter how mild), white patches in your mouth or throat, or vaginal itching or discharge.
Use Cetraxal for the full prescribed length of time. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely cleared. Call your doctor if your infection does not improve after using Cetraxal, or if your symptoms get worse.
Before using Cetraxal
You should not use Cetraxal if you are allergic to ciprofloxacin (Cipro). FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether Cetraxal ear drops are harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. It is not known whether ciprofloxacin otic passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use Cetraxal without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
How should I use Cetraxal?
Use Cetraxal exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use it in larger amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.
Otic medications are for use only the ear. Do not take Cetraxal by mouth or apply it to the skin. Wash your hands before using this medication.
Cetraxal comes in single-use containers. Each container has enough medicine in it for one dose.
Before using the medication, warm the container by holding it in your hands for at least a minute. Using Cetraxal that is cold may cause dizziness when you place the medicine into your ear.
To use the Cetraxal ear drops, lie down with your ear facing upward. Pull back on your ear gently to open up the ear canal. If giving this medicine to a child, pull down on the earlobe to open the ear canal. Empty all of the medicine from the container into the ear and stay lying down for at least 1 minute longer.
If you are treating both ears, repeat the instructions above using a second container of Cetraxal.
Cetraxal should be used 2 times daily for 7 days, unless your doctor tells you otherwise. Your doses should be spaced at least 12 hours apart.
Each single-use container of this medicine is for one use only. Throw away the container after one use, even if there is still some medicine left in it.
Use this medication for the full prescribed length of time. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely cleared. Call your doctor if your infection does not improve after using Cetraxal, or if your symptoms get worse.
Store this medication at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light. Keep each single-use container in the foil pouch until you are ready to use the medication.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Use the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to use the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine.
An overdose of Cetraxal is not likely to cause life-threatening symptoms.
What should I avoid?
Avoid getting Cetraxal in your mouth or eyes or on the skin. If it does get into any of these areas, rinse with water.
Cetraxal side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction to Cetraxal: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Stop using this medication and call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:
-
the first sign of any skin rash, no matter how mild;
-
white patches in your mouth or throat; or
-
vaginal itching or discharge.
Less serious Cetraxal side effects may include:
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
See also: Side effects (in more detail)
What other drugs will affect Cetraxal?
It is not likely that other drugs you take orally or inject will have an effect on Cetraxal used in the ears. But many drugs can interact with each other. Tell your doctor about all your prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.
