Ciprofloxacin And Dexamethasone Suspension
FDA Label NDC 0832-1430

Ciprofloxacin and dexamethasone, otic suspension is indicated for the treatment of infections caused by susceptible isolates of the designated microorganisms in the specific condition listed below:

• Acute Otitis Media (AOM) in pediatric patients (age 6 months and older) with tympanostomy tubes due to Staphylococcus aureus,Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, Moraxella catarrhalis, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.( 1)
• Acute Otitis Externa (AOE) in pediatric (age 6 months and older), adult and elderly patients due to Staphylococcus aureusand Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

• Ciprofloxacin and dexamethasone, otic suspension is for otic use (ears) only, and not for ophthalmic use, or for injection.
• Shake well immediately before use.

For the Treatment of Acute Otitis Media in Pediatric Patients (age 6 months and older) With Tympanostomy Tubes

The recommended dosage regimen through tympanostomy tubes is as follows:
• Four drops [equivalent to 0.14 mL of ciprofloxacin and dexamethasone otic suspension, (consisting of 0.42 mg of ciprofloxacin and 0.14 mg of dexamethasone)] instilled into the affected ear twice daily for seven days.
• The suspension should be warmed by holding the bottle in the hand for one or two minutes to avoid dizziness, which may result from the instillation of a cold suspension.
• The patient should lie with the affected ear upward, and then the drops should be instilled.
• The tragus should then be pumped 5 times by pushing inward to facilitate penetration of the drops into the middle ear.
• This position should be maintained for 60 seconds. Repeat, if necessary, for the opposite ear.
• Discard unused portion after therapy is completed.

For the Treatment of Acute Otitis Externa (age 6 months and older)

The recommended dosage regimen is as follows:

• Four drops [equivalent to 0.14 mL of ciprofloxacin and dexamethasone, otic suspension, (consisting of 0.42 mg ciprofloxacin and 0.14 mg dexamethasone)] instilled into the affected ear twice daily for seven days.
• The suspension should be warmed by holding the bottle in the hand for one or two minutes to avoid dizziness, which may result from the instillation of a cold suspension.
• The patient should lie with the affected ear upward, and then the drops should be instilled.
• This position should be maintained for 60 seconds to facilitate penetration of the drops into the ear canal. Repeat, if necessary, for the opposite ear.
• Discard unused portion after therapy is completed.

Acute Otitis Externa

The following adverse reactions occurred in 0.4% or more of the patients with intact tympanic membranes.

Adverse Reactions	Incidence (N = 537)
Ear pruritus	1.5%
Ear debris	0.6%
Superimposed ear infection	0.6%
Ear congestion	0.4%
Ear pain	0.4%
Erythema	0.4%

The following adverse reactions were each reported in a single patient: ear discomfort; decreased hearing; and ear disorder (tingling).

Risk Summary

There are no available data on ciprofloxacin and dexamethasone, otic suspension use in pregnant women to evaluate for a drug-associated risk of major birth defects, miscarriage or adverse maternal or fetal outcomes. Because of the minimal systemic absorption of ciprofloxacin and dexamethasone following topical otic administration of ciprofloxacin and dexamethasone, otic suspension, this product is expected to be of minimal risk for maternal and fetal toxicity when administered to pregnant women [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)] .

Animal reproduction studies have not been conducted with ciprofloxacin and dexamethasone, otic suspension. Oral administration of ciprofloxacin during organogenesis at doses up to 100 mg/kg to pregnant mice and rats, and up to 30 mg/kg to pregnant rabbits did not cause fetal malformations (see Data). These doses were at least 200 times the recommended otic human dose (ROHD in mice, rats, and rabbits, respectively, based on body surface area (BSA). With dexamethasone, malformations have been observed in animal studies after ocular and systemic administration.

The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. All pregnancies have a background risk of birth defect, loss, or other adverse outcomes. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2% to 4% and of miscarriage is 15% to 20% respectively.

