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Cortisporin TC Coupon - Cortisporin TC 10ml ear dropper

Cortisporin TC

colistin / hydrocortisone / neomycin / thonzonium
Used for Ear Infection, Bacterial Infection
Used for Ear Infection, Bacterial Infection

Cortisporin TC is a combination medication containing colistin, hydrocortisone, neomycin, and thonzonium. It's an ear drop used to treat ear infections, but it can be expensive since it's only available as a brand medication.

Reviewed by:
reviewer
Kristianne Hannemann, PharmD
reviewer
Michelle Nguyen, PharmD
Last reviewed on January 14, 2022
BasicsSide effectsPros & consPharmacist tipsFAQsWarningsDosageInteractionsCostContraindicationsAlternativesLatest newsImagesPricesMedicare
basics-icon

What is Cortisporin TC?

What is Cortisporin TC used for?

  • Outer ear infection

  • Infections of mastoidectomy and fenestration cavities (ear procedures)

How Cortisporin TC works

Cortisporin TC is a combination of four medications that treats outer ear infections. It contains two antibiotics, neomycin and colistin, that kill bacteria. It also contains a corticosteroid, hydrocortisone, that lowers redness and swelling. Thonzonium helps the medications reach the areas of the outer ear that are infected by allowing them to get through fluid leaking out of your ear and dead skin cells.

Are you looking for information on Cortisporin (neomycin / polymyxin B / hydrocortisone) instead?

Drug Facts

Common BrandsCortisporin TC
Drug ClassAnti-infective / Corticosteroid
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusNo lower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only
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Avg retail price
$283.51(save 19.07%)
GoodRx discount
$229.46
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What are the side effects of Cortisporin TC?

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

  • Burning
  • Itching
  • Irritation
  • Dryness
  • Pimples or skin rash

Other Side Effects

  • Skin sensatization (allergic reaction)
  • Ototoxicity (ear damage, including ringing in the ears, balance problems, hearing loss, and changes in hearing)
  • Nephrotoxicity (damage to the kidneys)

Source: DailyMed

The following side effects have also been reported

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

Incidence not known

Blistering, burning, itching, peeling, rash, redness, swelling, or other signs of skin irritation

bloody urine

burning and itching of the skin with pinhead-sized red blisters

change in the frequency of urination or amount of urine

crusting, dryness, flaking, or scaling of the skin

difficulty in breathing

dizziness

drowsiness

feeling of fullness in the ears

increased thirst

loss of appetite

loss of balance

loss of hearing

nausea

ringing or buzzing in the ears

swelling of the feet or lower legs

thinning of the skin with easy bruising

trouble in hearing

vomiting

weakness

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

Incidence not known

Acne, pimples

burning, itching, and pain in hairy areas

increased hair growth on the forehead, back, arms, and legs

lightening of normal skin color

lightening of treated areas of dark skin

pus at the root of the hair

reddish purple lines on the arms, face, legs, trunk, or groin

redness and scaling around the mouth

softening of the skin

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.

pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Cortisporin TC

thumbs-up

Pros

Available as an ear drop for people who have difficulty taking pills

Can be used with a cotton wick

Combines 4 medications into one drop for convenience

No significant interactions with other medications or supplements

thumbs-down

Cons

Only available as a brand medication so it might be expensive

Needs to be used multiple times a day

Can't be used for more than 10 days

Need to lie down for 5 minutes with the affected ear upward after using it

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Cortisporin TC

pharmacist

  • Before using Cortisporin TC, clean and dry the affected ear with a sterile cotton applicator.

    • Shake the medication well before using it.

      • Use the dropper that came with the ear drops to apply the medication inside of the affected ear. Don’t touch the tip of the dropper with your fingers and don’t let it touch your ear when you apply the drops to prevent contamination of the medication.

        • Lie down on their side with the affected ear facing upward. After the drops are placed into the ear, stay in this position for 5 minutes to make sure the medication gets into the ear.

          • A cotton wick can be used by placing it inside of the ear and soaking it with Cortisporin TC. Keep the wick moist by adding more medication every 4 hours. Replace the wick at least once every 24 hours.

