Otosporin 10000IU/3400IU/1% Drops

Polymyxin B, neomycin and hydrocortisone ear drops are used to treat infections of the outer ear.

• Polymyxin B and neomycin are antibiotics. Together they kill the germs that can cause ear infections.
• Hydrocortisone is a steroid. It reduces the swelling and irritation caused by the infection.

Combining them treats the infection and eases the discomfort at the same time.

Use the drops exactly as your doctor or pharmacist tells you, and only in the ear.

• Shake the closed bottle gently before each use.
• Clean and dry the ear first. Do not use soap, as it may stop the medicine working.
• Do not get the drops in your eyes. If this happens, rinse well with cold water.
• Do not use them for longer than your doctor advises, and finish the course you were prescribed.
• If you forget a dose, use it as soon as you remember, then carry on as before.

Side effects are uncommon. Some people notice:

• stinging or burning when the drops go in
• headache
• flaky or thin skin, or red spidery spots, where the drops were used

Stop using the drops and talk to your doctor straight away if:

• the ear gets worse instead of better, or becomes red, scaly, itchy or swollen (possible allergy)
• you feel stinging or burning that could mean a hole in your eardrum
• you notice any change in your hearing
• you get watery diarrhoea with blood or mucus, tummy pain or fever

Do not use these drops if you:

• are allergic to any of the ingredients or to antibiotics such as framycetin, kanamycin or gentamicin
• have, or might have, a hole (perforation) in your eardrum
• have a viral, fungal or tuberculosis (TB) infection of the ear

Check with your doctor or pharmacist first if you have kidney problems, a long-lasting outer ear infection, or a mitochondrial disease, or if you use other aminoglycoside antibiotics. Tell your doctor you used them if you are due to have surgery. They are not for children under 3 years old.

Store below 25°C in the outer carton to protect from light, and keep out of the sight and reach of children. Do not use after the expiry date.

Hearing: using too much, or for too long, can affect hearing, nerves and kidneys. This is unlikely at normal doses.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding: do not use these drops if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, and do not breastfeed while using them.

Skin: some ingredients in the drops may cause local skin reactions or allergy.