Proper Use

Drug information provided by: Merative, Micromedex®

Use this medicine only as directed by your doctor. Do not use more of it, do not use it more often, and do not use it for a longer time than your doctor ordered.

This medicine is for use only in your ears. Do not get any of it into your eyes, nose, or mouth. Rinse it off right away if it does get on these areas.

To use the ear drops:

  • Before applying this medicine, clean the ear canal thoroughly and dry it with a sterile cotton applicator.
  • You may warm the ear drops to body temperature by holding the bottle in your hand for a few minutes. If it gets too warm, the medicine may not work properly.
  • Shake the bottle well before using it.
  • Wash your hands before and after using this medicine.
  • Lie down or tilt the head so that the infected ear faces up. Gently pull the earlobe up and back for adults (down and back for children) to straighten the ear canal. Drop the medicine into the ear canal. Keep the ear facing up for about 5 minutes to allow the medicine to coat the ear canal. For young children and other patients who cannot stay still for 5 minutes, try to keep the ear facing up for at least 1 or 2 minutes.
  • Your doctor may also insert a cotton wick into your ear soaked with the medicine. Keep it moist by adding more medicine every 4 hours. Replace the cotton wick at least once every 24 hours.
  • To keep the medicine as germ-free as possible, do not touch the dropper to any surface (including the ear). Also, keep the container tightly closed. Serious damage to the ear and possible loss of hearing may result from using contaminated ear medicines.

To help clear up your infection completely, keep using this medicine for the full time of treatment, even if you feel better after the first few doses. The infection may not clear up if you stop using the medicine too soon. Do not miss any doses.

Dosing

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

  • For otic (ear drops) dosage form (suspension):
    • For infections of the ear canal:
      • Adults—Instill 5 drops into the ear 3 or 4 times a day.
      • Children 1 year of age and older—Instill 4 drops into the ear 3 or 4 times a day.
      • Children younger than 1 year of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of this medicine, apply it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule.

Storage

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.

Portions of this document last updated: April 01, 2024

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