Important Note

The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug.

HYDROCORTISONE/CHLOROXYLENOL/PRAMOXINE - OTIC DROPS

(hi-dro-KOR-tih-sown/klor-oh-ZIGH-len-ohl/pram-OX-een)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Cortane-B, Cortic, Exotic-HC, Otomar-HC

Uses

This medication is used to treat external ear infections.

How To Use

For external use only. Avoid contact with the eyes. For accuracy and to avoid contamination, have another person insert the drops if possible. To apply ear drops, wash hands first. To avoid contamination, do not touch the dropper tip or let it touch your ear or any other surface. Lie on your side or tilt the affected ear upward. Place the dropper directly over the ear and administer the prescribed number of drops (3 or 4 drops are used three or four times daily or as directed). To help the drops roll into the ear (for adults) hold the earlobe up and back or (for children) hold the earlobe down and back. Keep the head tilted for about two minutes or insert a soft cotton plug if so directed (consult your pharmacist). Do not rinse the dropper. Replace cap after use. For best results, this medication must be used for the full time prescribed, then promptly discontinue use. Stopping this medication too soon, however, may not clear the infection and may result in a reinfection. Treatment is for 10 days or as directed. If symptoms persist after 10 days, notify your doctor promptly. This medication should not be placed in the ear if the eardrum is punctured.

Side Effects

Burning, itching, irritation, dryness, rash (or other skin problems) might occur. If these persist or worsen, notify your doctor. Very unlikely but report promptly: unusual increase in urination, rounding out of the face, fever, weakness, unusual weight loss, loss of appetite, bulging "soft spot" on infant's head, headaches, vision problems. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Precautions

Before using this drug, tell your doctor your medical history, including: allergies, especially drug allergies), infections (e.g., varicella or vaccinia), chronic or prolonged, ear infection (e.g., chronic otitis media). This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is not known whether this drug is excreted into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding. Prolonged use (months) of this drug may require temporary use of supplemental corticosteroids (e.g., hydrocortisone) during severe stress (e.g., major surgery or severe injury, or serious infection). This warning applies for one year after stopping use of this drug. Be sure your doctor and pharmacist know all of your past and present medication use. Children may be more sensitive to the corticosteroid in this medication, though generally this medication, used for short periods, is safe. Prolonged (months to years), continued treatment with corticosteroids may interfere with growth in children.

Drug Interactions

Tell your doctor of all nonprescription and prescription medication you may use. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

Overdose

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. This medicine may be harmful if swallowed.

Notes

This medication has been prescribed for your current condition only. Do not use it later for another infection or give it to someone else. A different medication may be necessary in those cases.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.

Storage

Store at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) away from light and moisture.