            • Don’t use Cortisporin TC for more than 10 days to avoid serious side effects, like loss of hearing. Contact your provider if your symptoms have not improved by 10 days of using this medication.

              faqs

              Frequently asked questions about Cortisporin TC

              Is Cortisporin TC available over the counter?
              No, you will need to get a prescription from your provider for Cortisporin TC. Ear drops that contain antibiotics to treat infections require a prescription, but there are drops available over the counter that might help relieve symptoms of your ear infection, like pain. Check with your provider or pharmacist if you want to use an over-the-counter ear drop in addition to this medication.
              Can I use Cortisporin TC for an eye infection?
              No, Cortisporin TC shouldn’t be used in your eyes. Your eyes are more sensitive than your ears, and eye drops are made specifically for your eyes. Using ear drops in your eyes can cause irritation, like redness, burning, and stinging.
              How long should I use Cortisporin TC?
              Ask your provider how long you should use Cortisporin TC. It’s not recommended to use it more than 10 days because prolonged use of neomycin can lead to ear damage, including permanent hearing loss.
              Can I warm up Cortisporin TC before using it?
              Yes, you can warm up Cortisporin TC before using it. But don't heat the medication higher than your body temperature or it might not work as well. Cortisporin TC should be stored at room temperature.
              How long will it take for Cortisporin TC to work?
              Cortisporin TC will start to work right away to treat your ear infection, but your symptoms might take a few days to go away. The hydrocortisone will start to lower redness, itching, and swelling in your ears right away, and you should feel more comfortable soon after using it. Let your provider know if your symptoms get worse, or if they do not get better after using this medication for 10 days.
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              What are the risks and warnings for Cortisporin TC?

              Cortisporin TC can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

              risk-warning

              Hearing loss

              • Risk factors: Using Cortisporin TC for more than 10 days in a row

                Neomycin, one of the antibiotics in Cortisporin TC, can damage parts of your ear and lead to permanent hearing loss. The risk becomes higher the longer you use this medication. Don't use this medication for more than 10 days in a row. If you still have symptoms after 10 days, let your provider know.

                risk-warning

                Allergy

                If your ear becomes more red, swollen, itchy, irritated, or you see a rash around your ear, stop using Cortisporin TC and contact your provider right away. You might be allergic to one of the medications in Cortisporin TC or one of the ingredients used to make the solution. When you stop the medication, your symptoms should improve quickly.

                risk-warning

                New infection

                • Risk factors: Using Cortisporin TC for a long period of time

                  Cortisporin TC can cause bacteria or fungi that aren't killed by the antibiotics in it to grow and cause another infection. Your risk for getting another infection is higher when you use Cortisporin TC for a long time. Contact your provider if your symptoms don't improve after one week, or you notice fever or worsening of your symptoms.

                  dosage

                  Cortisporin TC dosage forms

                  The average cost for 1 ear dropper of 10ml of Cortisporin TC is $229.46 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 19.07% off the average retail price of $283.51.
                  ear dropper
                  Ear dropper
                  DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
                  10ml1 ear dropper$229.46$229.46

                  Typical dosing for Cortisporin TC

                  • Adults: The typical dose is 5 drops of Cortisporin TC placed into the affected ear 3 or 4 times daily.

                  • Children 1 year and older: The typical dose is 4 drops of Cortisporin TC placed into the affected ear 3 or 4 times daily.

                  interactions

                  Interactions between Cortisporin TC and other drugs

                  Cortisporin TC may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Cortisporin TC. Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.

                  Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is not recommended. Your doctor may decide not to treat you with this medication or change some of the other medicines you take.

                  Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

                  Using this medicine with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

                  drug-cost

                  How much does Cortisporin TC cost?

                  To access savings, use a GoodRx coupon and pay just a fraction of the retail price.
                  Cortisporin TC (brand)
                  GoodRx lowest price

                  $229.46

                  (save 19.07%)
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                  contraindications-icon

                  Cortisporin TC contraindications

                  Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Cortisporin TC will not be safe for you to take.

                  • Current viral skin infection (e.g., herpes simplex virus or varicella zoster virus) that could be causing your ear symptoms

                  alternatives

                  What are alternatives to Cortisporin TC?

                  There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Cortisporin TC. Compare a few possible alternatives below.
                  Cortisporin TC
                  Used for:

                  • Outer ear infection

                  • Infections of mastoidectomy and fenestration cavities (ear procedures)

                  $229.46 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                  Hydrocortisone/acetic acid
                  Used for:

                  • Outer ear infection (swimmer's ear) in people ages 3 years and older

                  $64.85 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                  Cortisporin Otic
                  Used for:
                  $30.92 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
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                  Cortisporin TC images

                  This medicine is Colorless Ear Dropper.

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