Description
Otomax is an ear ointment used in dogs by or on the order of a licensed veterinarian to treat acute and chronic ear infections caused by yeast and/or bacteria susceptible to gentamicin.
Fact Table |
Formula |
C21H43N5O7 |
License |
US DailyMed |
Bioavailability |
limited bioavailability by mouth |
Legal status |
Rx-only |
Chemical Name |
Gentamicin / Betamethasone / Clotrimazole |
Elimination half-life |
2 h |
Dosage (Strength) |
Otic Ointment for Dogs |
Pregnancy |
Consult Doctor |
Brands |
Otomax Ointment |
Protein binding |
0–10% |
PubChem CID |
3467 |
MedlinePlus |
a682275 |
ChEBI |
27412 |
ATC code |
D06AX07 |
DrugBank |
DB00798 |
KEGG |
D08013 |
Routes of administration |
Ointment |
Directions
Otomax ointment is used in the ears of dogs only.
Otomax ointment is available in 7.5 gram and 15 gram tubes. It is also available in 15 gram, 30 gram, and 215 gram plastic bottles.
Follow the instructions that come with your dog's Otomax ointment prescription. Talk to your veterinarian or pharmacist about any questions or concerns you may have.
Before administering Otomax ointment, clean and dry your dog's external ear. Inspect and remove any foreign materials or debri using appropriate non-irritating solutions. Clip any hair away from the treatment area. Make sure your dog's eardrum is intact. This will prevent damage to the cochlea or vestibular apparatus and prevent a middle ear infection from developing.
Dogs weighing less 30 pounds:
If using the 7.5 gram or 15 gram tube, or the 15 gram or 30 gram bottle, place 4 drops of Otomax ointment into your dog's ear canal two times a day. If using the 215 gram bottle, place 2 drops into your dog's ear canal two times a day. To make sure your dog receives the appropriate dose of medication, massage your dog's external ear canal. Continue treatment for 7 days.
Dogs weighing 30 pounds or more:
If using the 7.5 gram or 15 gram tube, or the 15 gram or 30 gram bottle, place 8 drops of Otomax ointment into your dog's ear canal two times a day. If using the 215 gram bottle, place 4 drops into your dog's ear canal two times a day. To make sure your dog receives the appropriate dose of medication, massage your dog's external ear canal. Continue treatment for 7 days.
Ingredients
Gentamicin sulfate, an antibiotic, betamethasone valerate, a synthetic adrenocorticoid, and clotrimazole, an antifungal, are the active ingredients contained in Otomax ointment.
Contraindications
Do not use Otomax ointment if your dog is allergic to any of its ingredients. If your dog has a reaction to Otomax ointment, stop using it and contact your veterinarian.
Do not use Otomax ointment with other medications that can cause hearing damage.
Do not use Otomax ointment if your dog has perforated eardrums.
Cautions
- Do not use Otomax ointment in humans.
- Before you dog begins treatment with Otomax ointment, it's important to discuss the following with your veterinarian:
- Your dog's medications, including supplements
- Your dog's allergies
- Your dog's medical problems
- If your dog is pregnant or you plan to breed your dog
- If your dog is nursing
- Do not allow your dog to ingest Otomax ointment.
- Otomax ointment may cause deafness or temporary hearing loss. If you notice changes in your dog's hearing, stop Otomax right away and flush your dog's ear canal with a nontoxic solution.
- The use of corticosteroids may cause harm to an unborn puppy.
Side Effects
Otomax ointment may be associated with side effects such as elevated SAP and SGPT enzymes, hearing problems, kidney problems, weight loss, thirst, production of large amounts of urine, diarrhea (may be blood), vomiting, and skin redness, irritation, blistering, stinging, peeling, swelling, itching, or pain. These are not all the possible side effects that can occur during your dog's treatment with Otomax ointment. Contact your veterinarian immediately if your dog develops side effects that concern you or won't go away.
Reference:
Otomax Product Label. Madison, NJ: Merck Animal Health; 2017.
About Dr. Savannah Muncy (Page Author)
Dr. Muncy (PharmD) studied science and education as an undergraduate before attending the Appalachian College of Pharmacy where she completed her PharmD in three years. She is currently using her pharmacy and healthcare expertise to write medical content for clients all around the world. She is focused on delivering the most current, accurate, and engaging information to healthcare professionals and patients. Read More....
IMPORTANT NOTE:
The above information is intended to increase awareness of health information and does not suggest treatment or diagnosis. This information is not a substitute for individual medical attention and should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. See your health care professional for medical advice and treatment.
Product Code : 9672