Fluocinolone (DermOtic Oil) is a corticosteroid ear drop used to treat itchy ears and redness due to ear eczema in adults and children. The dosage is typically 5 drops placed directly in the ear twice a day for 7 to 14 days. The medication is available as a lower-cost generic as well as under brand name DermOtic Oil. Side effects aren't common, but can include ear irritation or burning.
Ear eczema in people ages 2 years and older
Fluocinolone (DermOtic Oil) is a corticosteroid. It lowers inflammation (swelling, redness, and itchiness) caused by eczema in the ear.
Source:Â DailyMed
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.
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:
Less common
black or tarry stools
bone fractures
breathing difficulties
burning or stinging of the ear
continual stomach pain or burning
decreased or blurred vision
excess hair growth in females
fainting
flushing
headache
impaired wound healing
impotence in males
increased sweating
increased thirst
irregular heartbeat
menstrual changes
muscle cramps
muscle wasting
nausea or vomiting
persistent fungal infections of the ear
rapid weight gain
seizures
stomach bloating
suppressed growth in children
suppressed reaction to skin tests
swelling of feet or lower legs
thin fragile skin
tingling in arms and lower legs or feet
There have not been any other common or important side effects reported with this medicine.
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.
One of the few medications specifically FDA approved to treat ear eczema
Generally well tolerated with few side effects
Safe to use in children age 2 years and older
Can be difficult for some people to use correctly
Not for long-term use
Made with peanut oil, which can be a problem for people with peanut allergies
Place fluocinolone (DermOtic Oil) drops in the ears only. Don't use the drops anywhere else on your body.
If fluocinolone (DermOtic Oil) accidentally gets in your eyes, rinse them well with water.
You might feel a little stinging or burning in the ear after you use fluocinolone (DermOtic Oil), especially when you first start the medication. But it should go away as the ear starts to heal.
Speak to a healthcare professional if your symptoms don't improve after you've used fluocinolone (DermOtic Oil) for 2 weeks. You might have a medical problem that requires different treatment.
Don't let the fluocinolone (DermOtic Oil) dropper tip touch your ear or any other surface, and don't touch the tip with your hands. This helps prevent the ear drops from getting contaminated with germs.
Store fluocinolone (DermOtic Oil) at room temperature. Once opened, the bottle is only good for 2 months. After that, be sure to throw it away even if there is medication left.
Before using the medication, wash your hands with soap and water. Then gently clean your eye with a damp cloth and wait for it to dry.
Lie down or tilt your head so the affected ear is facing up. Pull your ear back and upwards, and place the 5 drops into the ear. Then, gently push the triangular piece of skin over the ear so that the medication can get into the ear better.
Keep the affected ear tilted up for about a minute. Use a clean tissue or cotton ball to wipe away any extra medication that drips out of the ear.
Fluocinolone (DermOtic Oil) 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 factors: Using fluocinolone (DermOtic Oil) for a long period of time | Applying fluocinolone (DermOtic Oil) over a large area | Covering applied area with a bandage | Children
Applying fluocinolone (DermOtic Oil) to large areas or using it for long periods of time can cause more of the medication to be absorbed into the body. Too much of this medication can cause your body to make less of certain stress hormones, which are important for many bodily functions. This problem usually goes away when the medication is stopped. Use fluocinolone (DermOtic Oil) only as directed. Don't apply more of the medication or use it for longer than instructed.
Risk factors: Peanut allergy
Allergic reactions to fluocinolone (DermOtic Oil) are possible. These reactions can include life-threatening facial swelling, shock, and anaphylaxis (closing of the throat). Let your care team know if you're allergic to peanuts because fluocinolone (DermOtic Oil) is made from peanut oil. Get medical attention right away if you notice hives, rash, red skin, swelling of the lips or tongue, or difficulty breathing after you use fluocinolone (DermOtic Oil).
Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
---|---|---|---|
20ml of 0.01% | 1 ear dropper | $35.49 | $35.49 |
The typical dose is 5 drops into the affected ear(s) twice per day for 7 to 14 days.
Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.
Allergy to peanuts
Ear eczema in people ages 2 years and older
Skin inflammation
Skin rashes
Eczema
Psoriasis
Insect bites
Poison ivy or oak
Skin allergies
Dry scalp
Genital or rectal irritation
Treatment of skin rashes and other skin irritation - cream, lotion, and ointment
Treatment of eczema in adults and children 3 months and older - foam and gel only
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Royal Pharmaceuticals. (2024). DermOtic- fluocinolone acetonide oil [package insert]. DailyMed.
SafeMedication. (n.d.). How to use ear drops.
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