Data

Animal Data

Ciprofloxacin

Developmental toxicology studies have been performed with ciprofloxacin in rats, mice, and rabbits. The doses used in these studies are, at a minimum, approximately 200 times greater than the recommended otic human dose based on body surface area. In rats and mice, oral doses up to 100 mg/kg administered during organogenesis (Gestation Days (GD), 6 to 17) were not associated with adverse developmental outcomes, including embryofetal toxicity or malformations. A 30 mg/kg oral dose was associated with suppression of maternal and fetal body weight gain, but fetal malformations were not observed. Intravenous administration of doses up to 20 mg/kg to pregnant rabbits was not maternally toxic and neither embryofetal toxicity nor fetal malformations were observed. To mitigate maternal toxicity in these studies, groups of rabbits received ciprofloxacin for a different 5-day dosing period covering organogenesis (GD 6 to 18).

Dexamethasone

Dexamethasone has been shown to be teratogenic in mice and rabbits following topical ophthalmic application. In a rat oral developmental toxicity study, no adverse effects were observed at 0.01 mg/kg/day (0.1 times the ROHD based on BSA), although embryotoxicity was observed at higher doses.

Risk Summary

It is not known whether ciprofloxacin and dexamethasone are present in human milk following topical otic administration.

Published literature reports the presence of ciprofloxacin in human milk after oral administration to lactating women. However, because of the minimal systemic absorption of ciprofloxacin following topical otic administration of ciprofloxacin and dexamethasone, otic suspension, breastfeeding is not expected to result in the exposure of the infant to ciprofloxacin [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)] .

Systemically administered corticosteroids appear in human milk. Dexamethasone in breast milk could suppress growth, interfere with endogenous corticosteroid production, or cause other untoward effects. However, it is not known whether topical otic administration of ciprofloxacin and dexamethasone, otic suspension could result in systemic absorption that is sufficient to produce detectable quantities of dexamethasone in human milk.

There are no data on the effects of ciprofloxacin or dexamethasone on milk production.

The developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with the mother's clinical need for ciprofloxacin and dexamethasone, otic suspension and any potential adverse effects on the breast-fed child from ciprofloxacin and dexamethasone, otic suspension.

Mechanism of Action

The bactericidal action of ciprofloxacin results from interference with the enzyme, DNA gyrase, which is needed for the synthesis of bacterial DNA.

Resistance

Cross-resistance has been observed between ciprofloxacin and other fluoroquinolones. There is generally no cross-resistance between ciprofloxacin and other classes of anti-bacterial agents, such as beta-lactams or aminoglycosides.

Antimicrobial Activity

Ciprofloxacin has been shown to be active against most isolates of the following microorganisms, both in vitroand clinically in otic infections [see Indications and Usage (1)] .

Aerobic Bacteria

Gram-positive Bacteria

• Staphylococcus aureus
• Streptococcus pneumoniae

Gram-negative Bacteria

• Haemophilus influenzae
• Moraxella catarrhalis
• Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Carcinogenesis

Long-term carcinogenicity studies in mice and rats have been completed for ciprofloxacin. After daily oral doses of 750 mg/kg (mice) and 250 mg/kg (rats) were administered for up to 2 years, there was no evidence that ciprofloxacin had any carcinogenic or tumorigenic effects in these species. No long-term studies of ciprofloxacin and dexamethasone, otic suspension have been performed to evaluate carcinogenic potential.

Long-term studies have not been performed to evaluate the carcinogenic potential of topical otic dexamethasone.

