ANTI-INFLAMMATORY DRUGS, STEROIDAL (Otic)

Brand & Generic Names

Ak-Dek
BETAMETHASONE (Otic)
Betnesol
Cortamed
Cortisol
Decadron
DECAMETHASONE (Otic)
HYDROCORTISONE (Otic)
I-Methasone

Basic Information

• Habit forming? No
• Prescription needed? Yes
• Available as generic? No
• Drug class: Anti-inflammatory, steroidal (otic); adrenocorticoid (otic)

Uses

• Treats allergic conditions involving external ear.
• Used together with antibiotics to treat ear infections.
• Treats seborrheic and eczematoid dermatitis involving the ear.

Dosage & Usage Information

How to use:
Ear drops
Warm ear drops under running water around the unopened bottle.
Lie down with affected ear up.
Adults--Pull ear lobe back and up.
Children--Pull ear lobe down and back.
Drop medicine into ear canal until canal is full.
Stay lying down for 2 minutes.
Gently insert cotton plug into ear to prevent leaking. Ear ointment
Apply small amount to skin just inside the ear canal.
Use finger or piece of sterile gauze.
Don't use cotton-tipped applicators.

When to use:
As directed by your doctor.

If you forget a dose:
Use as soon as you remember.

What drug does:
Decreases tissue inflammation, decreases scarring.

Time lapse before drug works:
15 minutes.

Don't use with:
Other ear medications unless directed by your doctor.

Overdose

SYMPTOMS:
None expected.

WHAT TO DO:

Not intended for internal use. If child accidentally swallows, call poison-control center.

Possible Adverse Reactions or Side Effects

Life-threatening:

None expected.

Common:

None expected.

Infrequent:

Itching, burning, redness, swelling.

Rare:

None expected.

Warnings & Precautions

Don't use if:
You are allergic to any of the medications listed under Brand and Generic Names.

Before you start, consult your doctor:

• If eardrum is punctured.
• If you have a viral infection.
• If you have a fungal ear infection.

Over age 60:
No problems expected.

Pregnancy:
No problems expected. Consult doctor.

Breast-feeding:
No problems expected. Consult doctor.

Infants & children:
Use small amounts only.

Prolonged use:
Not intended for prolonged use.

Skin & sunlight:
No problems expected.

Driving, piloting or hazardous work:
No problems expected.

Discontinuing:
No problems expected.

Others:
Keep cool, but don't freeze.

Possible Interaction with Other Drugs

GENERIC NAME	COMBINED EFFECT
------------------------	-----------------------

Possible Interaction with Other Substances

INTERACTS WITH	COMBINED EFFECT
---------------	---------------
Alcohol:	None expected.
Beverages:	None expected.
Cocaine:	None expected.
Foods:	None expected.
Marijuana:	None expected.
Tobacco:	None expected.