Otomax®
Generic Name:
Gentamicin sulfate + Betamethasone valerate + Clotrimazole Ointment
This ear medication contains an antibacterial, an anti-inflammatory and an antifungal. It is useful for treating acute or chronic canine otitis externa (outer ear infections) when caused by yeast or bacteria susceptible to gentamicin.
- A combination of an aminoglycoside antibiotic (gentamicin sulfate), an adrenocorticoid (betamethasone) and an antifungal agent (clotrimazole)
- Used in dogs' ears
- For the treatment of dogs with acute or chronic otitis externa associated with yeast and/or bacteria sensitive to gentamicin
- To reduce the discomfort, redness, swelling, crusty material and odor associated with ear inflammations and infections
- This product is approved for use in dogs, but veterinarians often use it in other species
- Pets with a ruptured ear drum
- Do not use this product if your pet is pregnant
- Animals who require hearing to perform their work (military, police or service dogs)
- If your pet has had an allergic reaction to any of the 3 ingredients or to similar products
Read and follow the label carefully.
Your veterinarian will need to examine the ears to ensure that the ear drum(s) is/are intact.
Your veterinarian may want to perform a culture evaluation of the ear prior to starting this medication.
The external ear should be thoroughly cleaned and dried before treatment. Excessive hair should be trimmed from the treatment area. Have your veterinarian or veterinary technician show you how to properly clean your dog's ears and apply this product.
Instill the exact amount as prescribed into affected ear(s) and only as often as directed. Massage the external ear canal carefully to ensure adequate medication distribution.
Therapy is usually for 7 consecutive days only.
Give this medication as directed by your veterinarian to prevent recurring infections and ear damage. Do not skip doses or stop giving the medication without consulting your veterinarian.
If a treatment is missed, perform it as soon as you can. If it is time already for the next treatment, skip the missed treatment and go back to the normal schedule.
Talk to your veterinarian about:
- When will your pet need to be rechecked
- What tests may need to be performed prior to and during treatment with this drug
- What are the risks and benefits of using this drug
Tell your veterinarian about:
- If your pet has experienced side-effects on other drugs/products
- If your pet has any hearing loss
- If your pet has experienced any other medical problems or allergies now or ever
- All medicines and supplements that you are giving your pet or plan to give your pet, including those you can get without a prescription. Your veterinarian may want to check that all of your pet's medicines can be given together.
- If your pet is pregnant, nursing or if you plan to breed your pet
Store between 2° and 25°C (36° and 77°F).
Do not allow your pet to ingest this product. Avoid getting it in your pet's eyes.
Keep this and all medication out of reach of children and pets.
Call your physician immediately if you accidentally take this product.
- Deafness or partial hearing loss (usually temporary) has been reported in a small number of older sensitive dogs. If hearing loss, head tilt or dizziness are noted, discontinue use of this product immediately, flush with a gentle cleaner and contact your veterinarian.
- All aminoglycosides have the potential to produce reversible and irreversible vestibular, cochlear and renal toxicity. Gentamicin can also cause birth defects during the first phase of pregnancy.
- Cushing's syndrome, delayed wound healing and immunosuppression have been reported in patients with prolonged or repeated steroid therapy.
- If ingested, side effects of corticosteroids include: increased thirst and urination, increased appetite and weight gain, panting, diarrhea, vomiting and behavior changes.
- Gentamicin can cause premature birth in pregnant animals. Corticosteroids can cause birth defects during the first phase of pregnancy.
- Clinical and safety studies have shown a wide safety margin when this product is used at recommended dose levels in dogs.
- Yes, but do not give or use other corticosteroids or aminogylcoside antibiotics during treatment with this medication unless prescribed by your veterinarian.
- If your pet experiences any unusual reactions when taking multiple medications, discontinue use and contact your veterinarian.
Early signs of overdose or toxicity include loss of hearing or balance or vomiting. If you see these signs, know or suspect an overdose, contact your veterinarian immediately.
Notify your veterinarian if your animal's condition does not improve or worsens despite this treatment.
As with all prescribed medicines, Gentamicin sulfate + Betamethasone valerate + Clotrimazole Ointment should only be used on the pet for which it was prescribed.
It should also only be used for the condition for which it was prescribed.