1. Anatomy of an Ear Infection Slideshow Pictures
2. Take the Ear Infection Quiz
3. Tinnitus (Ringing of the Ears) Slideshow Pictures

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using acetic acid, antipyrine, benzocaine, and polycosanol otic (Otic Edge, Treagan)?

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to acetic acid, antipyrine, benzocaine, or polycosanol, or if you have a hole in your ear (ruptured ear drum) or discharge from your ear.

To make sure you can safely use this medication, tell your doctor if you have severe ear pain, fever, or hearing problems.

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether this medication will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medication.

It is not known whether acetic acid, antipyrine, benzocaine, and polycosanol otic passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I use acetic acid, antipyrine, benzocaine, and polycosanol otic (Otic Edge, Treagan)?

Use exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Otic medications are for use only the ear. Do not take otic medication by mouth or apply it to the skin.

Wash your hands before and after using this medication.

Warm the container by holding it in your hands for at least a minute. Using cold ear drops may cause dizziness when you place the medicine into your ear.

To use the ear drops:

• Remove the cap from the dropper bottle. Lie down or tilt your head with your ear facing upward. Pull back on your ear gently to open up the ear canal. To give this medicine to a child, pull down on the earlobe to open the ear canal.
• Hold the dropper upside down over the ear canal and drop in enough medicine to fill your ear canal.
• Wet a small piece of cotton with the medicine by placing a few drops on it. Place the cotton into the ear canal to plug the ear and keep the medicine from draining out.
• You may need to use this medicine every 1 to 2 hours until your pain is relieved. Follow your doctor's instructions.
• To remove earwax, use this medication for 2 or 3 days. Then gently rinse your ear canal with warm water using a bulb syringe to remove leftover earwax.
• Wipe the dropper tip with a clean tissue. Do not wash the tip with water or soap.
• Do not place the dropper tip into your ear, or allow the tip to touch any surface, including your ears or hands. It may become contaminated.

Do not use the medication if it has changed colors or has particles in it. Call your doctor for a new prescription.

Use this medication for the full prescribed length of time. Your symptoms may improve before the condition is completely cleared. Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve, or if they get worse while using the medication.

Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.

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