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 health care provider before using benzocaine otic (Oticaine)?

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

FDA pregnancy category C. This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.

It is not known whether benzocaine 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 benzocaine otic (Oticaine)?

Use this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not use the medication in larger amounts, or use it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Use this medicine only in the affected ear. You may not need to use it in both ears.

Wash your hands before using this medicine.

To use the ear drops, first 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. Hold the dropper upside down over your ear canal and drop the correct number of ear drops into the ear.

Do not place the dropper tip into your ear, or allow the tip to touch any surface. It may become contaminated.

After using the ear drops, stay lying down or with your head tilted for at least 2 minutes. You may use a small piece of cotton to plug the ear and keep the medicine from draining out. Follow your doctor's instructions about the use of cotton.

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.

Store this medication at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

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