This medication is usually used 3 or 4 times a day or as directed by your doctor. The ear canal should be clean and dry before using this medication.
For accuracy and to avoid contamination, have another person insert the drops if possible. Before using, hold the container in your hand for a few minutes in order to warm it. This will minimize dizziness.
To apply ear drops, wash your hands first. To avoid contamination, do not touch the dropper tip or let it touch your ear or any other surface. Shake the container well before using.
Lie on your side with the treated ear upward. Hold the dropper directly over the ear and place the prescribed number of drops into the ear canal. To help the drops roll into the ear of an adult, hold the earlobe up and back. For children, hold the earlobe down and back. Keep the head tilted with the treated ear upward for 5 minutes or insert a soft cotton plug if so directed. Another way to give this medication is to place a cotton wick in the ear canal and moisten it with the prescribed number of drops as often as directed. The wick should be replaced at least once a day.
Repeat the above steps for the other ear if so directed. Do not rinse the dropper. Replace the cap after use.
Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same times each day. Continue using it for the full time prescribed, even if symptoms disappear after a few days. Stopping this medication too early may allow bacteria to continue to grow, which may result in a relapse of the infection.
Do not use this medication more often than prescribed or continue to use it for longer than 10 days.
Tell your doctor if your condition lasts or gets worse.
Do not use in the eye.
What is this medication?
NEOMYCIN; POLYMYXIN B; HYDROCORTISONE (nee oh MYE sin; pol i MIX in B; hye droe KOR ti sone) is used to treat ear infections.
This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): AK-Spore HC, AK-Spore HC Otic, Antibiotic Otic, Cortisporin, Cortomycin, Oti-Sone, Oticin HC, Otimar, Otocidin
What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
How should I use this medication?
This medicine is only for use in the ears. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Wash hands before and after use. Clean your ear of any fluid that can be easily removed. Do not insert any object or swab into the ear canal. Gently warm the bottle by holding it in the hand for 1 to 2 minutes. Lie down on your side with the infected ear facing upward. Try not to touch the tip of the dropper to your ear, fingertips, or other surface. Squeeze the bottle gently to put the prescribed number of drops in the ear canal. Stay in this position for 30 to 60 seconds to help the drops soak into the ear. Repeat the steps for the other ear if both ears are infected. Do not use your medicine more often than directed. Finish the full course of medicine prescribed by your doctor or health care professional even if you think your condition is better.
Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for selected conditions, precautions do apply.
Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, use only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
What may interact with this medication?
Interactions are not expected. Do not use other ear products without talking to your doctor or health care professional.
This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.
What should I watch for while using this medication?
Tell your doctor or health care professional if your ear infection does not get better in a few days. Do not use longer than 10 days unless instructed by your doctor or health care professional.
If rash or allergic reaction occurs, stop the product immediately and contact your physician.
It is important that you keep the infected ear(s) clean and dry. When bathing, try not to get the infected ear(s) wet. Do not go swimming unless your doctor or health care professional has told you otherwise.
To prevent the spread of infection, do not share ear products, or share towels and washcloths with anyone else.
What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?
Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Where should I keep my medication?
Keep out of the reach of children.
Store at room temperature between 15 and 25 degrees C (59 and 77 degrees F). Do not freeze. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.