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Am Fam Physician. 2001;64(6):927-928

Table 2 of the article “Topical Fluoroquinolones for Eye and Ear” (October 15, 2000, page 1872) contained an error regarding the recommended use of the topical medication ciprofloxacin-hydrocortisone (Cipro HC). The table incorrectly states that Cipro HC, a nonsterile solution, is recommended for use in patients with acute otitis externa and acute otitis media with tympanic membrane perforation. According to the 55th edition of the Physicians’ Desk Reference, the use of Cipro HC is actually contraindicated in patients with a perforated tympanic membrane. However, the table correctly indicates that Floxin, a 0.3 percent sterile solution of ofloxacin, is indicated for use in patients with acute otitis externa, chronic suppurative otitis media with perforations and acute otitis media with tympanostomy tubes. The corrected table is reprinted above.

ConditionDrugDosage*DurationCost†
Acute otitis externaCiprofloxacin-hydrocortisone (Cipro HC)Adult: 3 drops, twice daily7 to 10 days$59.00‡/10 mL
Child: 3 drops, twice daily
Ofloxacin(Floxin)Adult: 10 drops, twice daily7 to 10 days34.00‡/5 mL
Child: 5 drops, twice daily
Polymyxin B– neomycin– hydrocortisone§ (Cortisporin)Adult: 5 drops, three to four times daily7 to 10 daysBrand: 42.00 (solution or suspension)/10 mL
Child: 4 drops, three to four times dailyGeneric: 10.00 to 28.00/10 mL
Acute otitis media with tympanostomy tubesOfloxacinAdult: 5 drops, twice daily10 to 14 daysSame as above
Child: 5 drops, twice daily
Polymyxin B– neomycin– hydrocortisone§Adult: 5 drops, three to four times daily10 to 14 daysSame as above
Child: 4 drops, three to four times daily
Chronic suppurative otitis mediaOfloxacinAdult: 10 drops, twice daily14 to 21 daysSame as above
Child: 5 drops, twice daily
Polymyxin B– neomycin– hydrocortisone§Not recommendedSame as above

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