Mutagenesis

Eight in vitromutagenicity tests have been conducted with ciprofloxacin, and the test results are listed below:

• Salmonella/Microsome Test (Negative)
• E. coliDNA Repair Assay (Negative)
• Mouse Lymphoma Cell Forward Mutation Assay (Positive)
• Chinese Hamster V79 Cell HGPRT Test (Negative)
• Syrian Hamster Embryo Cell Transformation Assay (Negative)
• Saccharomyces cerevisiaePoint Mutation Assay (Negative)
• Saccharomyces cerevisiaeMitotic Crossover and Gene Conversion Assay (Negative)
• Rat Hepatocyte DNA Repair Assay (Positive)

Thus, 2 of the 8 tests were positive, but results of the following 3 in vivotest systems gave negative results:

• Rat Hepatocyte DNA Repair Assay
• Micronucleus Test (Mice)
• Dominant Lethal Test (Mice)

Dexamethasone has been tested for in vitroand in vivogenotoxic potential and shown to be positive in the following assays: chromosomal aberrations, sister-chromatid exchange in human lymphocytes, and micronuclei and sister-chromatid exchanges in mouse bone marrow. However, the Ames/Salmonella assay, both with and without S9 mix, did not show any increase in His+ revertants.

Impairment of Fertility

Fertility studies performed in male and female rats at oral doses of ciprofloxacin up to 100 mg/kg (approximately 482 times the ROHD of ciprofloxacin based on BSA) revealed no evidence of impairment. Male rats received oral ciprofloxacin for 10 weeks prior to mating and females were dosed for 3 weeks prior to mating through GD 7.

The effect of dexamethasone on fertility has not been investigated following topical otic application. However, the lowest toxic dose of dexamethasone identified following topical dermal application was 1.802 mg/kg in a 26-week study in male rats and resulted in changes to the testes, epididymis, sperm duct, prostate, seminal vesicle, Cowper's gland, and accessory glands. The relevance of this study for short-term topical otic use is unknown.

How Supplied

Ciprofloxacin 0.3% and dexamethasone 0.1%, otic suspension, USP is a white to off-white suspension supplied in a natural LDPE bottle, with a natural LDPE dropper and capped with a white HDPE cap.

7.5 mL in a 10 mL bottle

NDC 0832-1430-75

For Otic Use Only

Advise patients that ciprofloxacin and dexamethasone, otic suspension is for otic use (ears) only. This product must not be used in the eye[see Dosage and Administration (2.2)] .

Administration Instructions

Instruct patients to warm the bottle in their hand for one to two minutes prior to use and shake well immediately before using [see Dosage and Administration (2.1, 2.2)] .

Allergic Reactions

Advise patients to discontinue use immediately and contact their physician, if rash or allergic reaction occurs [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)] .

Avoid Contamination of the Product

Advise patients to avoid contaminating the tip with material from the ear, fingers, or other sources [see Instructions for Use] .

Duration of Use

Advise patients that it is very important to use the eardrops for as long as their doctor has instructed, even if the symptoms improve [see Patient Information] .

Protect from Light

Advise patients to protect the product from light [see How Supplied/Storage and Handling (16)] .

Unused Product

Advise patients to discard unused portion after therapy is completed [see Dosage and Administration (2.2)] .

Manufactured for
UPSHER-SMITH LABORATORIES, LLC
Mpls., MN 55369

Revised: 12/2025

Otic Suspension: Each mL of ciprofloxacin and dexamethasone, otic suspension, contains ciprofloxacin hydrochloride 0.3% (equivalent to 3 mg ciprofloxacin base) and dexamethasone 0.1% (equivalent to 1 mg dexamethasone).

• Ciprofloxacin and dexamethasone, otic suspension is contraindicated in patients with a history of hypersensitivity to ciprofloxacin, to other quinolones, or to any of the components in this medication.
• Use of this product is contraindicated in viral infections of the external canal, including herpes simplex infections and fungal otic infections.

Ciprofloxacin and dexamethasone, otic suspension should be discontinued at the first appearance of a skin rash or any other sign of hypersensitivity. Serious and occasionally fatal hypersensitivity (anaphylactic) reactions, some following the first dose, have been reported in patients receiving systemic quinolones. Some reactions were accompanied by cardiovascular collapse, loss of consciousness, angioedema (including laryngeal, pharyngeal, or facial edema), airway obstruction, dyspnea, urticaria, and itching.

