Cetraxal Plus Ear Drops

What is Cetraxal Plus?

Cetraxal Plus is a medication used to treat bacterial ear infections, also known as otitis externa. It comes in the form of ear drops and contains two active ingredients: ciprofloxacin, which is an antibiotic, and dexamethasone, which is a corticosteroid. Ciprofloxacin works by killing the bacteria causing the infection, while dexamethasone helps reduce inflammation and relieve pain and discomfort associated with the infection. Cetraxal Plus is typically prescribed by healthcare professionals for its effectiveness in treating ear infections and its convenient administration directly into the ear canal.

How does Cetraxal Plus work?

Cetraxal Plus works through its two active ingredients: ciprofloxacin and dexamethasone.

1. Ciprofloxacin: This is an antibiotic that belongs to the fluoroquinolone class. It works by inhibiting the growth and replication of bacteria responsible for the infection. Ciprofloxacin targets bacterial DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV, enzymes essential for bacterial DNA replication, ultimately leading to bacterial cell death. By eliminating the bacteria causing the infection, ciprofloxacin helps clear up the infection and alleviate associated symptoms.
2. Fluocinolone: This is a corticosteroid with anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive properties. Fluocinolone reduces inflammation and swelling in the ear canal, providing relief from pain, itching, and discomfort associated with the infection. By suppressing the immune response in the affected area, Fluocinolone helps to control the body's reaction to the infection, further reducing symptoms.

When combined, ciprofloxacin and fluocinolone in Cetraxal Plus offer a dual-action approach to treating bacterial ear infections. Ciprofloxacin targets the underlying bacterial cause of the infection, while fluocinolone helps alleviate inflammation and discomfort, providing comprehensive relief and promoting faster healing.

Can Cetraxal Plus treat blocked ear wax?

Cetraxal Plus is specifically formulated to treat bacterial ear infections, also known as otitis externa. It contains ciprofloxacin, an antibiotic, and dexamethasone, a corticosteroid, which work together to combat bacterial infections and reduce inflammation in the ear canal.

However, Cetraxal Plus is not intended for the treatment of blocked ear wax, which is known as cerumen impaction. Cerumen impaction occurs when ear wax accumulates and blocks the ear canal, leading to symptoms such as ear fullness, hearing loss, and discomfort.

For the treatment of cerumen impaction, other types of ear drops or solutions may be recommended by healthcare professionals. These products are specifically designed to soften and dissolve ear wax, facilitating its removal from the ear canal. Additionally, cerumen impaction may sometimes require manual removal by a healthcare provider using specialized tools or techniques.

Can Cetraxal Plus relieve glue ear?

Glue ear is where the empty middle part of the ear canal fills up with fluid. This can cause temporary hearing loss. Unfortunately, ear drops and decongestants aren’t usually very effective unless there are signs of infection. Glue ear usually clears up within 3 months but if symptoms persist it’s best to speak to your GP for further advice.

How does Cetraxal Plus help swimmers?

Cetraxal Plus is not typically indicated for the treatment of glue ear, also known as otitis media with effusion (OME). Glue ear is a condition where fluid accumulates in the middle ear behind the eardrum, leading to symptoms such as hearing loss, ear fullness, and discomfort.

Cetraxal Plus is primarily used to treat bacterial ear infections (otitis externa), and it contains ciprofloxacin, an antibiotic, and dexamethasone, a corticosteroid, which work together to combat bacterial infections and reduce inflammation in the ear canal.

Glue ear, on the other hand, is often managed through watchful waiting, especially in cases where the condition resolves on its own without treatment. However, if glue ear persists or causes significant symptoms, healthcare professionals may recommend treatments such as ventilation tubes (tympanostomy tubes), nasal sprays, or medications to reduce nasal congestion and inflammation.

It's essential to consult with a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and management of glue ear to determine the most appropriate treatment approach based on the individual's specific circumstances and symptoms.

How to use Cetraxal Plus

For use on the external ear only

1. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
2. Shake the unit dose vial well before use.
3. Tilt your head to the side or lie down with the affected ear facing upward.
4. Gently pull the earlobe of the affected ear upward and backward to open the ear canal.
5. Hold the dropper tip directly over the ear canal and instill the prescribed number of drops into the ear. Avoid touching the ear with the dropper tip to prevent contamination.
6. Keep the head tilted for about 1 minute to allow the drops to penetrate into the ear canal.
7. Repeat the process for the other ear if necessary, using a separate dropper if both ears are affected.
8. Recap the bottle tightly.
9. Wash your hands again after use.

Follow the instructions provided by your healthcare provider or pharmacist regarding the dosage and frequency of Cetraxal Plus ear drops. It's essential to complete the full course of treatment as prescribed, even if symptoms improve before the medication is finished.

How long does Cetraxal Plus take to work?

The time it takes for Cetraxal Plus to work can vary depending on the severity of the ear infection and individual factors. In many cases, patients may begin to experience relief from symptoms such as pain and discomfort within a few days of starting treatment. However, it's important to complete the full course of treatment as prescribed by your healthcare provider, even if symptoms improve before the medication is finished.

Typically, bacterial ear infections treated with Cetraxal Plus should show significant improvement within the first few days of treatment. If symptoms persist or worsen despite using the medication as directed, it's essential to consult your healthcare provider for further evaluation and guidance.

Remember to follow the instructions provided by your healthcare provider or pharmacist regarding the dosage and duration of treatment with Cetraxal Plus. If you have any concerns or questions about the effectiveness of the medication or the progress of your condition, don't hesitate to discuss them with your healthcare provider.

Cetraxal Plus ingredients

Each vial of Cetraxal Plus contains the active ingredients: fluocinolone acetonide, ciprofloxacin hydrochloride

The other ingredients are: Polysorbate 80, Glycerin, Povidone, Purified water

Cetraxal Plus side effects

Common side effects associated with its use include:

1. Ear discomfort or pain
2. Itching or irritation in the ear
3. Headache
4. Changes in taste sensation
5. Dizziness
6. Nausea

These side effects are usually mild and temporary. However, if any of these symptoms persist or worsen, it's important to contact your healthcare provider.

In rare cases, some individuals may experience more severe side effects, such as allergic reactions. Symptoms of an allergic reaction to Cetraxal Plus may include rash, itching or swelling of the face, tongue, or throat, severe dizziness, or trouble breathing. If you experience any signs of a severe allergic reaction, seek immediate medical attention.

Cetraxal Plus warnings

Before using Cetraxal Plus Ear Drops, please ensure that you have read all the information detailed in the Patient Information Leaflet.

You should not use this medication if you have grommets fitted or a perforated eardrum.

Speak to a doctor before use if you have a mitochondrial disease or you have an open wound or damaged skin in the affected ear. Excessive use of this product may cause hearing loss or deafness.

You should not use this treatment more than three times a year. If you find you are regularly suffering from ear infections, you should consult your doctor as there may be an underlying cause.

Sources

• https://www.medicines.org.uk/e...
• https://bnf.nice.org.uk/drugs/...