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Ciprofloxacin for Pink Eye: Dosage and Side Effects

Gina Walters
Published

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Ciprofloxacin for Pink Eye: Dosage and Side Effects

Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis) is a common eye condition that may cause eye redness, irritation, and watery discharge. 

Bacterial Conjunctivitis is one of the most common forms of Conjunctivitis caused by bacterial infections.

However, the doctors may prescribe Ciprofloxacin (an antibiotic) to help treat the Bacterial Pink Eye.

Let us explore the working and effectiveness of Ciprofloxacin for Pink Eye.

Can I take Ciprofloxacin for Pink Eye

Yes, a person can take Ciprofloxacin to treat Pink Eye.

A study states that Ciprofloxacin is effective and useful in the treatment of Bacterial Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis). 

Ciprofloxacin belongs to the Fluoroquinolone class of antibiotics and works by killing the Conjunctivitis-causing bacteria.

Patients may start experiencing relief from Bacterial Pink Eye symptoms within a few days of starting the treatment.

Keep the  following steps in mind while using Ciprofloxacin for best results:

  • Always wash your hands properly to avoid contamination
  • Position your head backward and gently pull your lower eyelid to make some space
  • Carefully squeeze the drops in the eye space without touching the drop tip
  • Close your eye and allow the medicine to spread evenly over the eye
  • Wipe away the excess and repeat the procedure as prescribed

However, Ciprofloxacin only treats bacterial eye infections and may not work on other types of eye infections.

Consult a doctor for a proper eye condition diagnosis before starting any treatment.

Explore the various pink eye causing bacteria with our article: What Bacteria Causes Pink Eye? Know the Culprit Behind Bacterial Conjunctivitis

Fact:
If you miss a dose of Ciprofloxacin, take it as soon as you remember or skip it if it’s close to the next dose. Do not double dose as it can increase the risk of side effects. 

Dosage and precautions of Ciprofloxacin for Pink Eye

AmlodipineSource: signature_image
Ciprofloxacin (white pill)

Ciprofloxacin is available in the form of eye drops and ointments.

A person should follow a proper dosage plan for effective Bacterial Pink Eye treatment

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Bacterial Conjunctivitis patients should use a half-inch eye ointment strip in the affected eye 3 times a day or as prescribed by the doctor.

On the other hand, patients should use 1 or 2 eye drops every 2 hours when they are awake.

Consult your doctor before taking Ciprofloxacin, as it is a prescription medicine. 

Also, one should consider a few precautions before using Ciprofloxacin for Pink Eye.

Pregnant women or the ones breastfeeding should not use Ciprofloxacin without consulting their doctor. 

Know whether pink eye is dangerous or not with our article: Is Pink Eye Dangerous? The Truth Revealed

Warning:
Bacterial Pink Eye is highly contagious. One should also complete their whole treatment plan to prevent the spread of the infection.

Side effects of Ciprofloxacin

Red eye (Risk Factor)Source: Alajsdfas
Red eye (Side effect)

While Ciprofloxacin is normally well-tolerated, the medicine may have some side effects. 

The common side effects of Ciprofloxacin include:

The above side effects are temporary and may go away on their own. 

However, the serious side effects include rashes, hives, face swelling, breathing difficulty, and more. 

Get immediate medical help if you experience serious side effects of Ciprofloxacin.

Get to know everything about pink eye medicines with our article: What are the Side Effects of Pink Eye Medicines?

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Key takeaways

Ciprofloxacin is an effective medicine used in the treatment of Bacterial Conjunctivitis.

Bacterial Conjunctivitis is a common form of Conjunctivitis caused by bacterial infections.

Ciprofloxacin works by killing the bacteria and gives relief from Bacterial Pink Eye symptoms.

The common side effects of Ciprofloxacin include eye burn, irritated eyes, eye pain, change in taste, and more.   

One should consult a doctor to discuss their medical history and get a proper dosage plan for Ciprofloxacin. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Ciprofloxacin treat Pink Eye?

Yes, Ciprofloxacin can treat Bacterial Pink Eye effectively. It’s an antibiotic that helps clear the infection by stopping the growth of bacteria. Consult a doctor for proper diagnosis and Ciprofloxacin dosage.

Is Ciprofloxacin or Moxifloxacin better for Pink Eye?

Both Ciprofloxacin and Moxifloxacin are effective treatments for Bacterial Pink Eye. However, the choice between them depends on factors like the bacteria causing the infection and more. Consult a doctor to choose the best treatment option.

How long does it take for Ciprofloxacin to work for Pink Eye?

Ciprofloxacin typically starts to work within 48 to 72 hours (2-3 days) of the first application. Patients often experience relief from symptoms such as redness, itching, and discharge. However, one should complete the full treatment to treat the infection completely. 

Can I use Ciprofloxacin for non-bacterial eye conditions?

No, Ciprofloxacin is an antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections. It should not be used for non-bacterial eye conditions, such as viral or allergic Conjunctivitis. 

Citations:
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