Otomax is used to treat bacterial infections of the outer ear in dogs. Otomax requires a prescription from your veterinarian.
For: Dogs
Benefits:
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Treats both acute and chronic ear infections
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Easy to administer - has the consistency of a solution with the prolonged contact time of an ointment
How it works:
By virtue of its three active ingredients Gentamicin, Betamethasone, and Clotrimazole, Otomax ointment provides antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antifungal activity to combat infections of the outer ear accompanied by inflammation.
Cautions:
Otomax may have negative interactions with other products. Disclose to your veterinarian everything you are giving your dog.
More Information:
Brand Name Otomax (Schering-Plough)
Generic Name Gentamicin Sulfate Veterinary, Betamethasone Valerate, USP and Clotrimazole, USP
What is the most important information I should know about Otomax:Otomax is a prescription medicine FDA approved for veterinary use in dogs. Otomax is available in 7.5gm, 15gm and 30gm tubes. Each gm contains gentamicin sulfate equivalent to 3mg gentamicin base, betamethasone valerate equivalent to 1mg betamethasone and clotrimazole 10mg. Prior to use the external ear should be cleaned and dried and excessive hair should be clipped from the treatment area. Otomax should not be used in pets with perforated ear drums.
What is Otomax: Otomax is an antimicrobial, corticosteroid and antifungal combination used on dogs for the treatment of acute and chronic otitis externa associated with yeast and/or bacteria susceptible to gentamicin. Otomax may also be used for purposes other than those listed.
What should I discuss with my veterinarian before using Otomax on my pet: Do not use Otomax if the pet has a viral or fungal infection. Tell your veterinarian if your pet is pregnant or lactating.
How should this medication be used: Use this medication exactly as directed by your veterinarian. If you do not understand the directions ask the pharmacist or veterinarian to explain them to you. The usual dose for dogs less than 30 lbs is 4 drops into the ear canal twice a day, and for dogs over 30 lbs use 8 drops into the ear canal twice a day. Store Otomax at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Keep out of the reach of children or pets.
What happens if I miss applying a dose: Apply the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next regularly scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and apply the next one as directed. Do not give a double dose of the medication.
What happens if I overdose the pet: An overdose of this medication is unlikely. If an overdose is suspected, seek emergency veterinary medical treatment.
What should I avoid while applying Otomax to my pet: Do not use this medication in pets allergic to it or any of the individual ingredients. Do not use in dogs with perforated ear drums. Discontinue use of this medication and contact the veterinarian if hearing loss is noted during treatment. Treatment beyond 7 days may lead to prolonged wound healing.
What are the possible side effects of Otomax: Side effects associated with this medication are related to the individual ingredients. Gentamicin, while absorbed poorly from the skin, when applied topically to large wounds, burns, or denuded skin for prolonged periods of time has a potential for reversible or irreversible ear and kidney toxicity. Following the use of injected or oral corticosteroids, side effects such as weight loss, loss of appetite, increased thirst and urination and vomiting and diarrhea may occur. Betamethasone is a corticosteroid but is applied topically. In humans, clotrimazole has been observed to occasionally cause redness of the skin, stinging, blistering, peeling, fluid retention, itching, hives and general irritation of the ski. Continue the medication and talk to your veterinarian about any side effect that seems unusual or bothersome to the animal.
What other drugs will affect Otomax: Before using Otomax, tell your veterinarian if your pet is using other antibiotic, antifungal or corticosteroid medications either topically or by mouth. Talk to the veterinarian or pharmacist before giving any prescription or over the counter medicines.
Where can I get more information: Your pharmacist has additional information about Otomax written for health professionals that you may read.
Directions:
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Otomax is a prescription medication used in dogs to treat acute and chronic otitis externa (outer ear infections) associated with yeast and/or bacteria susceptible to Gentamicin.
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Otomax is an antimicrobial, corticosteroid, and antifungal combination medication.
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Otomax should not be used in pets with perforated ear drums.
