Cetraxal Plus Ear Drops

Cetraxal Plus Antibiotic Ear Drops for Ear Infections

What are Cetraxal Plus Ear Drops?

Cetraxal Plus Ear Drops is an antibiotic treatment containing ciprofloxacin 0.5% as the active ingredient. The ear drops contain both an antibiotic and a corticosteroid, making them particularly effective for treating bacterial infections accompanied by inflammation. They’re used to treat bacterial infections of the outer ear canal, a condition known as acute otitis externa or swimmer’s ear.

The drops work by delivering the antibiotic directly into the ear canal, where it targets and kills the bacteria causing the infection. This direct application means the medication works right where it’s needed, providing effective relief from painful ear infection symptoms.

How Does Cetraxal Plus Work?

Cetraxal Plus contains ciprofloxacin, which belongs to a group of antibiotics called fluoroquinolones. These antibiotics work by interfering with the way bacteria reproduce and repair themselves.

When you apply Cetraxal Plus to your ear, the ciprofloxacin enters the bacterial cells and blocks an enzyme called DNA gyrase. This enzyme is essential for bacteria to copy their DNA and multiply. Without it, the bacteria can’t grow or repair damage to their cells, so they die off.

As the infection clears, the symptoms you’ve been experiencing – like pain, itching, discharge, and that blocked feeling in your ear – will gradually improve. Most people notice their symptoms improving within a few days of starting treatment, although it’s essential to complete the full course to ensure the infection is completely cleared.

What is Cetraxal Plus Ear Drops Used For?

Cetraxal Plus Ear Drops is specifically used to treat acute otitis externa, which is a bacterial infection of the outer ear canal. This condition is sometimes called “swimmer’s ear” because it’s common in people who spend a lot of time in water, though anyone can develop it.

Common symptoms of outer ear infections include:

• Ear pain that can range from mild discomfort to severe, throbbing pain
• Itching inside the ear canal
• Redness and swelling of the outer ear
• Discharge from the ear, which may be clear, yellow, or pus-like
• A feeling of fullness or blockage in the ear
• Reduced hearing in the affected ear
• Tenderness when you touch or pull on your outer ear

Cetraxal Plus works by targeting the bacteria causing these symptoms, helping to clear the infection and relieve your discomfort. The antibiotic is effective against a wide range of bacteria commonly responsible for ear infections.

Who Can Use Cetraxal Plus Ear Drops?

Cetraxal Plus Ear Drops is suitable for adults and children aged 6 months and older who have been diagnosed with a bacterial ear infection (acute otitis externa).

However, Cetraxal Plus may not be suitable for everyone. You should consult your doctor or pharmacist before using Cetraxal Plus if you:

• Are allergic to ciprofloxacin, other quinolone antibiotics, or any other ingredients in the ear drops
• Have a perforated eardrum (a hole or tear in the eardrum)
• Have a history of tendon problems related to quinolone antibiotics
• Are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding
• Have any other ear conditions or ongoing ear problems
• Are already using other ear medications

Before starting treatment with Cetraxal Plus, always inform your doctor or pharmacist about any medications you’re taking and any medical conditions you have. If you’re unsure whether Cetraxal Plus is right for you, speak to a healthcare professional for advice.

How to Use Cetraxal Plus Ear Drops

1. Wash your hands thoroughly before using the ear drops.
2. Gently clean any discharge from the outer ear with a clean tissue.
3. Warm the single-dose container by holding it in your hands for a few minutes. Using drops that are too cold can cause dizziness or discomfort.
4. Lie down or tilt your head to one side with the affected ear facing upward.
5. Gently pull the outer ear upward and backwards (for adults) or downward and backwards (for children) to straighten the ear canal.
6. Squeeze the contents of one single-dose container into the ear canal. The usual dose is the full contents into the affected ear twice daily.
7. Stay lying down or keep your head tilted for at least 1 minute to allow the drops to reach deep into the ear canal. You may gently press the small flap of skin at the front of the ear canal (the tragus) a few times to help the drops flow in.
8. If both ears are affected, repeat the process for the other ear.
9. Wipe away any excess liquid from the outer ear with a clean tissue.
10. Wash your hands again after application.

The usual treatment course is 7 days. Continue using Cetraxal Plus for the full course prescribed by your doctor, even if your symptoms improve before the treatment is finished. Stopping too early may cause the infection to return.

Side Effects of Cetraxal Plus Ear Drops

Like all medications, Cetraxal Plus Ear Drops can cause side effects, although not everyone experiences them. Most side effects are mild and affect the area where you’ve applied the drops.

Common Side Effects

• Ear discomfort or irritation
• Itching in the ear
• Temporary stinging or burning sensation when first applied
• Unpleasant taste
• Ear pain

Uncommon Side Effects

• Headache
• Dizziness
• Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
• Blocked feeling in the ear
• Ear discharge

Rare Side Effects

• Severe allergic reactions such as skin rash, swelling of the face or throat, or difficulty breathing
• Fungal infection in the ear (superinfection)
• Hearing problems

If you experience any side effects, particularly if they’re severe or persistent, contact your doctor or pharmacist. Most mild side effects will settle down as the infection clears. If you notice any signs of an allergic reaction or your symptoms get significantly worse, stop using Cetraxal Plus and seek medical attention immediately.

You can report side effects to the MHRA (Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency) through the Yellow Card Scheme to help monitor the safety of the medication.

Cetraxal Plus Ear Drops Ingredients

Active ingredients: Ciprofloxacin 3 mg/ml and Fluocinolone acetonide 0.25 mg/ml.

Other ingredients: Polysorbate 80, glycerin, povidone, and purified water.

Free from: Preservatives.

Cetraxal Plus Warnings

• Do not use Cetraxal Plus if you are allergic to ciprofloxacin, other quinolone antibiotics, or any other ingredients in the ear drops. Check the ingredients list carefully before use.
• For ear use only. Do not swallow or use in the eyes. If accidental contact with the eyes occurs, rinse thoroughly with water.
• Do not use if you have a perforated eardrum unless specifically directed by your doctor, as this could cause further damage or complications.
• If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, consult your doctor or pharmacist before using Cetraxal Plus. While the amount absorbed into the body is minimal with ear drops, it’s important to discuss any potential risks with your healthcare provider.
• If your symptoms don’t improve after a few days of treatment, or if they get worse, stop using the drops and speak to your doctor. This could indicate that you need a different treatment or that the infection isn’t bacterial.
• Don’t share your Cetraxal Plus with others, even if they have similar symptoms. Ear infections need proper diagnosis and treatment.
• Avoid getting water in your ears while using Cetraxal Plus. Don’t go swimming and try to keep your ears dry when showering or bathing.
• Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use and store it in a cool, dry place. Do not use after the expiry date or more than 28 days after first opening the bottle.