Cortigen

Cortigen Eye/Ear Drops is used to treat bacterial eye infections such as conjunctivitis, and to treat infection or injury of the external ear canal. It may also be used to treat swelling, itchiness, and dryness in and around the ear canal.

The serious side effect, yet not so common, is increased pressure in the eye (intraocular pressure), and eighth cranial nerve toxicity that manifests symptoms like ringing in the ears (tinnitus), vertigo, or hearing disturbance. However, for eye use, the risk increases if you have a family history of glaucoma, myopia (short-sightedness), or diabetes. Also, Cortigen Eye/Ear Drops contains a steroid, and prolonged eye use (for more than 10 days) of a medicine containing a steroid increases the risk of cataract (clouding of the eye lens).

You should remove contact lenses before using Cortigen Eye/Ear Drops. Do not use Cortigen Eye/Ear Drops or any other eye medicine while wearing contact lenses if it contains a preservative called benzalkonium chloride (BAK), as BAK can damage the lenses or alter their properties. Always wait at least 15 minutes before reinserting your lenses after using Cortigen Eye/Ear Drops.

The exact time Cortigen Eye/Ear Drops takes to show results is not known. However, you may start noticing improvement in eye symptoms within 2 days of use. The full effects may take a few days to weeks to appear. For ear use, your doctor may reassess the need for Cortigen Eye/Ear Drops after 5–7 days of treatment to monitor for ototoxicity, and continue regular evaluations thereafter.

You should avoid touching the Cortigen Eye/Ear Drops tip to your eye, ear, or any surface to prevent contamination. Do not use Cortigen Eye/Ear Drops if the medicine changes color or becomes cloudy. After using Cortigen Eye/Ear Drops in the eye, you may experience temporary blurred vision, and you should not drive until your vision clears. Additionally, to prevent contamination and cross-infection, do not use the same Cortigen Eye/Ear Drops for both ear and eye infections. Also, do not share Cortigen Eye/Ear Drops with others, as this can spread infection.

You can use unopened (seal-packed) Cortigen Eye/Ear Drops until its expiry date. However, once opened, use it within 28 days (4 weeks), even if it has not expired. Discard any remaining medicine after this period. Also, make sure to store Cortigen Eye/Ear Drops below 30°C, keeping it away from light.

Individuals should not use Cortigen Eye/Ear Drops if they are allergic to any of the ingredients present in Cortigen Eye/Ear Drops, have viral or fungal infections of the eye such as herpes, or if there is an absence or hole in the eardrum (perforated tympanic membrane).