What is Otomize ear spray?

• Otomize ear spray contains three active ingredients, dexamethasone, neomycin and acetic acid.

What is Otomize ear spray used for?

• Treating inflammation and infection of the outer part of the ear canal (otitis externa).

How does Otomize ear spray work?

• Otomize ear spray contains three active ingredients, dexamethasone, neomycin and acetic acid.
• Dexamethasone belongs to a group of medicines known as corticosteroids, which are used for reducing inflammation. Inflammation in the ear may be a result of damage, irritation or infection of the skin inside the ear. It occurs because the immune system releases various substances that cause blood vessels to widen and result in the affected area becoming red, swollen and painful. Corticosteroids work by acting within cells to stop the release of these substances, thereby reducing swelling, redness and pain.
• Neomycin is a type of antibiotic called an aminoglycoside. It is used to treat infections caused by a wide variety of bacteria. Neomycin works by interfering with the production of proteins that are essential for the bacteria's survival. It binds to components in bacterial cells, making the bacteria produce abnormal proteins that can't perform their normal function. The production of these abnormal proteins ultimately kills the bacteria and this clears up the infection.
• Glacial acetic acid is included in this spray to produce an acid environment in the ear which is unfavourable for bacteria to survive in. This helps control any infection.

How do I use Otomize ear spray?

• Otomize ear spray is administered directly into the ear opening to produce a local effect in the outer ear canal.
• Shake the bottle well before each use.

Follow the instructions provided with the spray carefully. The spray should be primed before you use it for the first time by pressing the actuator down several times until a fine spray is produced. Make sure you point the spray away from yourself and other people while doing this. If you have not used the spray for longer than a week it will need to be reprimed in the same way before you use it again.

One spray should be administered into the affected ear(s) three times a day.

You should keep using this medicine for two days after your symptoms have cleared up to make sure that the infection is fully treated and thus minimise the chance of it coming back.

Otomize ear spray should disposed of four weeks after first opening it, because after this time the spray may be contaminated with germs. You may find it helpful to write the date of opening on the pack.

Consult your doctor if there is little or no improvement in your symptoms after seven days of treatment with this medicine.

Otomize ear spray should not be used in

• People with a perforated eardrum (due to increased risk of hearing damage - however some specialists do use this medicine cautiously in people with a perforated eardrum if the infection has not cleared up using other medicines).
• Babies under two years of age.
• This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy.

Is it safe to use Otomize ear spray if pregnant or breastfeeding?

• The safety of Otomize ear spray for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding has not been established. It should not be used during pregnancy and breastfeeding unless considered essential by your doctor, and only if the expected benefit to the mother is greater than any possible risk to the baby. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

Possible side effects of Otomize ear spray

• Medicines and possible side-effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side-effects which may be associated with this medicine. Just because a side-effect is listed here, this does not mean that everyone who uses this medicine will experience it, or any side-effect. If you are concerned about side-effects or experience an adverse reaction from your medicine, consult your GP.
• Temporary burning or stinging sensation for the first few days of treatment.
• You should read the patient information leaflet that is supplied with your medication for more information about side effects associated with it. 

If you think you have experienced side effects from this medicine you can report them using the yellow card scheme.

Can I use Otomize ear spray with other medicines?

• The medicines in Otomize ear spray are not known to affect other medicines when administered into the ear. It is safe to use painkillers such as paracetamol, ibuprofen and co-codamol if using Otomize ear spray.

References:

https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/22/smpc

https://www.netdoctor.co.uk/medicines/ear-nose-throat/a7290/otomize-ear-spray/

https://patient.info/medicine/dexamethasone-with-antibacterial-ear-spray-otomize

https://www.drugs.com/uk/otomize-ear-spray-leaflet.html