Ciprofloxacin/Hydrocortisone

Acute otitis externa, also called swimmer's ear, is a type of outer ear infection commonly treated with ciprofloxacin/hydrocortisone. The medication comes in the form of an ear drop that is applied into the infected ear twice a day for seven days. The most commonly reported side effect is headache; however, most people have no problems when using it.

What Is Ciprofloxacin/Hydrocortisone?

Ciprofloxacin/hydrocortisone (Cipro® HC) is a prescription ear drop used to treat a medical condition called acute otitis externa, or more commonly, an outer ear infection (also called "swimmer's ear"). It contains a combination of ciprofloxacin, an antibiotic, and hydrocortisone, a corticosteroid medication.
 
(Click What Is Ciprofloxacin/Hydrocortisone Used For? for more information on this topic, including possible off-label uses.)
 

Are There Side Effects?

Just like any medicine, ciprofloxacin/hydrocortisone may cause side effects. However, not everyone who uses the drug will experience problems. In fact, most people tolerate it quite well.
 
If side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or are treated easily by you or your healthcare provider. Serious reactions are less common. The most common side effect of ciprofloxacin/hydrocortisone is a headache.
 
(Click Side Effects of Ciprofloxacin/Hydrocortisone to learn more, including potentially serious side effects you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD
 
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