Ciprofloxacin/dexamethasone

Ciprofloxacin/dexamethasone is a combination medication containing the quinolone antibiotic ciprofloxacin and the corticosteroid dexamethasone. It is used in the treatment of acute otitis media and acute otitis externa (inflammation of the inner and outer ear) in patients with tympanostomy tubes.

Etymology

The name "ciprofloxacin" is derived from the compound's chemical name, which is itself derived from the Greek word "kipros", meaning "Cyprus", and "floxacin", a suffix used in pharmaceutical nomenclature that refers to the quinolone class of antibiotics. "Dexamethasone" is derived from its chemical name, which is itself derived from "dexamethasone", a synthetic member of the glucocorticoid class of steroid hormones.

Pharmacology

Ciprofloxacin is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic, which works by inhibiting the bacterial enzymes DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV, which are necessary for bacterial DNA replication, transcription, repair, and recombination. Dexamethasone is a corticosteroid, which works by decreasing the body's immune response to reduce symptoms such as swelling and allergic-type reactions.

Indications

Ciprofloxacin/dexamethasone is indicated for the treatment of acute otitis media and acute otitis externa in patients with tympanostomy tubes. It is also used off-label for the treatment of other types of bacterial infections.

Side Effects

Common side effects of ciprofloxacin/dexamethasone include ear discomfort, ear pain, and ear pruritus. Serious side effects may include tendon rupture, muscle weakness, and allergic reactions.

Contraindications

Ciprofloxacin/dexamethasone is contraindicated in patients with a history of hypersensitivity to quinolones or corticosteroids.

See Also

• Ciprofloxacin
• Dexamethasone
• Otitis media
• Otitis externa

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