Prolonged use of ciprofloxacin and dexamethasone, otic suspension may result in overgrowth of non-susceptible, bacteria and fungi. If the infection is not improved after one week of treatment, cultures should be obtained to guide further treatment. If such infections occur, discontinue use and institute alternative therapy.

If otorrhea persists after a full course of therapy, or if two or more episodes of otorrhea occur within six months, further evaluation is recommended to exclude an underlying condition, such as cholesteatoma, foreign body, or a tumor.

The following serious adverse reactions are described elsewhere in the labeling:

• Hypersensitivity Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)]
• Potential for Microbial Overgrowth with Prolonged Use [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)]

Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to the rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice.

In Phases II and III clinical trials, a total of 937 patients were treated with ciprofloxacin and dexamethasone, otic suspension. This included 400 patients with acute otitis media with tympanostomy tubes (AOMT) and 537 patients with AOE. The reported adverse reactions are listed below:

Acute Otitis Media in Pediatric Patients with Tympanostomy Tubes

The following adverse reactions occurred in 0.5% or more of the patients with non-intact tympanic membranes.

The following adverse reactions were each reported in a single patient: tympanostomy tube blockage; ear pruritus; tinnitus; oral moniliasis; crying; dizziness; and erythema.

The following adverse reactions have been identified during post approval use of ciprofloxacin and dexamethasone, otic suspension. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of unknown size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure. These reactions include auricular swelling, headache, hypersensitivity, otorrhea, skin exfoliation, rash erythematous, and vomiting.

The safety and efficacy of ciprofloxacin and dexamethasone, otic suspension have been established in pediatric patients 6 months and older (937 patients) in adequate and well-controlled clinical trials.

No clinically relevant changes in hearing function were observed in 69 pediatric patients (age 4 to 12 years) treated with ciprofloxacin and dexamethasone, otic suspension and tested for audiometric parameters.

Due to the characteristics of this preparation, no toxic effects are to be expected with an otic overdose of this product.

Ciprofloxacin 0.3% and dexamethasone 0.1% sterile otic suspension, USP contains the quinolone antimicrobial, ciprofloxacin hydrochloride, USP, combined with the corticosteroid, dexamethasone, USP, in a sterile, preserved suspension for otic use. Each mL of ciprofloxacin and dexamethasone, USP, otic suspension contains ciprofloxacin hydrochloride, USP (equivalent to 3 mg ciprofloxacin base) and 1 mg dexamethasone, USP. The inactive ingredients are acetic acid, boric acid, benzalkonium chloride (0.01%, as a preservative), edetate disodium, hydroxyethyl cellulose, purified water, sodium acetate, sodium chloride, and tyloxapol. Sodium hydroxide or hydrochloric acid may be added for adjustment of pH. Ciprofloxacin, a quinolone antimicrobial is available as the monohydrochloride monohydrate salt of 1-cyclopropyl-6-fluoro-1,4-dihydro-4-oxo-7-(1-piperazinyl)-3-quinoline carboxylic acid. The empirical formula is C ₁₇H ₁₈FN ₃O ₃∙HCl∙H ₂O. The molecular weight is 385.82 g/mol and the structural formula is:

Figure 1: Structure of Ciprofloxacin

Figure 1 (Ciprofloxacin 01)

Dexamethasone, 9-fluoro-11(beta),17,21-trihydroxy-16(alpha)-methylpregna-1,4-diene-3,20-dione, is a corticosteroid. The empirical formula is C ₂₂H ₂₉FO ₅. The molecular weight is 392.46 g/mol and the structural formula is:

Figure 2: Structure of Dexamethasone

Figure 2 (Ciprofloxacin 02)

FDA approved dissolution test specifications differ from USP.

