Need Ciprodex? Here's How to Find a Doctor Who Can Prescribe It

If you or your child has an ear infection, you may have heard that Ciprodex (Ciprofloxacin/Dexamethasone) is one of the most effective prescription ear drops available. But before you can pick it up at the pharmacy, you need a prescription — and that means finding the right doctor.

Whether you're dealing with swimmer's ear, a middle ear infection with tubes, or a recurring ear problem, this guide will walk you through exactly how to find a provider who can prescribe Ciprodex near you in 2026.

What Type of Doctor Prescribes Ciprodex?

Ciprodex is a prescription-only otic (ear) suspension that combines a fluoroquinolone antibiotic with a steroid. Several types of doctors can prescribe it:

• Otolaryngologists (ENT specialists) — Ear, nose, and throat doctors are the specialists most familiar with Ciprodex. If you have recurring ear infections or ear tubes, an ENT is often the best choice.
• Pediatricians — Since Ciprodex is commonly used in children aged 6 months and older with ear tubes, pediatricians prescribe it frequently.
• Family medicine doctors — Your primary care physician can diagnose and treat most ear infections, including prescribing Ciprodex.
• Internal medicine doctors — For adults, an internist can evaluate ear infections and write a prescription.
• Urgent care providers — If you can't get a same-day appointment with your regular doctor, urgent care clinics can diagnose ear infections and prescribe Ciprodex.
• Emergency medicine physicians — For severe pain or symptoms, the ER can prescribe Ciprodex, though this is usually the most expensive route.

In most cases, you don't need a specialist to get a Ciprodex prescription. A primary care doctor or urgent care visit is usually the fastest and most affordable option.

How to Find a Provider Near You

1. Check Your Insurance Directory

If you have health insurance, start with your plan's provider directory. This ensures you'll see an in-network doctor, which keeps your costs down.

• Log in to your insurance company's website or app
• Search for "family medicine," "pediatrics," or "ENT" providers near your zip code
• Filter by doctors accepting new patients
• Call ahead to confirm they can see you for an ear infection

2. Use Zocdoc or Similar Booking Platforms

Online platforms like Zocdoc, Healthgrades, and Solv let you search for doctors by specialty, location, insurance accepted, and available appointment times. Many offer same-day or next-day booking.

3. Ask for a Referral

If you've been treated for ear infections before, your primary care doctor may refer you directly to an ENT. Some insurance plans require a referral for specialist visits, so check your plan details.

4. Try Telehealth

For straightforward ear infection symptoms, telehealth may be an option. Many telehealth platforms can prescribe Ciprodex if you can describe your symptoms clearly and have a history of ear infections. This is especially helpful if:

• You live in a rural area with limited providers
• You need a prescription quickly
• You're refilling a prescription you've had before
• Your child has ear tubes and has been prescribed Ciprodex in the past

Keep in mind that some telehealth providers may want to see inside the ear, which can be difficult remotely. In those cases, they may recommend an in-person visit instead.

What to Expect at Your Appointment

An appointment for an ear infection is usually quick — often 15 to 20 minutes. Here's what typically happens:

1. Symptom review — The doctor will ask about your symptoms, how long you've had them, and any previous ear infections or treatments.
2. Ear examination — Using an otoscope (a lighted instrument), the doctor will look inside your ear canal and at the eardrum.
3. Diagnosis — Based on the exam, the doctor will determine if you have otitis externa (swimmer's ear) or otitis media (middle ear infection).
4. Prescription — If Ciprodex is appropriate, the doctor will send the prescription electronically to your preferred pharmacy.

Be sure to mention if you have ear tubes (tympanostomy tubes), as this is one of the specific conditions Ciprodex is FDA-approved to treat. Also mention any drug allergies, especially to fluoroquinolone antibiotics.

After You Get Your Prescription

Once you have your Ciprodex prescription, you'll need to fill it at a pharmacy. A few tips:

• Check availability first — While Ciprodex isn't in a major shortage, some pharmacies may not stock it. Use Medfinder to check if a pharmacy near you has it in stock.
• Ask about the generic — A generic version of Ciprodex (Ciprofloxacin/Dexamethasone otic suspension) is now available and can cost as little as $65 with a discount coupon, compared to $200–$350 for the brand name. Learn more in our guide to saving money on Ciprodex.
• Use a coupon card — If you're paying out of pocket, sites like GoodRx, SingleCare, and RxSaver can lower your cost significantly.
• Check your insurance formulary — Most plans cover Ciprodex (about 99%), but copays typically range from $35 to $68. Some plans may require step therapy through a generic first.

Final Thoughts

Finding a doctor to prescribe Ciprodex is usually straightforward. For most ear infections, your primary care doctor, pediatrician, or an urgent care clinic can diagnose the problem and write a prescription in a single visit. If you have recurring ear issues or ear tubes, an ENT specialist may be the better long-term choice.

The key is to act quickly — ear infections can worsen without treatment. Once you have your prescription, Medfinder can help you find a pharmacy that has Ciprodex in stock so you can start feeling better sooner.

Want to learn more about this medication? Read our complete guide: What Is Ciprodex? Uses, Dosage, and What You Need to Know.