Ciplox D eye drops (ciprofloxacin) contain a quinolone antibiotic useful in treating bacterial infections in the eyes or eyelids. The medication interferes with bacterial spread, growth, and reproduction, allowing the body to easily overcome them.

Note that this product is not effective against viral or fungal infections, and should not be used to alleviate redness or irritation unless caused by bacteria. For best results a doctor should identify the exact cause of eye infection prior to starting treatment. In some areas there is some bacterial resistance to Ciplox D, and a doctor may recommend a different product even if bacteria are responsible for the infection.

Ciplox D Uses

Ciplox D is commonly used to treat bacterial infections causing:

• Conjunctivitis (infection of the eye)
• Blepharitis (infection of the eyelid)
• Corneal ulcers (ulcers caused by bacteria)

The above can be difficult to distinguish from bacterial, viral, or fungal infections; though bacteria are the most common culprit, it is possible that the infection has another cause. As mentioned above, doctor input can be very helpful in diagnosing the problem.

Treatment Overview

Ciplox D comes in small vials with a dropper at top, similar to most other eye-drop products. Care should be taken to avoid letting the dropper contact skin, eyes, or other materials to prevent contamination; likewise the dropper should not be rinsed unless it does accidentally contact something. Replacing the product entirely if it contacts other materials is the safest bet.

Contact lenses should not be used for the duration of treatment with Ciplox D.

Patients treating conjunctivitis or blepharitis are typically instructed to:

• Administer 1 to 2 drops into the affected eye every two hours for two days.
• From the third day onward, administer 1 to 2 drops every four hours.
• Treatment typically lasts for a total seven days, including the first two days.

Patients treating corneal ulcers are typically instructed to:

• On the first day of treatment, administer 2 drops in the affected eye every 15 minutes for the first 6 hours.
• Administer 2 drops every 30 minutes for the rest of the first day.
• On the second day, administer 2 drops once every hour for the entire day.
• On day three and for the remainder of treatment, administer 2 drops every 4 hours.
• Treatment typically lasts for a total of 14 days.

Infections in the eyes often cause inflammation, pain, redness, and similar symptoms, which Ciplox D does not directly effect. However, these symptoms are often quickly alleviated as the infection is reduced, with some difference often noticeable after the first few treatments. In severe cases a doctor may advise another medication that does address these symptoms for a few days.

Treatment should continue for as long as a doctor has instructed; though the condition often seems completely gone before then, there are often some lingering bacteria and ending treatment early can contribute to bacterial resistance, as well as lead to a resurgence of the infection. A general rule with antibiotics is that treatment should continue for about three days following the resolution of all symptoms.

Sometimes Ciplox D will do little for an infection; if no improvements are noticed after the first few days of treatment a doctor should be consulted. It's possible the infection is not bacterial, is resistant bacteria, or there are other factors complicating treatment.

Adverse Effects

Most side effects from Ciplox D are very mild and similar to those experienced with any eye drop:

• Burning, stinging, or other mild discomfort when applied
• Tearing
• Crusting of eyelids
• Blurry vision
• Sensitivity to light
• Unpleasant taste in mouth

The above are not cause for concern if mild. If any of the above become severe or persistant, speak with a doctor.

Though more rare, side effects that do warrant medical attention sometimes occur:

• Eye pain
• Swelling in or around eyes
• Staining/discoloration of eyes
• Persistent blurry vision or other vision changes

Some patients develop small white crystals in the eyes after using Ciplox D for a few days. These are not cause for concern and will disappear when treatment ends.

Opened containers of Ciplox D should be disposed of after four weeks; the medication will become increasingly less potent and the risk of contamination with microbes becomes increasingly high.