Antipyrine/Benzocaine, Otic

What are other names for this medicine?

Type of medicine: analgesic (painkiller); earwax remover

Generic and brand names: antipyrine and benzocaine, otic; Allergen Ear Drops; Auralgan Otic; Auroto Otic; Ear Drops; Otocalm; A/B Otic; Analgesic Otic; Antiben; Aurodex; Dolotic

What is this medicine used for?

This medicine is used in the ears to relieve the pain and irritation caused by certain infections. It may also be used to help remove earwax.

What should my healthcare provider know before I take this medicine?

Tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had:

• an allergic reaction to any medicine
• ear discharge
• a ruptured eardrum (hole in the eardrum)

Females of childbearing age: Talk with your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine without your healthcare provider's approval.

How do I use it?

This medicine works best when warmed to body temperature. Hold the bottle in your hand for a few minutes to warm the medicine. Check the label on the medicine for directions about your specific dose. Shake the bottle before using.

Wash your hands before and after using this medicine. To keep from contaminating the medicine, do not touch the tip of the dropper to your ear or any other surface.

Lie on your side with the ear that needs the medicine up. For adults, hold the top part of the ear up and back. For children under the age of 3 years, hold the earlobe down and back. Put in the number of drops prescribed. Stay lying down for a minute or two, or put a clean cotton plug in the ear to keep the medicine from running out when you get up. After use, wipe the tip of the dropper with a clean tissue. Do not rinse the dropper after use. Close the container tightly.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for the next scheduled dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and use the next one as directed. Do not use double doses. If you are not sure of what to do if you miss a dose, contact your healthcare provider.

What if I overdose?

An acute overdose of this medicine is not likely to cause life-threatening symptoms. If you think that you or anyone else may have taken too much of this medicine, call the poison control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I watch out for?

If you are using this medicine to remove earwax, use a soft rubber syringe to gently flush your ear with warm water after using the medicine for a couple of days. If you are not sure how to do this correctly, ask your healthcare provider to do this for you.

Avoid swimming until your ear infection has cleared up.

What are the possible side effects?

Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.

Serious (report these to your healthcare provider right away): Severe burning, itching, swelling, redness, oozing sores in your ears

Other: Mild stinging or burning when the medicine is used.

What products might interact with this medicine?

No significant drug interactions have been reported.

Keep a list of all your medicines with you. List all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.

How should I store this medicine?

Store this medicine at room temperature. Keep the container tightly closed. Protect it from heat, high humidity, and bright light. Throw away this medicine 6 months after you first use it.

This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.

Ask your pharmacist for the best way to dispose of outdated medicine or medicine you have not used. Do not throw medicine in the trash.

Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.

Do not share medicines with other people.