Otomax is used to treat bacterial infections of the outer ear in dogs. Otomax requires a prescription from your veterinarian.
For: Dogs
Benefits:
•
Treats both acute and chronic ear infections
•
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:
•
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.
•
Otomax is an antimicrobial, corticosteroid, and antifungal combination medication.
•
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.
Otomax
3.8
5
40
41
My Pom was a rescue in 2003 who had been beaten with a golf club by his owner. He has had ear infections and problems since. Otomax has been the only product to ease the pain and problems almost instantly when they flair up. His hearing is excellent and not problems what so ever with using this for years now.The vet tried another but it just didn't work as quickly and as well as Otomax. Two days max and Bear wasn't holding his head sideways and back to his playful self. He hearing is better than ours. :)
03/30/2013
Use just what is prescribed
My APBT had dirty ears with wax buildup and gunk and had a slight odor. The vet cleaned his ears and then applied a compact to seal a medicine in his ears. When I returned with the dog to get the compact out I was given Virbac Hexadene Flush, an antiseptic ear cleaner and Otomax. The vet said to flush the ears and then add just one drop of Otomax in each ear per day for no more than two days. Spread the one drop around the middle of the ear with your finger. Redness and odor and scratching are gone within hours. I've used the Virbac flush and Otomax (when ears were red and began to smell) several times and results were always excellent.
01/12/2013
Definitely Recommend
Our beautiful husky was stricken with allergies this past summer. His entire face was ladden with marks and open sores and as a result he would tend to scratch and irritate it even more. We went to our vet who did an allergy test and after receiving the results which listed 10+ ailments, we were at a loss as to what to do. After given severals medication, which weren't effective, my husband and I decided to see an allergy specialist. She gave us Otomax and from day one, the product proved effective. Not only did the spots on our dogs' healed nicely, he is almost back to his handsome self. I would most definitely recommedn this product.
01/07/2013
Otomax = hearing loss
It was not until we had two dogs go deaf that a vet suggested we not use Otomax because it possibly caused deafness. Works "great" on the ear infections.... but at the cost of no hearing at all. I recommend avoiding Otomax if at all possible.
06/26/2012
10 yr old terrier lost hearing
After 2 days of putting otomax drops in my beautiful Buddy for an ear infection, he is totally deaf now. He had great hearing before this. Can anyone tell me if this happened to them, if their dog's hearing came back later??
As the others, I was not told of this side effect, and I can't tell you how hearthbreaking this if for both my dog and myself!! Plse tell me if there if any hope for recovery?!!
03/03/2012
My great dane has had an infection in both ears for just over the last year that just won't go away. Finally got a vet (the first out of three!!!) to culture it, and its a pseudomonas bacteria #virus?). She prescribed this - fortunately she was able to special order a 215g bottle.
Has anyone used Otomax to treat a pseudomonas, and did it work?
your vet will need to examine the pet first and then determine if this item is the best course of treatment. The vet can call us or fax and email scripts to our pharmacists to fill for your pet. The other thing you can do is place an order with our customer care and we can call your vet for you to obtain permission to dispense this medication. Some vet offices prefer that you mail us the prescription.
The shelf-life of Otomax in its unopened sale package is approximately 24 months (two years). After opening the immediate packaging, the shelf-life is 14 days. Thank you.
These two medications are not the same; although they both are indicated for an external ear infection, they have different ingredients to help combat the inflammation (associated with infection).
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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