What is benzocaine otic?
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 is the most important information I should know about benzocaine otic?
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.
What should I discuss with my health care provider before using benzocaine otic?
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.