Ciprodex Can Be Expensive — But You Have Options

If you've ever looked at the price tag on a bottle of Ciprodex ear drops, you know it can cause sticker shock. Brand-name Ciprodex can cost $200 to $350 for a single 7.5 mL bottle without insurance. That's a lot of money for ear drops you'll use for just seven days.

The good news? There are several legitimate ways to significantly reduce what you pay for Ciprodex — from generic alternatives and discount coupons to manufacturer savings programs and patient assistance. In this guide, we'll break down every option available to you in 2026.

How Much Does Ciprodex Cost Without Insurance?

Here's a quick overview of Ciprodex pricing in 2026:

• Brand-name Ciprodex (7.5 mL): $200 to $350 at most retail pharmacies without insurance
• Generic Ciprofloxacin/Dexamethasone otic (7.5 mL): $65 to $130 with a discount coupon
• With insurance (brand or generic): Typical copay of $35 to $68

The price you pay depends on your pharmacy, your insurance status, and whether you use any of the savings options below.

Option 1: Switch to the Generic

The most straightforward way to save money on Ciprodex is to use the generic version: Ciprofloxacin/Dexamethasone 0.3%/0.1% otic suspension.

• Same active ingredients as brand-name Ciprodex
• Same dosage and directions — 4 drops, twice daily, for 7 days
• FDA-approved and bioequivalent
• Price: Starting around $65 with a GoodRx or SingleCare coupon

That's a savings of $135 to $285 compared to the brand name. Ask your pharmacist if the generic is available, and make sure your prescription allows for generic substitution.

For more details on how the generic compares, see our article on what Ciprodex is and how it works.

Option 2: Use a Prescription Discount Coupon

Even if you don't have insurance, you can use a free prescription discount card to lower your cost at the pharmacy. These are not insurance — they're negotiated discount programs that most pharmacies accept.

Here are the most popular options for Ciprodex and its generic:

• GoodRx: Prices starting around $65-$80 for generic ciprofloxacin/dexamethasone
• SingleCare: Comparable savings — check singlecare.com for current prices
• RxSaver: Another option for comparing prices across pharmacies
• Optum Perks: Offers discounts at major pharmacy chains
• BuzzRx: Free discount card available online

How to use these coupons:

1. Search for "Ciprofloxacin Dexamethasone otic" on the coupon site
2. Compare prices at pharmacies near you
3. Show the coupon (printed or on your phone) to the pharmacist when you pick up your prescription
4. The discount is applied instead of insurance — you can't combine them, so use whichever gives you the lower price

Option 3: Alcon Manufacturer Copay Card

If you have commercial (private) insurance and want brand-name Ciprodex, Alcon offers a manufacturer copay card that can reduce your out-of-pocket cost to as low as $30 per bottle.

Here's how it works:

• Available to commercially insured patients (not Medicare, Medicaid, or government insurance)
• Reduces your copay to $30 or less per 7.5 mL bottle
• Can be used at most retail pharmacies
• Sign up at myalcon.com/payment-assistance-programs

This is one of the best deals if you specifically need brand-name Ciprodex and have commercial insurance. The card can save you $5 to $38 on a typical insured copay, or much more if your plan has a high copay for brand-name drugs.

Option 4: Patient Assistance Programs

If you're uninsured or underinsured and can't afford Ciprodex at any price, patient assistance programs (PAPs) may be able to help. These programs provide medications for free or at very low cost to qualifying patients.

• Alcon Patient Assistance Program: Available through RxHope (rxhope.com). You'll need to demonstrate financial need and provide documentation. Your prescriber may need to submit the application on your behalf.
• NeedyMeds: A nonprofit that helps patients find assistance programs. Search for Ciprodex at needymeds.org.
• RxAssist: Another resource for finding patient assistance programs at rxassist.org.

These programs typically take 2-4 weeks to process, so they work best for patients who use Ciprodex frequently (e.g., children with recurring ear infections who have ear tubes). If you need the medication urgently, a discount coupon on the generic may be faster.

Option 5: Other Ways to Save

Here are a few more strategies to keep your Ciprodex costs down:

Compare Pharmacy Prices

Prices for the same medication can vary significantly between pharmacies — sometimes by $50 or more. Use Medfinder or GoodRx to compare prices at pharmacies near you before filling your prescription.

Ask About a Cheaper Alternative

If cost is a major concern, talk to your doctor about Ofloxacin otic drops. This generic fluoroquinolone ear drop costs just $10 to $25 and works well for many ear infections. It doesn't contain a steroid, so it won't reduce inflammation the way Ciprodex does, but your doctor can advise whether it's appropriate for your situation. Learn more in our alternatives guide.

Use Your Insurance Wisely

Ciprodex is covered by approximately 99% of insurance plans. If you have insurance, check your plan's formulary:

• The generic is usually on a lower tier with a lower copay ($35-$50)
• Brand-name Ciprodex may be on a higher tier ($50-$68) or may require prior authorization
• Some plans offer mail-order options with lower copays for a 90-day supply

Ask About Samples

Some doctors' offices keep samples of Ciprodex on hand. If you're in the office and concerned about cost, ask if they have a sample bottle available. This can tide you over while you explore savings options or wait for a patient assistance application to process.

Quick Savings Summary

• Generic + coupon: $65-$80 (saves $120-$270 vs. brand cash price)
• Brand + Alcon copay card: As low as $30 (with commercial insurance)
• Generic + insurance: $35-$50 copay
• Ofloxacin otic (alternative): $10-$25
• Patient assistance program: Free (if you qualify)

Final Thoughts

Ciprodex is an effective medication for ear infections, but the cost shouldn't prevent you from getting treatment. Whether you switch to the generic, use a discount coupon, take advantage of Alcon's copay card, or apply for patient assistance, there are real ways to save.

Use Medfinder to find the best price and availability near you. For more information about Ciprodex, check out our guides on what Ciprodex is, side effects to watch for, and how to find Ciprodex in stock near you.