Generic name: Benzocaine Ear Drops [ BEN-zoe-kane ]
Brand names: Americaine Otic, Otocain
Drug class: Otic anesthetics

Uses of Benzocaine Ear Drops:

• It is used to ease pain, swelling, and pressure linked with some ear infections.

What do I need to tell my doctor BEFORE I take Benzocaine Ear Drops?

• If you have an allergy to benzocaine or any other part of this medicine (benzocaine ear drops).
• If you are allergic to any drugs like this one, any other drugs, foods, or other substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had, like rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other signs.
• If you have any of these health problems: Ear drainage or a hole in the eardrum.

This is not a list of all drugs or health problems that interact with this medicine (benzocaine ear drops).

Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take this medicine (benzocaine ear drops) with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.

What are some things I need to know or do while I take Benzocaine Ear Drops?

• Tell all of your health care providers that you take this medicine (benzocaine ear drops). This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks of using this medicine (benzocaine ear drops) while you are pregnant.
• Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding. You will need to talk about any risks to your baby.

How is this medicine (Benzocaine Ear Drops) best taken?

Use this medicine (benzocaine ear drops) 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).
• Put drops in ear without touching dropper to ear. Stay on side for 2 minutes or put cotton plug in ear.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

• If you use this medicine (benzocaine ear drops) on a regular basis, 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 use 2 doses at the same time or extra doses.
• Many times this medicine (benzocaine ear drops) is used on an as needed basis. Do not use more often than told by the doctor.

What are some side effects that I need to call my doctor about right away?

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:

• Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Shortness of breath.
• Change in color of skin to a bluish color like on the lips, nail beds, fingers, or toes.
• Very bad irritation where this medicine (benzocaine ear drops) is used.

Related/similar drugs

What are some other side effects of Benzocaine Ear Drops?

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:

• Irritation where this medicine (benzocaine ear drops) is used.

These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. You may also report side effects at http://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

How do I store and/or throw out Benzocaine Ear Drops?

• Store at room temperature. Do not freeze.
• Protect from heat.
• Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
• Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer

• If your symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your doctor.
• Do not share your drugs with others and do not take anyone else's drugs.
• Keep a list of all your drugs (prescription, natural products, vitamins, OTC) with you. Give this list to your doctor.
• Talk with the doctor before starting any new drug, including prescription or OTC, natural products, or vitamins.
• Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. Check with your pharmacist. If you have any questions about this medicine (benzocaine ear drops), please talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer