Cetraxal Plus Ear Drops

Cetraxal Plus Ear Drops are a clinically proven prescription treatment used for:

• Bacterial infections of the outer ear canal (otitis externa) in adults
• Ear infections causing pain, inflammation, discharge, and discomfort
• Otorrhoea in patients with tympanostomy tubes where clinically appropriate
• Cases where both antibiotic and anti-inflammatory ear treatment is required
• Adults experiencing acute bacterial ear infections that require prescription treatment

Cetraxal Plus is a prescription combination ear drop containing two active ingredients that work together to treat bacterial ear infections directly at the site of infection. Ciprofloxacin is a broad-spectrum fluoroquinolone antibiotic that eliminates the bacteria causing the infection by inhibiting the enzymes responsible for bacterial DNA replication. Dexamethasone is a potent corticosteroid that reduces the inflammation, swelling, and pain associated with infection in the ear canal. Together they provide comprehensive dual-action treatment that addresses both the infection itself and its uncomfortable symptoms. Each pack contains 15 single-dose containers. If both of your ears are infected, you will need to order two packs, one for each ear, to ensure you have sufficient doses for a complete 7-day course of treatment in both ears.

Cetraxal Plus works through two complementary mechanisms delivered directly into the infected ear. Ciprofloxacin penetrates bacterial cell walls and inhibits the enzymes responsible for DNA replication, killing the bacteria causing the infection and preventing it from spreading. Dexamethasone suppresses the inflammatory response in the ear canal, reducing the redness, swelling, pain, and discomfort that accompany bacterial infection. By combining these two actions in a single ear drop treatment, Cetraxal Plus delivers both immediate symptom relief and direct treatment of the underlying bacterial infection.

Instil the contents of one single-dose container into the affected ear every 12 hours for 7 days. Always follow the instructions in your Patient Information Leaflet and the advice of your prescriber.

To use correctly: warm the bottle in your hands for a few minutes before use to reduce discomfort, wash your hands before and after application, shake the vial well before use, tilt your head or lie with the affected ear facing upward, pull the outer ear gently upward and backward to help the drops enter the ear canal, instil 6 to 8 drops as directed without touching the dropper tip to your ear or any other surface, keep your head tilted for approximately one minute after application to allow the drops to absorb, then return to an upright position.

Do not touch the dropper tip to the ear or any surface to avoid contamination. Do not swallow, inject, use in the eyes, or inhale. Complete the full 7-day course even if symptoms begin to improve before treatment is finished. If both ears are affected, order two packs and treat each ear separately.

Cetraxal Plus is generally well tolerated. Common mild and temporary side effects may include ear discomfort, itching, mild ear pain, headache, dizziness, and temporary changes in taste. Mild irritation or discharge may also occasionally occur.

Rare but serious side effects include allergic reactions with symptoms such as rash, swelling of the face, lips, or throat, or difficulty breathing, worsening or new infection, and visual disturbances. Stop the medication and seek urgent medical help immediately if you develop signs of a severe allergic reaction or experience blurred vision.

Do not use Cetraxal Plus if you are allergic to ciprofloxacin, fluocinolone, or similar quinolone antibiotics, if you have viral infections of the ear such as herpes or chickenpox-related ear infections, or if you have a fungal ear infection unless specifically advised by a clinician.

Do not use if you have a perforated eardrum or grommets fitted unless specifically prescribed by your prescriber for that purpose. Do not touch the dropper tip to any surface and do not use other ear preparations at the same time unless advised by your clinician.

Speak to your prescriber before use if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Use with caution if you have a history of hypersensitivity to quinolone antibiotics. If symptoms do not improve after completing treatment, if pain, discharge, or hearing loss worsens, or if you experience dizziness, rash, or visual changes, stop use and seek medical advice. If you experience recurrent infections of two or more episodes within six months, further medical assessment is recommended.

For full prescribing information, complete ingredients list, and detailed safety guidance, please read the official Patient Information Leaflet before using Cetraxal Plus Ear Drops. The full PIL is available at www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/9805/pil

What is Cetraxal Plus used for? Cetraxal Plus Ear Drops are prescribed to treat bacterial infections of the outer ear canal, known as otitis externa, in adults. Its dual-action formula combines ciprofloxacin (antibiotic) and dexamethasone (corticosteroid) to eliminate bacteria and reduce inflammation simultaneously.

How many packs do I need if both ears are infected? Each pack contains 15 single-dose containers designed to treat one ear over a 7-day course. If both of your ears are infected, you will need to order two packs, one for each ear, to complete a full course of treatment in both ears. Please select a quantity of two at the point of order if both ears are affected.

How do I use Cetraxal Plus Ear Drops correctly? Warm the bottle in your hands before use, wash your hands, and shake the vial. Lie with the affected ear facing upward and gently pull the outer ear to open the canal. Instil 6 to 8 drops as directed, keeping your head tilted for one minute after application. Do not touch the dropper tip to the ear or any surface. Use every 12 hours for 7 days and complete the full course.

How quickly does Cetraxal Plus work? Ciprofloxacin begins acting against bacteria from the first application, while the anti-inflammatory effect of dexamethasone typically provides symptom relief within the first few days of regular use. Continue the full 7-day course for complete treatment.

Can I use Cetraxal Plus if I have a perforated eardrum? You should speak to your prescriber before using Cetraxal Plus if you have a perforated eardrum or grommets fitted. Our prescribers will assess your suitability during the online consultation.

What are the side effects of Cetraxal Plus? Common mild side effects include ear discomfort, itching, mild ear pain, headache, dizziness, and temporary taste changes. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience signs of a severe allergic reaction, worsening symptoms, or visual disturbances.

Can I use Cetraxal Plus alongside other ear medications? You should avoid using other ear preparations at the same time unless specifically advised by your prescriber. Always disclose all current medications during your consultation.