Dec-Agesic A.B. (Otic)

Antipyrine and benzocaine combination is used in the ear to help relieve pain, swelling, and congestion from certain ear infections. It will not cure the infection itself. You will need an antibiotic to treat the infection. This medicine is also used to soften earwax so that it can be washed away more easily.

In the U.S., this medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription.

In deciding to use a medicine, you and your doctor need to think about the risks and benefits. Here are some important points to consider for this medicine:

Allergies

Inform your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to this medicine or any other medicines. Also, let your health care professional know about any other allergies you may have, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.

Pediatric

Infants, especially those up to 3 months old, may be more sensitive to the benzocaine in this combination medicine, which could increase the chance of side effects. However, this medicine is not expected to cause different side effects or problems in older children compared to adults.

Geriatric

Many medicines have not been specifically studied in older adults, so it is not clear if they work the same way as they do in younger adults. While there is no specific information on the use of antipyrine and benzocaine in elderly patients compared to other age groups, this medicine is not expected to cause different side effects or problems in older adults than it does in younger adults.

Breast Feeding

There are no adequate studies in women to determine the risk to infants when using this medication while breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before using this medication during breastfeeding.

Interactions with Medicines

Some medicines should not be used together at all, while in other cases, two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction could happen. In these situations, your doctor may adjust the dose, or take other precautions. It's very important that your healthcare professional knows if you are taking any of the medicines listed below. The following interactions are noted for their potential significance but are not a complete list.

Using this medicine with any of the following is usually not recommended, but may be necessary in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may adjust the dose or frequency of one or both of the medicines.

• Hyaluronidase
• St John's Wort

Interactions with Food/Tobacco/Alcohol

Some medicines should not be taken around meal times or with certain types of food, as interactions may occur. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines can also cause interactions. Talk to your healthcare professional about using your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.

Other Medical Problems

Having other medical problems may affect how you use this medicine. Make sure to inform your doctor if you have any other medical issues, especially:

The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of the antipyrine and benzocaine combination. Be sure to tell your doctor if:

• Your ear is draining—This may increase the chance of unwanted effects.

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. The following side effects may mean that you are having an allergic reaction to the medicine.

Stop using the medicine right away if any of them occur. Check with your doctor if any of the following effects continue or are bothersome:

• Itching, burning, redness, or oozing sores in the ear

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

In the U.S.

• A/B Otic
• Aurodex
• Auroto
• Benzotic
• Dec-Agesic A.B.
• Dolotic

Pharmacologic Class: NSAID

Chemical Class: Pyrazolone

You may warm the ear drops to body temperature (37 °C or 98.6 °F) by holding the bottle in your hand for a few minutes before applying the drops.

To use:

• Lie down or tilt the head so that the affected ear faces up. Gently pull the earlobe up and back for adults (down and back for children) to straighten the ear canal. Drop the medicine into the ear canal. Keep the ear facing up for about 5 minutes to allow the medicine to coat the ear canal. (For young children and other patients who cannot stay still for 5 minutes, try to keep the ear facing up for at least 1 or 2 minutes.) A sterile cotton plug may be moistened with a few drops of this medicine and gently placed at the ear opening for no longer than 5 to 10 minutes to help keep the medicine from leaking out. If you have any questions about this, check with your doctor.
• To keep the medicine as germ-free as possible, do not touch the dropper to any surface (including the ear).
• Do not rinse the dropper after use. Wipe the tip of the dropper with a clean tissue and keep the container tightly closed.

If you are using this medicine to help remove earwax, the ear should be flushed with warm water after you have used this medicine for 2 or 3 days. This is usually done by your doctor. If you have been directed to flush the ear out yourself, make sure that you have learned how to do it correctly. Follow the instructions carefully.

Dosing

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

• For otic dosage form (ear drops): Adults and children: For ear pain caused by an infection—Use enough medicine to fill the entire ear canal every one or two hours until the pain is relieved. For softening earwax before removal—Use enough medicine to fill the entire ear canal three times a day for two or three days.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.