Lidocaine otic

Lidocaine otic (for use in the ear) is used to relieve ear pain for a short time in adults and children who are at least 2 years old.

Lidocaine otic may also be used for reasons not mentioned in this medication guide.

Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor.

Do not take by mouth. Lidocaine otic is for use only in the ear.

Do not use lidocaine otic in larger amounts or more often than prescribed.

Wash your hands before and after using the ear drops.

To use the ear drops:

• Lie down or tilt your head with your ear facing upward. Gently pull your ear back to open the ear canal, or pull down on the earlobe if giving lidocaine otic to a child.
• Drop the correct number of drops into the ear.
• Keep your ear upward for a few minutes, or place a small piece of cotton in your ear to hold in lidocaine otic.
• Do not touch the dropper tip or place it directly in your ear. The tip may become contaminated.
• Wipe the tip with a clean tissue but do not wash with water or soap.

Stop using lidocaine otic and call your doctor if your symptoms worsen, do not improve after 7 days, or return.

Store tightly closed at room temperature, away from moisture and heat.

You should not use lidocaine otic if you have a hole in your ear drum (ruptured ear drum) or tubes in your ear.

You should not use lidocaine otic if you are allergic to it, or if you have a hole in your ear drum (ruptured ear drum) or tubes in the ear.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using lidocaine otic if you have health problems, take other medications, or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Do not allow a young child to use lidocaine otic without help from an adult.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives, trouble breathing, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Less serious side effects may happen more often, and you may not experience any at all.

This is not a complete list of side effects, and others may happen. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You can report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Use lidocaine otic as soon as possible, but skip the missed dose if it's nearly time for your next dose. Do not use two doses at the same time.

Seek emergency medical help or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222 if someone has accidentally swallowed lidocaine otic.

Do not use other ear medications unless your doctor instructs you to.

Avoid getting lidocaine otic in your eyes or mouth.

Rinse with water if lidocaine otic gets in your eyes or mouth.

Avoid using lidocaine otic on open wounds or on sunburned, windburned, dry, blistered, or irritated skin.

Medicine used in the ears is not likely to be affected by other drugs you use. But many drugs can interact. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.