Medications and Drugs

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

Brand Names: Oticaine

Generic Name: benzocaine otic (Pronunciation: BENZ o kane OH tik)

• What is benzocaine otic (Oticaine)?
• What are the possible side effects of benzocaine otic (Oticaine)?
• What is the most important information I should know about benzocaine otic (Oticaine)?
• What should I discuss with my health care provider before using benzocaine otic (Oticaine)?
• How should I use benzocaine otic (Oticaine)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Oticaine)?
• What happens if I overdose (Oticaine)?
• What should I avoid while using benzocaine otic (Oticaine)?
• What other drugs will affect benzocaine otic (Oticaine)?
• Where can I get more information?

What is benzocaine otic (Oticaine)?

Benzocaine is a local anesthetic (numbing medication). It works by blocking nerve signals in your body.

Benzocaine otic is used to treat pain, itching, and irritation caused by infection or injury of the ear. Benzocaine will not treat the infection.

Benzocaine otic may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What are the possible side effects of benzocaine otic (Oticaine)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call you doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• skin rash;
• severe itching or burning in your ear; or
• pain, redness, or swelling of your ear.

Other less serious side effects are more likely to occur, such as mild stinging, burning, or irritation in the ear.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about benzocaine otic (Oticaine)?

Use this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not use it in larger amounts or for longer than recommended by your doctor.

Before using benzocaine otic, tell your doctor if you have any allergies.

If you miss a dose, use the medication as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and wait until your next regularly scheduled dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

Do not place the dropper tip into your ear, or allow the tip to touch any surface. It may become contaminated. Wipe the tip of the medicine bottle with a clean tissue. Do not wash the dropper tip with water or soap.

Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse during the first few days of treatment with benzocaine otic.

Stop using this medication and get emergency medical help if you think you have used too much medicine, or if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Less serious side effects are more likely, and you may have none at all. Talk to your doctor about unusual or bothersome any side effect.

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