Cetraxal Ear Drops

Generic name:ciprofloxacin otic [ SIP-roe-FLOX-a-sin-OH-tik ]
Brand names: Cetraxal, Otiprio
Drug class:Otic anti-infectives

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jan 31, 2022.

What is Cetraxal?

Cetraxal ear drops contain ciprofloxacin, an antibiotic belonging to a group of drugs called fluoroquinolones. Ciprofloxacin fights bacteria in the body.

Cetraxal ear drops is used to treat ear infections that affect the outer ear canal (also called otitis externa). This type of ear infection is sometimes called "swimmer's ear".

The Otiprio brand of this medicine is used to treat inner ear infections (also called otitis media) in children who are having ear tube surgery.

Cetraxal may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Warnings

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.

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.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use Cetraxal ear drops if you are allergic to ciprofloxacin (Cipro) or similar antibiotics, such as gemifloxacin, levofloxacin, moxifloxacin, norfloxacin, or ofloxacin.

It is not known whether ciprofloxacin used in the ears will harm an unborn baby. Your body may not absorb ear medicine in amounts large enough to get into your bloodstream. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

It is not known whether ciprofloxacin used in the ears could pass into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Do not give Cetraxal to a child without medical advice. Cetraxal ear drops are not approved for use by a child younger than 1 year old.

How should I use Cetraxal?

Use Cetraxal exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not use this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Do not take by mouth. Cetraxal is for use only in the ears.

Cetraxal ear drops 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.

Wash your hands before using the ear drops.

To use the Cetraxal ear drops:

• Warm the container by holding it in your hands for at least 1 minute. Using Cetraxal ear drops that are cold may cause dizziness when you place the medicine into your ear.

• Lie down or tilt your head with your ear facing upward. Open the ear canal by gently pulling your ear back, or pulling downward on the earlobe when giving Cetraxal to a chil...