A/B Otic

A/B Otic is a product which is used to relieve pain, congestion, and swelling caused by the middle ear inflammation. Also, it is used to remove ear wax.

This product is a combination of two medications:

• Benzocaine - an anesthetic which helps to numb the pain and
• Antipyrine - an analgesic which helps to decrease the pain and inflammation. 

When it is used to remove the extra earwax, it works by softening the earwax, and that way, it is easier to remove.

Before the decision to start the treatment with A/B Otic is made, a lot of factors need to be considered. As always, the potential beneficial effects must outweigh the potential risks. This is a decision that you and your doctor have to make.

But, before the decision is made, it is essential that you inform the doctor about:

• Allergies – Inform the doctor about any allergic reactions that you have had in the past to any medications, prescribed or not prescribed. Also, inform the healthcare professional about any allergic reactions that you have to any specific food, dye, fabric etc.
• Pediatric – Appropriate studies have shown that this medication needs to be used with caution within pediatric patients, especially children up to 3 months of age. There may be an increased sensitivity to the Benzocaine, that can result in increased risk of side effects.
• Geriatric – Although there are no studies which could confirm the safety of this product if used within geriatric patients, it is believed that there are no age-connected problems that would result in any specific risks.
• Pregnancy – Inform the doctor if you are currently pregnant or have any plans about pregnancy in the future. There are no studies which would confirm if this medication is safe to be used during pregnancy, and because of that, safety is not guaranteed. It should only be used in cases where the potential beneficial effects outweigh the potential risks.
• Breastfeeding – Inform your doctor if you are currently breastfeeding. It is unknown if this medicine is extracted in the milk, and because of that safety is not guaranteed. It should only be used in cases where the potential beneficial effects outweigh the potential risks.
• Drug interactions – Certain medications should not be used in combination with others. It is important that you inform your doctor about other medications, prescribed or not prescribed, that you have been using in the past or are using presently. Based on your condition, the doctor may decide to use a certain type of combination which would include two or more medications to help treat your condition.
• Other Interactions – Certain medications should not be used in combination with certain type of foods, tobacco or alcohol. Consult your doctor if there is a need for you to follow a special diet or discontinue your usage of tobacco or alcohol.
• Other Medical Problems – Inform your doctor about your medical history, any other medical problems and conditions from the past or still present. Especially, inform the doctor if you have noticed ear drainage.

For proper use of A/B Otic, follow the directions given by your doctor. This product is in the form of a solution. It is best to be applied with help from another person. 

To avoid dizziness, it is recommended to apply it while you are lying down. Before applying the ear drops, wash your hands with warm water and soap, and make sure you warm the bottle of ear drops.

Your doctor will prescribe a specific number of drops, and it is very important to follow his instructions and apply the specific number of drops. Do not let the bottle touch your ear or any other surface, so that there is no risk of contamination.

In case you are using the medicine to remove the extra earwax, the ear should be washed with warm water after you have used this product for 2 or 3 days.

The dosing is individual for every patient, based on your condition and the prognosis of the treatment. Usually, for removing the extra earwax, the medicine has to be applied two to three times daily, and for relieving ear pain, it is usually applied every one to two hours until the pain is relieved.

If you happen to miss a dose, apply it as soon as you remember. But, if it is almost time for the next one, wait and apply the next one.

This medicine is harmful if swallowed. If swallowing is suspected, contact your doctor for further information as soon as possible.

Before using A/B Otic, there are some precautions you must take. It is important to visit your doctor at your scheduled appointments, so that he can track your condition and make any needed adjustment to the dosage. The doctor may even decide to discontinue your treatment if he considers that your condition is worsening.

Inform your doctor about any allergic reactions to any medications, prescribed or not prescribed. This is essential because this product may contain inactive substances that could cause interactions to occur.

Because there are no studies which confirm the safety of this product if used during pregnancy or within nursing mothers, it should be used only in the cases where the potential beneficial effects outweigh the potential risks.

The doctor may recommend to start using a proven form of birth control during the treatment to help prevent pregnancy.

Along with its potential beneficial effects, there are some potential side effects associated with A/B Otic that should also be considered. These side effects do not occur within all patients, and also, they can be mild or more serious.

It is important to get informed about the possible side effects, so that you would be able to notice their presence and report it to the doctor. Other side effects may also be present. For a complete list, contact your doctor.

• Serious side effects – burning/stinging/redness/new pain in or around the ear; if these side effects occur, contact your doctor as soon as possible.
• Rare, but serious side effects – bluish skin, severe tiredness/weakness.

A serious allergic reaction is not common, but if any of the following side effects occur, contact your doctor for further information:

• Rash
• Itching/swelling (of the face, hands, feet, tongue)
• Severe dizziness
• Trouble breathing