Proper Use

Drug information provided by: Merative, Micromedex®

Use this medicine exactly 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. To do so may increase the chance of side effects.

This medicine should be used only in the ear. Do not put it into the eyes or nose, and do not take it by mouth. If this medicine is swallowed by accident or gets into your eyes, call your doctor right away.

You may warm the ear drops to body temperature (37 °C or 98.6 °F), but no higher, by holding the bottle in your hand for a few minutes before using the medicine. If the medicine gets too warm, it may break down and not work at all.

To use the ear drops:

  • Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water.
  • Shake the bottle well before using it.
  • Lie down or tilt your 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 prescribed number of drops 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 insert a gauze or cotton wick inside your ear and may want you to keep the wick moistened with this medicine. Your doctor also may have other directions for you, such as how long you should keep the wick inside your ear or when you should return to your doctor to have the wick replaced. If you have any questions about this, check with your doctor.
  • 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.

To help clear up your infection completely, keep using this medicine for the full time of treatment, even if your symptoms have disappeared. 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 dosage form (ear drops):
    • For ear canal infection:
      • Adults—4 drops into the affected ear 3 or 4 times a day.
      • Children—3 drops into the ear 3 or 4 times a day.
    • For mastoid cavity infection:
      • Adults—4 to 10 drops in the ear every 6 to 8 hours.
      • Children—4 or 5 drops in the ear every 6 to 8 hours.

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.

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Portions of this document last updated: Feb. 01, 2024

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