Benzocaine, Otic

What are other names for this medicine?

Type of medicine: anesthetic (pain reliever)

Generic and brand names: benzocaine, otic; Americaine Otic; Omedia; Oticaine; Otocain

What is this medicine used for?

This medicine is used in your ears to relieve pain and itching from ear infections and injuries. It does not treat infections.

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

Before taking this medicine, tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had:

• an allergic reaction to any medicine
• a ruptured eardrum (hole in your eardrum)

Females of childbearing age: Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine without your healthcare provider's approval.

How do I use it?

Use this medicine exactly as your healthcare provider prescribes or according to the instructions on the medicine package. Do not use more or less or use it longer than directed. Do not use for more than one week without checking with your provider.

Before applying the drops, hold the bottle in your hand for a minute or two to warm the medicine. Cold ear drops may cause dizziness. Shake the bottle well just before using the drops.

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. Close the container tightly.

Do not use this medicine at the same time as you use other eardrops.

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.

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 your condition does not improve in a few days or if it gets worse (such as a discharge from the ear), contact your healthcare provider.

Do not use this medicine for any other condition unless your healthcare provider approves.

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.

Life-threatening (Report these to your healthcare provider right away. If you cannot reach your healthcare provider right away, get emergency medical care or call 911 for help): Allergic reaction (hives; itching; rash; trouble breathing; tightness in your chest; swelling of your lips, tongue, and throat).

Serious (report these to your healthcare provider right away): Burning, itching, swelling, redness, rash.

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

What products might interact with this medicine?

No significant drug interactions have been reported for this medicine.

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.

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.