Ciprogift: A Brand of Ciprofloxacin – Uses, Side Effects & Safety

What it is

Ciprogift is a brand of ciprofloxacin, which belongs to the fluoroquinolone class of antibiotics. Ciprofloxacin works by stopping the growth of bacteria. The clinical details below come from studies of ciprofloxacin used as eye drops for certain eye infections.

What it's used for

Ciprofloxacin, the active ingredient in Ciprogift, is used to treat bacterial infections of the eye, specifically corneal ulcers and conjunctivitis. These infections can be caused by bacteria such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Haemophilus influenzae.

How it's taken

For corneal ulcers, the typical regimen involves putting two drops into the affected eye every 15 minutes for the first six hours, then every 30 minutes for the rest of the first day. On day two, two drops are given hourly. From day three through day fourteen, two drops are placed every four hours. Treatment may continue after 14 days if the cornea has not healed. For conjunctivitis, the dosing schedule may be different. Always follow your doctor's prescription.

Common side effects

The most common side effect is local burning or discomfort. In studies, about 17% of patients using frequent eye drops developed white crystalline deposits on the eye. Other side effects (occurring in less than 10% of patients) include crusting at the eyelid margin, crystals or scales, a gritty or foreign body sensation, itching, redness of the eye, and a bad taste after putting in the drops. Less common effects (under 1%) include staining of the cornea, allergic reactions, and eye inflammation.

Important cautions

Do not use Ciprofloxacin if you have a history of allergy to ciprofloxacin or any other quinolone antibiotic. Serious allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) have occurred with quinolones, even after the first dose. Signs include swelling of the face or throat, difficulty breathing, hives, and tingling. This medication is not for injection into the eye. If you experience severe allergic symptoms, seek emergency medical help immediately.

Frequently asked questions