"Combinil-Duo" is produced in the form of a solution for instillation. It is intended for local use only. The medicine is used in otolaryngological and ophthalmic practice, it can be buried in the ears and eyes. This is a combined medication consisting of an antibiotic and a corticosteroid. It has an antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effect on the organs of hearing and vision. At the same time, it penetrates into the bloodstream in a very small amount and does not affect the whole body as a whole. This makes the use of the drug safe.
Composition and effect of the drug
Combinil-Duo contains two active components:
- Ciprofloxacin. The substance has antibacterial properties. It refers to antibiotics from the group of fluoroquinolones. Ciprofloxacin disrupts the formation of DNA in the cells of pathogens, which leads to their death. This substance affects most gram-negative bacteria, as well as staphylococci, streptococci, listeria and diphtheria bacillus.
- Dexamethasone. It is a synthetic corticosteroid hormone similar to adrenal gland secretion. It reduces the permeability of small vessels, as well as reduces the manifestations of allergies and relieves inflammation.
The medicine is released in the form of drops. For ear and eye use, the same form of the drug is used. Drops are a colorless solution. It is poured into 5 ml vials. 1 mg of the solution accounts for 3 mg of antibiotic and 1 mg of corticosteroid.
Indications
With inflammation of the eyes and ears of an infectious etiology, doctors prescribe the drug "Combinil-Duo." The instruction reports that the following diseases are indications for the use of drops:
- inflammation (otitis media) of the outer and middle parts of the ear;
- conjunctivitis;
- inflammation of the cornea and iris (keratitis and uveitis);
- inflammatory lesions of the eyelids (in particular, blepharitis).
In addition, drops are prescribed for prophylactic purposes after eye surgery. This helps prevent infectious complications.
Contraindications
However, for some diseases and conditions, the use of the Combinil-Duo preparation is contraindicated. Instructions for use prohibit the use of the medication in the following cases:
- If the inflammatory process in the eyes or ears is of a viral or fungal origin. These drops can only affect bacteria.
- Also, the drug is contraindicated in case of tuberculous eye damage.
- In pediatric practice, drops are not used. They can be used only from the age of 18.
- Drops are strictly contraindicated during pregnancy and lactation.
- Drops are not prescribed for an allergic reaction to fluoroquinolone antibiotics and corticosteroids.
Also, this drug is not recommended for purulent inflammation of the eyes. In such cases, the use of drops may mask or aggravate the manifestations of the disease.
Unwanted effects
Most often, the drug is well tolerated by patients. However, the instruction for drops "Combinil-Duo" warns of possible unwanted effects:
- When instilled into the eyes, irritation may occur. It is accompanied by burning and itching. At the same time, the patient's eyelids swell and eyesight worsens, a sensation of a foreign body and fear of light appear. In rare cases, conjunctivitis and keratitis occur.
- Long-term use of the drug can lead to increased intraocular pressure and the development of glaucoma.
- When instilled into the ear canal, pain, itching, and stuffy ear may occur.
- With increased sensitivity to the components of the drug, an allergic reaction is possible, which is accompanied by swelling of the face and rashes on the skin.
When instilling a large amount of the drug into the eyes, overdose may occur. Itching and burning in the eyes, increased separation of the lacrimal fluid. Pointed foci of inflammation appear on the cornea, and the eyelids swell. In this case, you need to rinse your eyes urgently and seek the help of an ophthalmologist.
How to apply drops
In infectious and inflammatory pathologies of the organ of vision, the drug is used as eye drops. "Combinil-Duo" is instilled under the eyelid 4-6 times a day. The recommended single dose of the medicine is 1 - 2 drops.
The duration of treatment may vary:
- with blepharitis and conjunctivitis - 5-14 days;
- with keratitis - 15-30 days;
- after operations on the organ of vision - 5-30 days.
If the medicine is used for more than 10 days, then intraocular pressure should be regularly measured.
With external and average otitis media, the drug is used as ear drops. “Combinil-Duo” is instilled into the ear 4 drops twice a day. In this case, the patient should lie on his side up with a sore ear. After instillation, you need to stay in a lying position for a while, so that the solution completely penetrates the ear. To improve the condition, a course of treatment lasting 7 days is usually sufficient.
special instructions
When instilling the drug into the eyes, it is necessary to remove contact lenses. They can be worn again no earlier than 20 minutes after the procedure, since drops can ruin soft optics.
Before ear application, you need to warm the drops. To do this, hold the bottle in your hands for several minutes. You should also clear the ear canal of sulfur before using the medicine.
The first time after instillation of the drug into the eyes, blurred vision may persist. Therefore, you should not drive the car immediately after the procedure.
Interaction with other medicines
“Combinil-Duo” has a mainly local effect and enters the bloodstream in very small quantities. Therefore, the medicine interacts little with other medicines. However, some drugs can enhance the effect of dexamethasone, which is part of the drops. These include:
- antifungal drug "Ketoconazole";
- macrolide antibiotics.
Anticonvulsants, barbiturates and anti-tuberculosis drugs enhance the metabolism of corticosteroid hormones.
If drops are used together with other antibiotics, then this potentiates their bactericidal effect.
Storage, price and similar preparations
"Combinil-Duo" is recommended to be stored at a temperature of no more than +25 degrees. The plugged solution is suitable for use for 2 years. If the bottle has already been opened, then it must be used within 1 month.
The cost of the drug in pharmacies is from 320 to 620 rubles. For many patients, this price seems high, so they are interested in cheaper analogues of Combinil-Duo. It is impossible to select a drug with a completely identical composition. However, there are drops for the eyes and ears, which also contain dexamethasone and an antibiotic. But they include antibacterial substances of other groups. These drops have a similar effect. These include:
- Dexon
- Sofradex
- Genodex
- Pledrex.
Dexon, Genodex and Pledrex drugs are very difficult to find in pharmacy chains. The cost of Sofradex is also quite high, it ranges from 350 to 430 rubles.
Drops can be attributed to analogues in therapeutic action:
- "Ciprofloxacin-Solofarm";
- "Dexamethasone Bufus";
- Betaciprol.
Their price is from 20 to 100 rubles. However, these drugs are not combined. They contain either an antibiotic or dexamethasone. Therefore, they are less effective.
Reviews about the drug
Patients leave a lot of positive feedback about the drops. This drug in many cases helps to get rid of eye inflammation in just a few days. It effectively eliminates itching and burning during seasonal exacerbation of allergic conjunctivitis.
The reviews reported on the effectiveness of drops for inflammation in the ears. They quickly eliminate shooting pain and discomfort. Some patients write that the drug helped to quickly remove the manifestations of otitis media in a child. However, in childhood, such drops are better not to use, since they contain potent hormones.
The downside of this medication, patients consider its high cost. The price is quite high for a small amount of medicine. In some patients, this agent caused dryness and discomfort in the eyes. This is a disadvantage of most hormonal drops. In such cases, you can additionally use moisturizing preparations for the eyes, they will help reduce discomfort.