Ciprofloxacin and Hydrocortisone
Cipro HC is a combination medication containing ciprofloxacin (an antibiotic) and hydrocortisone (a corticosteroid) that is used to treat certain ear infections. The antibiotic component works by killing susceptible bacteria, while the corticosteroid helps reduce inflammation, swelling, and discomfort in the affected ear. This medication is available as ear drops and is typically prescribed for infections of the outer ear canal and certain middle ear conditions.
Cipro HC is an ear drop medication combining an antibiotic and steroid to treat bacterial ear infections by eliminating the infection while reducing inflammation.
Key facts at a glance
- RxNorm
- 216063
- Generic
- Cipro Hc
- Class
- brand-name
- Brands
- —
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- —
- Forms
- —
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Cipro HC is used to treat acute otitis externa (commonly known as swimmer's ear) caused by susceptible bacteria, as well as acute otitis media with tympanostomy tubes (ear infections following ear tube placement). It targets bacterial infections of the ear while addressing associated inflammation and discomfort.
Ciprofloxacin, the fluoroquinolone antibiotic component, works by inhibiting bacterial DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV, enzymes essential for bacterial DNA replication and repair. Hydrocortisone is a corticosteroid that reduces inflammation by suppressing the immune response and decreasing the release of inflammatory mediators, helping to alleviate swelling, redness, and pain in the infected ear.
Cipro HC is for otic use only (applied directly into the ear canal). It should not be used if the ear drum is perforated or if there is a known hypersensitivity to fluoroquinolones or corticosteroids. Patients should complete the full prescribed course even if symptoms improve. Common side effects may include ear discomfort, itching, or rash at the application site. This is a prescription medication that should only be used under the direction of a healthcare provider.
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed July 26, 2026. · Read our editorial policy