Need a Prescription for Ciprofloxacin/Hydrocortisone?

If you or your child has a painful, swollen ear that won't clear up on its own, you may need Ciprofloxacin/Hydrocortisone otic drops — sold under the brand name Cipro HC Otic. This combination antibiotic and steroid ear drop is a prescription medication, meaning you'll need a doctor to write you an Rx before you can fill it at a pharmacy.

But which type of doctor prescribes it? And how do you find one quickly, especially if you're dealing with ear pain right now? This guide walks you through your options step by step.

What Type of Doctor Prescribes Ciprofloxacin/Hydrocortisone?

Ciprofloxacin/Hydrocortisone is used to treat acute otitis externa, commonly known as swimmer's ear. Several types of healthcare providers can diagnose this condition and prescribe the ear drops:

• Primary Care Physicians (Family Medicine or Internal Medicine) — Your regular doctor is usually the fastest starting point. They can examine your ear and prescribe Ciprofloxacin/Hydrocortisone in a single visit.
• Pediatricians — For children aged 1 year and older, a pediatrician can diagnose swimmer's ear and prescribe this medication.
• Otolaryngologists (ENT Specialists) — Ear, nose, and throat doctors specialize in ear conditions. If your infection is severe, recurring, or doesn't respond to initial treatment, an ENT referral may be necessary.
• Urgent Care Providers — If you can't get a same-day appointment with your regular doctor, urgent care clinics can diagnose and treat otitis externa on the spot.
• Emergency Medicine Physicians — For severe pain, fever, or signs of a spreading infection, the emergency room can prescribe Ciprofloxacin/Hydrocortisone.

In most cases, a primary care doctor or urgent care visit is all you need. You typically don't need a specialist unless your condition is complicated or keeps coming back.

How to Find a Provider Near You

Here are the most practical ways to find a doctor who can prescribe Ciprofloxacin/Hydrocortisone:

1. Check Your Insurance Provider Directory

If you have health insurance, start with your plan's online provider directory. Log in to your insurance company's website or app, search for "family medicine" or "otolaryngology," and filter by providers accepting new patients. This ensures your visit is covered and you pay the lowest out-of-pocket cost.

2. Use Zocdoc or Similar Booking Platforms

Zocdoc, Healthgrades, and similar platforms let you search for doctors by specialty, location, and insurance. You can often book same-day or next-day appointments online. Search for "ENT" or "family medicine" and look for availability near you.

3. Ask Your Primary Care Doctor for a Referral

If you already have a doctor but need to see a specialist — for example, if your ear infection keeps returning — ask for a referral to an otolaryngologist. Some insurance plans require referrals for specialist visits, so this step can also save you money.

4. Visit Urgent Care

Urgent care clinics are a great option when you need treatment quickly. Most can diagnose swimmer's ear with a simple ear exam and send your prescription to the pharmacy the same day. Walk-ins are usually accepted, or you can check in online to reduce wait times.

5. Consider Telehealth (With Limitations)

Telehealth visits may be an option for follow-up care, but diagnosing otitis externa typically requires a physical ear exam with an otoscope. A telehealth provider may not be able to prescribe Ciprofloxacin/Hydrocortisone without examining your ear in person. However, if you've been previously diagnosed and need a prescription refill, a virtual visit could work.

What to Expect at Your Appointment

An appointment for suspected swimmer's ear is usually quick and straightforward. Here's what to expect:

• Symptom review — The doctor will ask about ear pain, drainage, itching, and how long symptoms have been present. Mention if you've been swimming recently or if water got trapped in your ear.
• Ear examination — Using an otoscope, the doctor will look inside your ear canal for redness, swelling, and discharge. They may gently tug on your outer ear to check for tenderness, which is a hallmark sign of otitis externa.
• Diagnosis — If the exam confirms swimmer's ear, the doctor will prescribe Ciprofloxacin/Hydrocortisone — typically 3 drops in the affected ear twice daily for 7 days.
• Instructions — You'll receive guidance on how to properly administer the ear drops, including shaking the bottle, warming it in your hands, and lying on your side during application.

The whole visit usually takes 15 to 30 minutes.

After You Get Your Prescription

Once you have your prescription, you'll need to fill it at a pharmacy. A few things to keep in mind:

• Brand vs. generic — Brand-name Cipro HC Otic can cost $350 to $480 without insurance. The generic version by Cosette Pharmaceuticals (launched December 2025) is significantly more affordable, estimated at $70 to $150 per 10 mL bottle.
• Availability — As a niche otic product, Ciprofloxacin/Hydrocortisone may not always be in stock at every pharmacy. If you run into trouble finding it, check out our guide on finding it in stock near you.
• Savings options — Discount cards from SingleCare and GoodRx can help reduce your out-of-pocket cost. For more tips, see our guide to saving money on Ciprofloxacin/Hydrocortisone.

You can also use Medfinder to check pharmacy availability and compare prices before heading out.

Final Thoughts

Getting a prescription for Ciprofloxacin/Hydrocortisone is usually a simple process. In most cases, a quick visit to your primary care doctor or an urgent care clinic is all it takes. If your ear infection is severe or keeps coming back, an ENT specialist can provide more targeted care.

Don't put off treatment — untreated swimmer's ear can worsen and lead to more serious complications. The sooner you see a doctor, the sooner you can start feeling relief.