Otozin is a brand of antipyrine and benzocaine otic used to relieve ear pain and swelling caused by middle ear infections. It may be used along with antibiotics to treat an ear infection. It is also used to help remove a build-up of ear wax in the ear. Otozin belongs to a class of medications called analgesics and works by reducing pain and discomfort in the ear.
According to the Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital at Stanford, middle ear infections occur in 80 percent of children by the time they reach the age of 3. Most middle ear infections occur during the winter and early spring. Conditions of the middle ear that may be related to an ear infection or result in similar middle ear problems include Otitis media with effusion, swelling, and fluid buildup (effusion) in the middle ear without bacterial or viral infection.
Otozin contains antipyrine, an analgesic that helps to decrease pain and inflammation. Benzocaine is a topical anesthetic that helps to numb the pain. This product may also contain glycerin, which helps to soften the earwax, and/or zinc acetate, which helps to protect the skin.
What special precautions should I follow?
Before using Otozin,
- tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to antipyrine or benzocaine or any other medications.
- tell your doctor and pharmacist what other prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take.
- tell your doctor if you have a hole in your eardrum(s) or ear tube(s). Your doctor will probably tell you not to use this medication.
- tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding. If you become pregnant while using antipyrine and benzocaine otic, call your doctor.
How to use Otozin
Use Otozin as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.
• For the ear only.
• Keep out of your mouth, nose, and eyes (may burn).
• Wash your hands before and after use.
• Warm solution in hands for 1 to 2 minutes before putting drops in the ear.
• Lie on your side with the problem ear up.
• Pull the outer ear outward and upward.
• For children younger than 3 years of age, pull the outer ear outward and downward.
• Put drops in ear without touching dropper to ear. Stay on the side for 2 minutes or put a cotton plug in the ear.
• Do not touch the container tip to the skin.
• Do not use if it turns brownish-yellow.
What do I do if I miss a dose?
• Use a missed dose as soon as you think about it.
• If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your normal time.
• Do not take 2 doses at the same time or extra doses.
• Otozin ear drops are used on an as-needed basis. Do not use more often than told by the doctor.
Otozin Side effects
Otozin may cause side effects. Call your doctor if you have any of the following side effects occur while taking this medication:
- Burning in or around the ears
- Stinging in or around the ears
- Redness in or around the ears
- New pain in or around the ears
This medication has rarely caused a very serious (possibly fatal) blood disorder (methemoglobinemia). This effect is more likely if you have breathing problems, certain diseases of the blood, or if you smoke.
