Cipro HC

Cipro HC is approved for the treatment of acute otitis externa, also called swimmer's ear, which is a type of outer ear infection. The medication comes in the form of an ear drop that is applied into the infected ear twice a day for seven days. Most people have no problems when using it, although the most common side effect is headache.

What Is Cipro HC?

Cipro® HC (ciprofloxacin/hydrocortisone) is a prescription ear drop used to treat a medical condition called acute otitis externa, or more commonly, an outer ear infection (also called "swimmer's ear"). It contains a combination of ciprofloxacin, an antibiotic, and hydrocortisone, a corticosteroid medication.
 
(Click Cipro HC Uses for more information on this topic, including possible off-label uses.)
 

Who Makes Cipro HC?

Cipro HC is made by Alcon.
 

How Does It Work?

Cipro HC contains a combination of ciprofloxacin and hydrocortisone. Ciprofloxacin is an antibiotic medication that belongs to a group of drugs called fluoroquinolones, or "quinolones" for short. Fluoroquinolones interfere with a bacterial enzyme called DNA gyrase, which is needed by the bacteria to make DNA. Bacteria need to make DNA in order to multiply.
 
Hydrocortisone belongs to a class of drugs called corticosteroids. It works to reduce inflammation and suppress the body's natural immune response to infection.
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Susan Lakey, PharmD, MPH
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD
 
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