Concerns Regarding Ciprofloxacin/Dexamethasone Ear Drops
Hello, I am a London resident, M42 175, with no known allergies, ongoing medications, or health concerns. For the past four days, I've been experiencing a blockage in my left ear, accompanied by discomfort. I suspect this is due to a combination of earwax accumulation and inflammation from swimming at the beach during my recent vacation. While I haven't had any fever or discharge, there's noticeable pain whenever I rest on my left side or eat. I consulted a general practitioner who prescribed me Ciprofloxacin and dexamethasone ear drops. To my surprise, my research online revealed several alarming side effects associated with this medication. I found information not only on various Reddit discussions but also from official government websites, which raised some serious concerns: https://www.gov.uk/drug-safety-update/fluoroquinolone-antibiotics-new-restrictions-and-precautions-for-use-due-to-very-rare-reports-of-disabling-and-potentially-long-lasting-or-irreversible-side-effects I'm questioning how this prescription was deemed appropriate for my condition. Are there any safer alternatives to these ear drops that I could consider? Thank you!
Answers (1)
9/10/2025, 11:01:42 PM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to have concerns about the medication prescribed to you, especially with what you've found regarding its side effects. Let’s break this down clearly.
Main Points
You are experiencing ear discomfort likely due to a combination of earwax and swimming-related inflammation. Your GP prescribed Ciprofloxacin and dexamethasone ear drops to address potential infection and inflammation. While these medications can be effective, it's important to weigh their benefits against potential concerns.
Explanation
Ciprofloxacin is an antibiotic that targets bacterial infections, while dexamethasone is a steroid that reduces inflammation. They can be suitable for treating certain types of ear conditions, especially if there's suspicion of infection combined with inflammation. However, your concerns about side effects, especially given they can be rare but serious, are valid.
Next Steps
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Monitor Symptoms: Pay attention to how your symptoms develop over the next few days. If you notice any worsening (e.g., fever, green/yellow discharge, increasing pain), seek additional medical advice.
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Consider Over-the-Counter Relief: You can use over-the-counter pain relievers (like ibuprofen or acetaminophen) to manage discomfort and inflammation in the meantime.
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Earwax Management: If you suspect earwax blockage, you might try a saline ear rinse or a few drops of mineral oil to help soften earwax, but avoid anything that could push the wax further into the ear canal.
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Further Consultation: If your symptoms do not improve after a few days of using the ear drops, consider discussing alternative treatments with your GP—such as other types of ear drops or even manual earwax removal, if that’s the issue.
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Communication: Contact your doctor to express your concerns about the medication. They can provide clarity on why it was prescribed and discuss any safer alternatives.
Your health and comfort are the top priorities, so don’t hesitate to advocate for what feels right for you. Let me know if you need more help or have further questions!
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