Generic name: benzocaine otic [ BENZ-o-kane-OH-tik ]
Brand names: Pinnacaine, Otocain, Americaine Otic, Oticaine, Omedia, Benzotic
Drug class: Otic anesthetics

What is benzocaine otic?

Benzocaine is a local anesthetic (numbing medicine). It works by blocking nerve signals in your body.

Benzocaine otic (for use in the ears) is used to treat pain and irritation caused by ear infection or injury.

Benzocaine otic is not an antibiotic and will not treat an ear infection.

Benzocaine otic may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What is the most important information I should know about benzocaine otic?

Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.

What should I discuss with my health care provider before using benzocaine otic?

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

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether benzocaine otic will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medicine.

It is not known whether benzocaine otic passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Benzocaine otic should not be given to a child younger than 1 year old.

How should I use benzocaine otic?

Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not use this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Use this medicine only in the affected ear. You may not need to use it in both ears.

Wash your hands before using this medicine.

To use the ear drops:

• Lie down or tilt your head with your ear facing upward. Open the ear canal by gently pulling your ear back, or pulling downward on the earlobe when giving this medicine to a child.

• Hold the dropper upside down over your ear and drop the correct number of drops into the ear.

• Stay lying down or with your head tilted for at least 2 minutes. You may use a small piece of cotton to plug the ear and keep the medicine from draining out.

• Do not touch the dropper tip or place it directly in your ear. It may become contaminated. Wipe the tip with a clean tissue but do not wash with water or soap.

Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve, or if they get worse while using benzocaine otic.

Do not share this medicine with another person, even if they have the same symptoms you have.

Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.

Related/similar drugs

ciprofloxacin otic, lidocaine otic, Ciprodex, ceftazidime, Cortisporin Otic, Floxin Otic, Cortisporin-TC

What happens if I miss a dose?

Use the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Overdose symptoms may include yawning, feeling restless or excited, nausea, or vomiting.

What should I avoid while using benzocaine otic?

Avoid swimming until your ear infection has completely cleared up.

Do not use other ear drops unless your doctor has told you to.

Benzocaine otic side effects

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

Call you doctor at once if you have:

• severe burning, stinging or other irritation after using the ear drops;

• ear pain, redness, or swelling;

• oozing or discharge from your ear; or

• ear discomfort you did not have before using this medicine.

Common side effects may include:

• mild stinging, burning, or irritation in the ear.

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

What other drugs will affect benzocaine otic?

It is not likely that other drugs you take orally or inject will have an effect on benzocaine used in the ears. But many drugs can interact with each other. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all medicines you use, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

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

Medical Disclaimer

Copyright 1996-2024 Cerner Multum, Inc. Version: 2.01. Revision Date: 2014-09-22, 3:42:20 PM.