What is Ciloxan: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Updated May 14, 2025  •  Published Dec 30, 2020

Ciloxan overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • Ciloxan, Ciprofloxacin HCl

Generic Names:

  • Ciprofloxacin Hcl

Uses:

  • Treats eye infections. This medicine is a quinolone antibiotic.

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Antibiotic

Forms:

  • Ointment, Drop

How it’s taken:

  • Into the eye

What is Ciloxan used for?

What form(s) does Ciloxan come in

  • Ointment

  • Drop

What are common Ciloxan doses?

  • Tube 3.5GM of 0.3%

  • Bottle 5ML of 0.3%

Common Ciloxan prescriptions

  • Ciloxan
    5ml of 0.3% bottle

  • Ciloxan
    3.5gm of 0.3% tube

  • Ciloxan
    3.5gm of 0.3% tube of ointment

How to take Ciloxan

  • Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to use and how often. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.

  • Take all of the medicine in your prescription to clear up your infection, even if you feel better after the first few doses.

  • If you wear soft contacts, take them out before you put the drops in your eyes. You may need to wait at least 15 minutes before you put in your contacts. The eyedrops may contain benzalkonium chloride, which can coat soft contact lenses. You may not be able to wear your contacts at all until your infection is gone.

  • Ophthalmic routeWash your hands with soap and water before and after using this medicine.

  • Ophthalmic routeLie down or tilt your head back. With your index finger, pull down the lower lid of your eye to form a pocket.

  • Ophthalmic routeTo use the eye drops: Hold the dropper close to your eye with the other hand. Drop the correct number of drops into the pocket made between your lower lid and eyeball. Gently close your eyes. Place your index finger over the inner corner of your eye for 1 minute. Do not rinse or wipe the dropper or allow it to touch anything, including your eye. Put the cap on the bottle right away. Keep the bottle upright when you are not using it.

  • Ophthalmic routeTo use the ointment: Hold the tip of the tube close to your eye with the other hand. Avoid touching the tip of the tube to your eye or finger. Squeeze a ribbon of ointment into the pocket between your lower lid and eyeball. Close your eyes for 1 to 2 minutes. Wipe the tip with a clean tissue and close the tube tightly. Keep the tube tightly closed when you are not using it.

  • Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

  • If you wear soft contacts, take them out before you put the drops in your eyes. You may need to wait at least 15 minutes before you put in your contacts. The eyedrops may contain benzalkonium chloride, which can coat soft contact lenses. You may not be able to wear your contacts at all until your infection is gone.

  • Ophthalmic routeTo use the eye drops: Hold the dropper close to your eye with the other hand. Drop the correct number of drops into the pocket made between your lower lid and eyeball. Gently close your eyes. Place your index finger over the inner corner of your eye for 1 minute. Do not rinse or wipe the dropper or allow it to touch anything, including your eye. Put the cap on the bottle right away. Keep the bottle upright when you are not using it.

  • Take all of the medicine in your prescription to clear up your infection, even if you feel better after the first few doses.

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

  • Ophthalmic routeLie down or tilt your head back. With your index finger, pull down the lower lid of your eye to form a pocket.

  • Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • Ophthalmic routeTo use the ointment: Hold the tip of the tube close to your eye with the other hand. Avoid touching the tip of the tube to your eye or finger. Squeeze a ribbon of ointment into the pocket between your lower lid and eyeball. Close your eyes for 1 to 2 minutes. Wipe the tip with a clean tissue and close the tube tightly. Keep the tube tightly closed when you are not using it.

  • Ophthalmic routeWash your hands with soap and water before and after using this medicine.

  • Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to use and how often. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.

What to do if you miss a dose of Ciloxan

Ciloxan contraindications

  • This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to ciprofloxacin or other quinolone antibiotics.

Ciloxan warnings

  • Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

  • Severe eye redness, itching, or swelling that was not there before you started using the medicine

Ciloxan interactions

  • Check with your doctor before you put any other medicine in your eyes.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Ciloxan side effects

Serious Side Effects

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

  • Blurred vision

  • Severe eye redness, itching, or swelling that was not there before you started using the medicine

Less Serious Side Effects

  • Bitter or bad taste in your mouth

  • Feeling as if something is in your eyes

  • Crusting or white crystals in the corners of your eyes