$Unique_ID{BRK03184} $Pretitle{} $Title{hydrocortisone, polymyxin B, and neomycin combination (otic)} $Subject{AK-Spore Otic Akorn Cortatrigen Modified Ear Drops Goldline Cortisporin Burroughs Wellcome Drotic Ascher Ortega-Otic M Ortega Otocort Lemmon Otomycin-Hpn Misemer adrenocorticosteroid antibiotic hydrocortisone polymyxin B neomycin superficial bacterial infections outer ear fluid balance temperature reaction inflammation cortisone-like inflammation redness swelling itching pain antibiotics prevent growth multiplication bacteria} $Volume{} $Log{} Copyright (C) 1993 Publications International, Ltd. hydrocortisone, polymyxin B, and neomycin combination (otic) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ BRAND NAMES (Manufacturers) AK-Spore H.C. Otic (Akorn) Cortatrigen Modified Ear Drops (Goldline) Cortisporin Otic (Burroughs Wellcome) Drotic (Ascher) Ortega-Otic M (Ortega) Otocort (Lemmon) Otomycin-Hpn Otic (Misemer) TYPE OF DRUG Otic adrenocorticosteroid and antibiotic INGREDIENTS hydrocortisone, polymyxin B, and neomycin DOSAGE FORMS Otic solution (1% hydrocortisone, 10,000 units polymyxin B, and 5 mg neomycin per ml) Otic suspension (1% hydrocortisone, 10,000 units polymyxin B, and 5 mg neomycin per ml) STORAGE The medication should be stored at room temperature (never frozen) in tightly closed, light-resistant containers. USES This medication is used to treat superficial bacterial infections of the outer ear. Your adrenal glands naturally produce certain cortisone-like chemicals. These chemicals are involved in various regulatory processes in the body (such as those involving fluid balance, temperature, and reaction to inflammation). Hydrocortisone belongs to a group of drugs known as adrenocorticosteroids (or cortisone-like medications). It is used to relieve inflammation (redness, swelling, itching, pain). Polymyxin B and neomycin are antibiotics, which act to prevent the growth and multiplication of the infecting bacteria. TREATMENT For accuracy, and in order to avoid contamination, another person should insert the ear drops if possible. To warm the drops before administration, roll the bottle back and forth between your hands. DO NOT place the bottle in boiling water; high temperatures destroy the medication. Before administration, the suspension form of this medication should be shaken well. The contents tend to settle on the bottom of the bottle, so it is necessary to shake the container to distribute the ingredients evenly and equalize the doses. To administer the ear drops, tilt the head to one side with the affected ear turned upward. Grasp the earlobe and gently pull it upward and back to straighten the ear canal. (If administering ear drops to a child, gently pull the earlobe downward and back.) Fill the dropper and place the prescribed number of drops into the ear. Be careful not to touch the dropper to the ear canal, since the dropper can easily become contaminated. Keep the ear tilted upward for about five minutes. Your doctor may want you to put a piece of cotton soaked with the medication into your ear to keep the medicine from leaking out. To avoid contamination, DO NOT wash or wipe the dropper after you use it. If you miss a dose, administer as soon as possible, unless it is almost time for the next dose. In that case, don't use the missed dose at all; return to your regular dosing schedule. It is important to continue to take this medication for the entire time prescribed by your doctor, even if the symptoms of infection disappear before the end of that period. If you stop using the drug too soon, resistant bacteria are given a chance to continue growing, and the infection could recur. SIDE EFFECTS Minor. Burning sensation upon application. The burning should disappear as your body adjusts to the medication. Major. Tell your doctor about any side effects that are persistent or particularly bothersome. IT IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about itching, rash, redness, or swelling at the site of application. INTERACTIONS This medication should not interact with any other medications as long as it is used according to directions. WARNINGS * Tell your doctor about unusual or allergic reactions you have had to medications, especially to hydrocortisone or any other adrenocorticosteroids (such as amcinonide, betamethasone, clocortolone, cortisone, desonide, desoximetasone, dexamethasone, diflorasone, flumethasone, fluocinolone, fluocinonide, fluorometholone, flurandrenolide, halcinonide, methylprednisolone, prednisolone, prednisone, and triamcinolone), to polymyxin B, or to neomycin or any related antibiotic (such as amikacin, colistimethate, colistin, gentamicin, kanamycin, netilmicin, paromycin, streptomycin, tobramycin, or viomycin). * Tell your doctor if you now have or if you have ever had viral or fungal infections of the ear, a punctured eardrum, myasthenia gravis, or kidney disease. * Do not use this medication for longer than ten consecutive days, unless your doctor directs you to do so. If there is no change in your condition within two or three days after starting to take this medication, contact your doctor. The medication may not be effective for the type of infection you have. * This medication has been prescribed for your current infection only. Another infection later on, or one that someone else has, may require a different medicine. You should not give your medicine to other people or use it for other infections, unless your doctor specifically directs you to do so. * Be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant. If large amounts of hydrocortisone are applied for prolonged periods, some of it will be absorbed and may cross the placenta. Studies in humans have not been conducted, but birth defects have been observed in the offspring of animals that were given large oral doses of hydrocortisone during pregnancy. Also, tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding an infant. If absorbed through the skin, small amounts of the drug pass into breast milk and may cause growth suppression or a decrease in natural adrenocorticosteroid hormone production in the infant. ---------------- The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace the counsel and advice of your personal physician. Promptly consulting your doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical problem.