Otomax Ear Drops Suspension 14ml/Pack

Otomax Ear Drops Suspension general information

What is Otomax Ear Drops Suspension used for?

Otomax Ear Drops Suspension is a combination medication used as a topical treatment for acute otitis externa in dogs; also, for treatment of short term exacerbation of the acute signs of chronic external otitis.  Otitis externa is an infection of the outer ear that is caused by bacteria particularly Staphylococcus intermedius and/or fungi, particularly Malassezia pachydermatis.  Otomax Ear Drops Suspension is also effective for treating inflammation that is caused by the infection and helps relieve symptoms including itching, discomfort, redness and swelling. 

How does Otomax Ear Drops Suspension work?

Otomax Ear Drops Suspension is a white opaque liquid suspension containing the antibiotic gentamicin, the steroid betamethasone and the antifungal clotrimazole that work together to treat infection and inflammation of the outer ear in dogs.  Gentamicin sulphate in Otomax Ear Drops Suspension is an aminoglycoside antibiotic and is effective against a wide range of susceptible bacteria that can cause ear infection in dogs.  It works by inhibiting bacterial protein synthesis, which prevents the bacteria from producing important proteins needed to grow and kills the bacteria.  Betamethasone in Otomax Ear Drops Suspension is a synthetic topical corticosteroid, with anti-inflammatory and anti-pruritic activity that works by blocking the production of inflammatory chemicals like prostaglandins and leukotrienes.  Betamethasone inhibits the cyclooxygenase (COX 1 and COX 2) enzyme that is specifically involved in prostaglandin production.  Clotrimazole in Otomax Ear Drops Suspension is a broad spectrum antifungal used to treat fungal infections of the skin.  It is effective against the yeast Malassezia pachydermatis (formerly Pityrosporum canis) that causes ear infections in dogs.  It works by inhibiting the synthesis of ergosterol, an important component of fungal cell membrane that is not found in animal cells.  This weakens the fungal cell membrane causing the cell contents to leak out killing the fungus.  The three components of Otomax Ear Drops Suspension work together to fight the infection that causes otitis; they also help relieve symptoms of inflammation caused by the infection. 

What does Otomax Ear Drops Suspension contain?

Otomax Ear Drops Suspension contains the active ingredients gentamicin base (as sulfate) 2640 IU, betamethasone (as valerate) 0.88 mg, and Clotrimazole 8.80 mg, that work together to treat infection and inflammation of the outer ear in dogs.  It also contains a paraffin liquid plasticised hydrocarbon gel base. 

Treating ear infections in dogs with Otomax Ear Drops Suspension

Otomax Ear Drops Suspension contains the antibiotic gentamicin, the steroid betamethasone and the antifungal clotrimazole that work together to treat chronic and acute otitis externa in dogs, which is infection and inflammation of the outer ear caused by a yeast fungal infection and/or a bacterial infection.  Gentamicin in Otomax Ear Drops Suspension is an antibiotic effective against a wide range of susceptible bacteria that can cause ear infection in dogs.  Clotrimazole is a broad spectrum antifungal that works by weakening the fungal cell membrane causing the cell contents to leak out killing the fungus.  Betamethasone is a synthetic corticosteroid anti-inflammatory that inhibits the production of inflammatory chemicals and helps relieve symptoms of inflammation caused by the infection, including itching, discomfort, redness and swelling. 

What are the side effects of Otomax Ear Drops Suspension?

The most commonly reported side effects when taking Otomax Ear Drops Suspension include deafness or partial hearing loss and impaired balance in some sensitive dogs due to gentamicin; increased thirst and urinating due to betamethasone, which if used for prolonged periods or ingested can cause vomiting and diarrhoea, also symptoms of long-term corticosteroid use like immunosuppression, thinning of the skin and delayed wound healing healing.  Clotrimazole may cause some skin irritation.

When should Otomax Ear Drops Suspension not be used?

You should not use Otomax Ear Drops Suspension if your dog:

• is allergic to gentamicin, betamethasone or clotrimazole or any ingredients in Otomax Ear Drops Suspension
• is pregnant or lactating
• has a perforated eardrum
• is taking other medicines that can cause damage to the inner ear (ototoxicity) such as other similar antibiotics, some diuretics and some non-steroidal anti-inflammatories, when used in conjunction with gentamicin in Otomax

How should Otomax Ear Drops Suspension be given?

You should clean and dry your dog’s ear before applying Otomax Ear Drops Suspension, remove any debris or crusting with a non-irritable solution and clip away any hair that would get in the way of treatment.  Add the appropriate number of drops of Otomax Ear Drops Suspension into your dog’s ear, depending on their size and massage the ear to ensure it has penetrated into the ear and distributed evenly.  Avoid contact with the eyes. You should apply the Otomax Ear Drops Suspension twice daily for 7 days but no longer as continued used could prevent wound healing.  

Dose:

One drop corresponds to 66.9 IU gentamicin, 22.3mcg betamethasone and 223 mcg clotrimazole.  

Of your dog’s body weight is:

Less than 15 kg (33 lb)              apply 4 drops

More than 15 kg (33)                  apply 8 drops

How long should you apply Otomax Ear Drops Suspension?

You should apply the Otomax Ear Drops Suspension daily for 7 days but no longer as continued used could prevent wound healing.  

Missed dose of Otomax Ear Drops Suspension

If you miss a dose of Otomax Ear Drops Suspension apply it as soon as you remember, unless it is time to apply the next dose, then skip the missed dose.  Do not apply a double dose.

How should Otomax Ear Drops Suspension be stored?

You should store your Otomax Ear Drops Suspension below 25°C in a cool dry place.