CIPRO HC
Clinical safety rating: caution
Comprehensive clinical and safety monograph for CIPRO HC (CIPRO HC).
Ciprofloxacin inhibits bacterial DNA gyrase (topoisomerase II) and topoisomerase IV, preventing DNA replication and transcription; hydrocortisone suppresses inflammation via glucocorticoid receptor activation.
| Metabolism | Ciprofloxacin is metabolized in the liver via CYP1A2, yielding four metabolites (desethylene ciprofloxacin, sulfociprofloxacin, oxociprofloxacin, and oxodesethylene ciprofloxacin); hydrocortisone is metabolized primarily in the liver via reduction and conjugation. |
| Excretion | Ciprofloxacin: ~50-70% excreted renally as unchanged drug, ~15% as metabolites; ~20-30% eliminated via biliary/fecal route. Hydrocortisone: metabolized hepatically, renal excretion of metabolites. |
| Half-life | Ciprofloxacin: 4-6 hours (prolonged to 6-9 hours in elderly or renal impairment). Hydrocortisone: 1-2 hours. |
| Protein binding | Ciprofloxacin: 20-40% bound to serum proteins (mainly albumin). Hydrocortisone: ~90% bound to corticosteroid-binding globulin and albumin. |
| Volume of Distribution | Ciprofloxacin: Vd ~2.1-2.7 L/kg, indicating extensive tissue penetration. Hydrocortisone: Vd ~0.4 L/kg, primarily distributed in extracellular fluid. |
| Bioavailability | Otic suspension: Ciprofloxacin systemic bioavailability <0.3% after otic administration; Hydrocortisone negligible. Ciprofloxacin oral: ~70-80%; IV: 100%. |
| Onset of Action | Otic: Ciprofloxacin antibacterial effect begins within 12-24 hours; Hydrocortisone anti-inflammatory effect within 24-48 hours. |
| Duration of Action | Otic: Ciprofloxacin bactericidal effect persists for 8-12 hours; Hydrocortisone anti-inflammatory effect lasts 24-48 hours. Recommend twice-daily dosing. |
Instill 3 drops into the affected ear(s) twice daily (morning and evening) for 7 days.
| Dosage form | SUSPENSION/DROPS |
| Renal impairment | No dosage adjustment required for renal impairment. |
| Liver impairment | No dosage adjustment required for hepatic impairment. |
| Pediatric use | For children ≥1 year: 3 drops into the affected ear(s) twice daily for 7 days. |
| Geriatric use | No specific dosage adjustment required; use same dose as younger adults. |
| 1st trimester | Consult provider |
| 2nd trimester | Consult provider |
| 3rd trimester | Consult provider |
Clinical note
Comprehensive clinical and safety monograph for CIPRO HC (CIPRO HC).
| Breastfeeding | Ciprofloxacin is excreted in human milk; M/P ratio of ciprofloxacin is approximately 0.7-1.3. Systemic absorption from otic use is negligible, so exposure to infant via milk is low. Hydrocortisone is also minimally absorbed. Risk is low, but caution in nursing infants with G6PD deficiency or cartilage development concerns. Generally considered compatible with breastfeeding when used otically. |
| Teratogenic Risk | Contains ciprofloxacin (fluoroquinolone) and hydrocortisone. Fluoroquinolones are generally avoided in pregnancy due to concern for arthropathy in juvenile animals, but no teratogenicity in human studies; risk of cartilage damage in fetus is theoretical. The low systemic absorption from otic use minimizes exposure. Risk factors by trimester: First trimester: no increased malformation rate reported; second and third trimesters: theoretical risk of fetal cartilage development issues. Overall considered safe only if clearly indicated due to minimal systemic absorption. |
■ FDA Black Box Warning
Ciprofloxacin: Fluoroquinolones have been associated with disabling and potentially irreversible serious adverse reactions such as tendinitis and tendon rupture, peripheral neuropathy, and central nervous system effects. Avoid use in patients with known serious adverse reactions or other serious adverse reactions.
| Serious Effects |
Hypersensitivity to ciprofloxacin, hydrocortisone, any fluoroquinolone, or other components of the formulation. Viral or fungal infections of the ear external to the tympanic membrane.
| Precautions | For otic use only; not for injection or oral use. Risk of hypersensitivity reactions including anaphylaxis. Avoid prolonged use to prevent fungal superinfection. Discontinue if rash or other allergic symptoms occur. |
| Food/Dietary | No clinically significant food interactions. Avoid alcohol as it may increase dizziness or drowsiness from the condition. |
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| Fetal Monitoring | No specific monitoring required due to minimal systemic absorption. However, if used for prolonged periods or in high doses, monitor for signs of systemic corticosteroid effects (e.g., glucose intolerance, adrenal suppression) or fluoroquinolone toxicity (rare). |
| Fertility Effects | No known adverse effects on fertility in humans or animal studies from ciprofloxacin or hydrocortisone at otic doses. |
| Clinical Pearls | CIPRO HC is a combination of ciprofloxacin (antibiotic) and hydrocortisone (corticosteroid) for otic use only. Not for ophthalmic use. Shake well before use. Contraindicated in viral or fungal infections of the ear, and in patients with hypersensitivity to any component. Avoid prolonged use to prevent superinfection or ototoxicity. |
| Patient Advice | Use only in the ear; do not put in eyes or take by mouth. · Shake the bottle well before each use. · Warm the bottle by holding in your hand for 1-2 minutes to avoid dizziness from cold drops. · Lie on your side with the affected ear up and instill the prescribed number of drops. · Stay lying down for 5 minutes to allow drops to penetrate. · Do not touch the dropper tip to any surface, including the ear, to avoid contamination. · Do not use beyond the prescribed duration or if you have a perforated eardrum unless directed by your doctor. · Notify your doctor if symptoms worsen or do not improve within a few days. |