Key takeaways:
Mometamax is an FDA-approved topical treatment for certain types of ear infections in dogs.
Mometamax contains three active ingredients — an antibiotic, an antifungal, and a steroid — to reduce pain and inflammation.
Mometamax should only be given to dogs that have an intact eardrum. Using Mometamax in dogs with a torn eardrum can cause damage to the middle and inner ear.
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Yeast and bacterial ear infections are a common problem in dogs. Ear infections smell bad, are painful and itchy, and cause excessive head shaking and scratching.
Mometamax is an FDA-approved medication that can treat many external ear infections. Here’s what you need to know if your dog is prescribed it.
Mometamax for dogs at a glance
Common names | Mometamax (gentamicin sulfate / mometasone furoate monohydrate / clotrimazole) |
What it treats | Certain types of yeast and bacterial ear infections |
How it comes (forms) | Liquid suspension in a plastic squeeze bottle |
Dosage | For dogs under 30 lbs: 4 drops once daily for 7 days For dogs over 30 lbs: 8 drops once daily for 7 days |
Common side effects | Increased ear redness and inflammation |
Cost |
What is Mometamax, and how does it work?
Mometamax is an FDA-approved ear medication prescribed to dogs to treat external ear infections due to yeast (Malassezia pachydermatis). It can also treat bacterial ear infections caused by:
Pseudomonas species
Enterococcus faecalis
Proteus mirabilis
Some species of Staphylococcus bacteria
Some species of Streptococcus bacteria
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Mometamax contains a combination of three medications to help your dog:
An antibiotic called gentamicin sulfate
A steroid called mometasone furoate
An antifungal medication called clotrimazole
The combination of these three ingredients gives Mometamax antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antifungal properties. Together, they eliminate the ear infection and reduce infection symptoms.
What is the standard dosage of Mometamax for dogs?
The standard dosage of Mometamax for dogs is:
Dogs under 30 lbs: 4 drops once daily for 7 days
Dogs over 30 lbs: 8 drops once daily for 7 days
Mometamax is available for dogs in 7.5 g, 15 g, and 30 g plastic bottles for use at home. Your veterinarian will prescribe the correct bottle size and dosage based on your dog’s weight and ear infection. Mometamax also comes in a larger 215 g plastic bottle, but this size is typically only used in veterinary settings.
Dog ear infections: Learn how to recognize and treat ear infections in dogs, along with when to talk to a veterinarian.
Ear cleaning time: Some dogs benefit from having their ears cleaned regularly. Find out if your dog needs their ears cleaned and how to do it.
Hearing loss in dogs: Just like humans, some dogs lose their hearing as they age. Read this article for a set of simple tests you can use to check your pup’s hearing.
After 7 days of treatment with Mometamax, your veterinarian will most likely schedule a follow-up examination and ear swab. This will help ensure that the medication cleared your dog’s ear infection.
How to give Mometamax to your dog
To give your dog Mometamax, thoroughly clean and dry their ears. Excess debris in the ear will reduce how well the medication works.
Once your pup’s ears are clean, shake Mometamax well before using. Then, hold your dog still so you have easy access to their infected ear. Gently squeeze the prescribed number of drops into your dog’s ear canal.
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Store the medication at room temperature, and use it within 28 days of opening the bottle.
What should you do if your dog misses a dose of Mometamax?
If you miss giving your dog a dose of Mometamax, give them the missed dose as soon as you remember. Then, return to their regular medication schedule the next day. Never double up on doses to “catch up.”
What are common side effects of Mometamax in dogs?
In general, dogs don’t experience many side effects with Mometamax. Some dogs may have irritation and redness after receiving the medication.
Dogs who have extra redness and irritation usually display excessive head shaking and scratching. If this is the case with your dog, consult your veterinarian.
What are the most serious risks of Mometamax for dogs?
For a small number of dogs, Mometamax has rare but more serious side effects, including:
Incoordination
Increased thirst
Ear inflammation
The most important aspect of treating dogs with Mometamax is to ensure that their eardrum isn’t damaged before they are given the medication. Use of Mometamax in dogs with a damaged eardrum can cause serious harm to the middle ear canal.
Mometamax has been associated with temporary hearing loss, head tilt, and circling associated with vestibular problems in a small number of sensitive older dogs.
If you notice hearing loss or any other negative side effects during treatment, stop using Mometamax immediately. Then, flush your dog’s ear thoroughly with saline, and consult your veterinarian. These symptoms usually go away as soon as the medication is discontinued.
Serious risks associated with Mometamax’s ingredients
In rare cases, some dogs may experience serious side effects associated with one of the three medications in Mometamax. These side effects can include:
Damage to a dog’s middle ear or inner ear
Kidney damage
Elevated liver enzymes
Weight gain or loss
Increased thirst and urination
Delayed wound healing
In general, most dogs are not treated with Mometamax long enough to experience these side effects. If your dog is being treated with Mometamax for longer than 7 days, consult your veterinarian about the risks.
Steroids, including mometasone, have also been known to cause birth defects when used in dogs who are pregnant. So Mometamax should not be used in dogs who are pregnant or breeding.
Does Mometamax interact with any other dog medications?
Mometamax generally doesn’t interact with other dog medications since it’s a topical medication absorbed in your dog’s ear. But your veterinarian may be cautious about using Mometamax with other medications that can cause ear damage.
Always let your veterinarian know about any medications or supplements your dog takes before they are prescribed Mometamax.
Frequently asked questions
Mometamax takes 7 days to work and completely get rid of a dog’s ear infection. Make sure to give your dog all the medication as prescribed by your veterinarian.
No, Mometamax should not be used on your dog’s skin. The medication is designed to be applied to your dog’s ear canal only.
Mometamax takes 7 days to work and completely get rid of a dog’s ear infection. Make sure to give your dog all the medication as prescribed by your veterinarian.
No, Mometamax should not be used on your dog’s skin. The medication is designed to be applied to your dog’s ear canal only.
The bottom line
Mometamax is FDA approved and effective for treating certain types of ear infections in dogs. It is given to dogs once a day using a plastic squeeze bottle. Most dogs experience few, if any, side effects.
Mometamax should not be used in dogs with a torn or ruptured eardrum. It should only be prescribed by a veterinarian who has verified your dog’s eardrum is healthy.
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References
Merck Animal Health. (n.d.). Mometamax otic suspension.
Merck Sharp & Dohme. (2024). Mometamax - gentamicin sulfate, mometasone furoate monohydrate, and clotrimazole suspension [package insert]. DailyMed.
Merck Sharp & Dohme. (2024). Mometamax: Product information [package insert]. VetLabel.com.