Tip: Prior to use the external ear should be cleaned and dried, and excessive hair should be clipped from the treatment area.
Dosage:
Pet
Weight
Dosage
Dogs:
Under 30 lbs
Apply 4 drops into the ear canal twice a day as directed by your veterinarian
Over 30 lbs
Apply 8 drops into the ear canal twice a day as directed by your veterinarian
Cats:
Horses:
Storage: Store this product at room temperature, away from moisture and heat.
Otomax:
Active Ingredients* (per gram)
Amount
Gentamicin Sulfate
3 mg
Betamethasone Valerate
1 mg
Clotrimazole
10 mg
* Ingredients in a mineral oil-based system containing a plasticized hydrocarbon gel.
My 10 year old female Pit Bull has allergies, She shakes ears and is a paw licker and gets yeast infections on paws and in ears. This is a great product and also another great one is Mometamax. She is now on a better dog food. "CALL OF THE WILD". grain free! The cheap food is usually the issue. We now make her natural homemade treats along with beef and chicken JERKY. You can find recieipes on internet. She is doing so GOOD NOW! We love our Pit!! The owner has to Raise them right just like Kids need to be or they would not get in the news......VERY, VERY SMART DOGS!!!!!!
My female Pitbull has had to use these drops for a while now. She has chronic ear infections and no one can explain it. My vet told me that if I spade her it will clear up but I think that is just their prejudice against pitbulls and not wanting them to reproduce. So far the Otomax drops, while not a permanet solution, are the only solution that works.They are a little pricy but but for now they are a good as it gets.
My poor lil' Ralphie (corgi/collie mix) has had to be on Otomax for quite some time. His ear infections are chronic, though, and most likely caused by food allergies. I've tried the expensive grain-free dog food (his vet gave me some samples to help save $$$$) but have not had any luck. As I don't have an extra couple hundred dollars to fork out on an allergy test, I opt to give him a couple drops of this wonder drug every month or so and it does the trick. It's also really important to clean their ears before you put the drops in (there are many ear cleaning solutions on the market). I've had several vets tell me that you are not supposed to give your dog this drug for more than a month as it can cause problems. As for those who complained of their poor pooches losing their hearing, keep in mind that there are side effects for pretty much every prescription drug on the market (both for us and animals) so you have to weigh those risks when you get the meds.
For Ralphie, it's served its purpose, but to each his own!
My black lab had a terrible yeast infection in his ears and was miserable. Otomax did work very well. My dog did not like getting treated, but felt much better afterwards!
My beagle has always had ear infections and I've always used Otomax, but that's really expensive. Does Zymox Octic do the same thing, and can I use it internally in his ear canals like Otomax? Should I get it with or without hydrocortisone? What about Animax as an option?
Otomax and Zymox Otic are entirely different products. Zymox is an over the counter product used to treat bacterial, yeast, and viral infections in the ear. Otomax is a prescription medication. You can certainly try Zymox Otic, but if you use Zymox you cannot use any other ear product at the same time. Your choice of using the Zymox with hydrocortisone would depend on whether there is any inflammation of the ear.
Unfortunately, Temaril-P is only sporadically available due to issues on the manufacturer's level. We are doing everything we can to maintain adequate stock on hand to satisfy the needs of our customers.
I'm sorry to hear that your veterinarian is being so restrictive. Many states have regulations that if the veterinarian were willing to sell the medication themselves that they must give a prescription to the client if requested. If your state is not one of those, at the very least refusing to give you a prescription could be considered unethical according to the American Veterinary Medical Association.
This information sheet is for educational purposes only and is intended to be a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise and professional judgment of your veterinarian. The information is NOT to be used for diagnosis or treatment of your pet. You should always consult your own veterinarian for specific advice concerning the treatment of your pet. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, allergic reactions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for your pet. It is not a substitute for a veterinary exam, and it does not replace the need for services provided by your veterinarian. Note: Any trademarks are the property of their respective companies.
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