What Is Ciprodex? Your Complete Guide to This Ear Infection Medication

Ciprodex is a prescription ear drop medication used to treat bacterial ear infections. It combines two active ingredients: ciprofloxacin (an antibiotic) and dexamethasone (a steroid) to both kill bacteria and reduce inflammation in your ears.

If your doctor has prescribed Ciprodex, you're likely dealing with either acute otitis media (middle ear infection) or acute otitis externa (swimmer's ear). This medication is specifically designed for ear infections and comes only as ear drops – there are no pills or other forms of Ciprodex.

Ciprodex is manufactured by Alcon Laboratories (a Novartis division) and has been helping patients clear ear infections since its FDA approval. Let's dive into everything you need to know about this important medication.

Brand Name vs Generic: Understanding Your Options

Brand-name Ciprodex is the original version made by Alcon. When you see "Ciprodex" on your prescription bottle, you're getting the brand-name version.

Generic ciprofloxacin/dexamethasone otic suspension became available in recent years and contains exactly the same active ingredients in the same concentrations. The generic version is chemically identical to brand-name Ciprodex but typically costs 50-70% less.

Both versions contain 0.3% ciprofloxacin and 0.1% dexamethasone in a suspension form. Your pharmacist can substitute the generic version unless your doctor specifically writes "brand medically necessary" on your prescription.

What Drug Class Is Ciprodex?

Ciprodex belongs to the class called "fluoroquinolone antibiotic plus corticosteroid combination (otic)." This means it combines:

A fluoroquinolone antibiotic (ciprofloxacin) that kills bacteria by interfering with their DNA replication. Ciprofloxacin is effective against many types of bacteria that commonly cause ear infections.

A corticosteroid (dexamethasone) that reduces inflammation, swelling, and pain. This helps you feel better faster while the antibiotic works to clear the infection.

The combination of antibiotic plus steroid makes Ciprodex particularly effective because it addresses both the infection and the uncomfortable symptoms at the same time.

What Conditions Does Ciprodex Treat?

Ciprodex is FDA-approved for two specific conditions:

Acute otitis media with tympanostomy tubes – This is a middle ear infection in patients (including children 6 months and older) who have ear tubes. The ear tubes allow the medication to reach the middle ear space where the infection is located.

Acute otitis externa (swimmer's ear) – This is an infection of the outer ear canal, often caused by water staying in the ear after swimming. Ciprodex can treat swimmer's ear in patients 6 months and older, whether or not they have ear tubes.

Doctors sometimes prescribe Ciprodex "off-label" for other ear-related conditions like chronic suppurative otitis media or to prevent infection after ear surgery. Off-label use means the medication wasn't specifically studied for that condition, but doctors can legally prescribe it based on their clinical judgment.

How to Use Ciprodex: Proper Dosage and Administration

The standard Ciprodex dosage is the same for both children (6 months+) and adults: 4 drops into the affected ear twice daily for 7 days.

Here's the step-by-step process for using Ciprodex correctly:

Before applying the drops: Warm the bottle by holding it in your hands for 1-2 minutes. Cold drops can be uncomfortable and may cause dizziness. Shake the bottle well – Ciprodex is a suspension, so the ingredients can separate.

Positioning: Lie down or tilt your head so the affected ear faces upward. For young children, you may need someone to help hold them still.

Applying the drops: Gently pull the ear up and back (for adults and children over 3) or down and back (for children under 3) to straighten the ear canal. Instill exactly 4 drops into the ear canal, being careful not to touch the dropper tip to your ear.

After application: Stay in the tilted position for at least 60 seconds to let the drops reach deep into your ear. For middle ear infections with tubes, gently pump the tragus (the small flap in front of your ear canal) 5 times to help push the medication through the tube.

Important timing: Use Ciprodex twice daily, about 12 hours apart. Try to use it at the same times each day to maintain consistent levels in your ear.

Ciprodex Cost: What to Expect in 2026

Understanding Ciprodex pricing can help you budget for your treatment and find the best deals:

Brand-name Ciprodex typically costs $200-350 for a 7.5 mL bottle without insurance. This high price reflects the fact that it's a specialty medication with limited competition.

Generic ciprofloxacin/dexamethasone costs $65-130 with discount coupons, making it significantly more affordable than the brand name.

With insurance: Most insurance plans (approximately 99%) cover Ciprodex, though you may face step therapy requirements (trying a cheaper alternative first) or prior authorization. Typical copays range from $35-68.

Money-saving options: Alcon offers a manufacturer copay card that can reduce your brand-name Ciprodex cost to as little as $30 if you have commercial insurance. Patient assistance programs are available for uninsured patients who qualify based on income.

For detailed information about saving money on this medication, check out our guide: How to save money on Ciprodex with coupons and discounts.

Who Can Use Ciprodex?

Age restrictions: Ciprodex is approved for patients 6 months and older. It has not been studied in younger infants, so doctors typically use alternative treatments for babies under 6 months with ear infections.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Ciprodex is pregnancy category C, which means it should only be used when the benefits outweigh the risks. Because it's applied topically to the ear, very little medication enters your bloodstream, which reduces risks to a developing baby.

Medical conditions: Most people can safely use Ciprodex, but tell your doctor if you have a history of allergic reactions to quinolone antibiotics (like ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, or moxifloxacin) or to steroids.

How Long Does Ciprodex Take to Work?

Most patients notice improvement in their ear infection symptoms within 24-48 hours of starting Ciprodex. The pain and inflammation often decrease before the infection is completely cleared.

Complete treatment typically takes the full 7-day course, even if you feel better after a few days. Stopping Ciprodex early can allow bacteria to grow back and may lead to antibiotic resistance.

If you don't notice any improvement after 3-4 days of treatment, contact your healthcare provider. You may need a different antibiotic or additional evaluation to make sure the diagnosis is correct.

Ciprodex vs Other Ear Infection Treatments

How does Ciprodex compare to other ear infection medications?

Ciprodex vs Ofloxacin otic: Ofloxacin is a single antibiotic (no steroid) that costs much less but may not reduce inflammation and pain as quickly as Ciprodex. It's often tried first due to cost considerations.

Ciprodex vs Cipro HC Otic: Both contain ciprofloxacin, but Cipro HC uses hydrocortisone instead of dexamethasone as the steroid component. Ciprodex is generally preferred because dexamethasone is a more potent anti-inflammatory.

Ciprodex vs Cortisporin Otic: Cortisporin contains older antibiotics (neomycin and polymyxin B) plus hydrocortisone. Ciprodex is usually more effective against resistant bacteria and has fewer restrictions on use.

To learn more about what to do if you can't find Ciprodex, read our guide: Alternatives to Ciprodex if you can't fill your prescription.

Important Safety Information

Do not use Ciprodex if: You are allergic to ciprofloxacin, dexamethasone, or other quinolone antibiotics; you have a viral ear infection (like herpes); or you have a fungal ear infection.

Stop using and call your doctor if: You develop signs of an allergic reaction (rash, swelling, difficulty breathing), your symptoms get worse instead of better, or you develop new symptoms like severe dizziness or hearing changes.

Storage and handling: Store Ciprodex at room temperature and shake well before each use. Don't use the medication if it has changed color or become cloudy, as this may indicate contamination.

For comprehensive information about Ciprodex side effects, read our detailed guide: Ciprodex side effects: What to expect and when to call your doctor.