Ciprofloxacin is a fluoroquinolone antibacterial [see Microbiology (12.4)] .

Dexamethasone, a corticosteroid, has been shown to suppress inflammation by inhibiting multiple inflammatory cytokines resulting in decreased edema, fibrin deposition, capillary leakage and migration of inflammatory cells.

Following a single bilateral 4-drop (total dose = 0.28 mL, 0.84 mg ciprofloxacin, 0.28 mg dexamethasone) topical otic dose of ciprofloxacin and dexamethasone, otic suspension to pediatric patients after tymoanostomy tube insertion, measurable plasma concentrations of ciprofloxacin and dexamethasone were observed at 6 hours following administration in 2 of 9 patients and 5 of 9 patients, respectively.

Mean ± SD peak plasma concentrations of ciprofloxacin were 1.39 ± 0.880 ng/mL (n = 9). Peak plasma concentrations ranged from 0.543 ng/mL to 3.45 ng/mL and were on average approximately 0.1% of peak plasma concentrations achieved with an oral dose of 250 mg. Peak plasma concentrations of ciprofloxacin were observed within 15 minutes to 2 hours post dose application.

Mean ± SD peak plasma concentrations of dexamethasone were 1.14 ± 1.54 ng/mL (n = 9). Peak plasma concentrations ranged from 0.135 ng/mL to 5.10 ng/mL and were on average approximately 14% of peak concentrations reported in the literature following an oral 0.5 mg tablet dose. Peak plasma concentrations of dexamethasone were observed within 15 minutes to 2 hours post dose application.

Dexamethasone has been added to aid in the resolution of the inflammatory response accompanying bacterial infection (such as otorrhea in pediatric patients with AOMT).

Guinea pigs dosed in the middle ear with ciprofloxacin and dexamethasone, otic suspension for one month exhibited no drug-related structural or functional changes of the cochlear hair cells and no lesions in the ossicles.

In a randomized, multicenter, controlled clinical trial, ciprofloxacin and dexamethasone otic suspension dosed 2 times per day for 7 days demonstrated clinical cures in the per protocol analysis in 86% of AOMT patients compared to 79% for ofloxacin solution, 0.3%, dosed 2 times per day for 10 days. Among culture positive patients, clinical cures were 90% for ciprofloxacin and dexamethasone otic suspension compared to 79% for ofloxacin solution, 0.3%. Microbiological eradication rates for these patients in the same clinical trial were 91% for ciprofloxacin and dexamethasone otic suspension compared to 82% for ofloxacin solution, 0.3%.

In 2 randomized multicenter, controlled clinical trials, ciprofloxacin and dexamethasone, otic suspension dosed 2 times per day for 7 days demonstrated clinical cures in 87% and 94% of per protocol evaluable AOE patients, respectively, compared to 84% and 89%, respectively, for otic suspension containing neomycin 0.35%, polymyxin B 10,000 units/mL, and hydrocortisone 1.0% (neo/poly/HC). Among culture positive patients' clinical cures were 86% and 92% for ciprofloxacin and dexamethasone, otic suspension compared to 84% and 89%, respectively, for neo/poly/HC. Microbiological eradication rates for these patients in the same clinical trials were 86% and 92% for ciprofloxacin and dexamethasone, otic suspension compared to 85% and 85%, respectively, for neo/poly/HC.

Storage

Store at 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F); excursions permitted to 15° to 30°C (59° to 86°F) [See USP Controlled Room Temperature].

Avoid freezing. Protect from light.

Advise the patient to read the FDA-approved patient labeling (Patient Information and Instructions for Use).

NDC 0832-1430-75

Ciprofloxacin and
Dexamethasone,
otic suspension

(ciprofloxacin 0.3% and
dexamethasone 0.1%)

STERILE OTIC SUSPENSION

FOR USE IN
EARS ONLY

7.5 mL
Rx only

UPSHER-SMITH

Carton (Ciprofloxacin 09)