Can't Find Ciprodex? Here Are Your Options

Your doctor prescribed Ciprodex for an ear infection, but the pharmacy says it's out of stock. Now what? Ear infections are painful — and in children, they can cause real distress. You need something that works, and you need it now.

The good news is that several effective alternatives to Ciprodex exist. In this guide, we'll walk you through what Ciprodex is, how it works, and which alternatives your doctor might consider switching you to.

What Is Ciprodex and How Does It Work?

Ciprodex (Ciprofloxacin 0.3%/Dexamethasone 0.1%) is a prescription ear drop that combines two medications:

• Ciprofloxacin — a fluoroquinolone antibiotic that kills the bacteria causing your ear infection by inhibiting enzymes (DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV) that bacteria need to reproduce
• Dexamethasone — a corticosteroid that reduces inflammation, swelling, and pain in the ear canal

This two-in-one approach makes Ciprodex especially effective: it fights the infection and relieves symptoms at the same time. It's FDA-approved for acute otitis media (middle ear infections in children with ear tubes) and acute otitis externa (swimmer's ear).

For a deeper dive, read our article on how Ciprodex works.

Alternative 1: Ofloxacin Otic Solution (Generic Floxin Otic)

Ofloxacin otic solution is often the first alternative doctors reach for — and for good reason.

• Drug class: Fluoroquinolone antibiotic (same class as ciprofloxacin)
• How it works: Kills bacteria by inhibiting DNA gyrase, similar to ciprofloxacin
• Approved for: Otitis externa, chronic suppurative otitis media, and acute otitis media with tympanostomy tubes
• What's different: Does not contain a steroid component, so it won't reduce inflammation the way Ciprodex does
• Cost: Very affordable — generic ofloxacin otic drops can cost as little as $10 to $25
• Availability: Widely available as a generic at most pharmacies

Ofloxacin is the most commonly recommended cheaper alternative to Ciprodex. If your main concern is the bacterial infection and inflammation isn't severe, this may be all you need. Your doctor may prescribe a separate oral anti-inflammatory if needed.

Alternative 2: Cortisporin Otic (Neomycin/Polymyxin B/Hydrocortisone)

Cortisporin Otic is an older combination ear drop that has been used for decades.

• Drug class: Aminoglycoside antibiotic + polypeptide antibiotic + corticosteroid
• How it works: Neomycin and polymyxin B kill bacteria through different mechanisms, while hydrocortisone reduces inflammation
• Approved for: Otitis externa (swimmer's ear)
• What's different: Contains different antibiotics than Ciprodex and uses hydrocortisone instead of dexamethasone. Important limitation: Neomycin carries a risk of ototoxicity (hearing damage), so it should only be used when the eardrum (tympanic membrane) is intact
• Cost: Available as a generic — typically $20 to $60
• Availability: Widely available

Key caution: Cortisporin should NOT be used if you have a perforated eardrum or tympanostomy tubes, because neomycin can damage the inner ear. This is a major reason why Ciprodex and ofloxacin (which are safe with perforated eardrums) are often preferred.

Alternative 3: Cipro HC Otic (Ciprofloxacin/Hydrocortisone)

Cipro HC Otic is a close relative of Ciprodex.

• Drug class: Fluoroquinolone antibiotic + corticosteroid
• How it works: Same antibiotic (ciprofloxacin) with hydrocortisone instead of dexamethasone for the anti-inflammatory effect
• Approved for: Otitis externa only (not approved for middle ear infections with tubes)
• What's different: Narrower indication than Ciprodex. Only available as brand-name
• Cost: Expensive — approximately $350 or more without insurance
• Availability: Less commonly stocked due to high price and narrower use

Cipro HC is not usually a first-choice alternative due to its cost and limited availability, but it may be an option if Ciprodex is unavailable and you specifically need an antibiotic-steroid combination for swimmer's ear.

Alternative 4: Generic Ciprofloxacin/Dexamethasone Otic Suspension

Before switching to a completely different medication, make sure you've asked about the generic version of Ciprodex.

• Same active ingredients: Ciprofloxacin 0.3% and Dexamethasone 0.1%
• Same effectiveness: Bioequivalent to brand-name Ciprodex
• Cost: $65 to $130 with a discount coupon (compared to $200-$350 for brand Ciprodex)
• Availability: Available from multiple generic manufacturers — ask your pharmacist to check

If the issue is simply that the brand-name product is out of stock, the generic is your best option. It's the same drug at a lower price. Use Medfinder to check which pharmacies near you have it available.

How to Talk to Your Doctor About Switching

If you can't find Ciprodex, here's what to do:

1. Call your doctor's office and explain that the pharmacy is out of Ciprodex
2. Ask about the generic first — this requires the least change to your treatment plan
3. Discuss alternatives — your doctor will consider your specific diagnosis (otitis externa vs. otitis media), whether you have ear tubes, and any allergies
4. Get a new prescription if needed — if switching to a different medication, your doctor will need to send a new prescription to the pharmacy

Don't try to substitute ear drops on your own. Different ear drops have different safety profiles — especially regarding perforated eardrums — so always consult your prescriber.

Final Thoughts

While Ciprodex is one of the most effective ear infection treatments available, it's not the only option. Ofloxacin otic is the most common and affordable alternative, Cortisporin works well for swimmer's ear with an intact eardrum, and the generic Ciprofloxacin/Dexamethasone is the same medication at a lower price.

Use Medfinder to search for availability, and don't hesitate to work with your doctor to find the right solution. For more information, check out our articles on how to find Ciprodex in stock near you and the latest Ciprodex shortage update for 2026.