EasOtic® for Dogs

PetMD’s medications content was written and reviewed by veterinary professionals to answer your most common questions about how medications function, their side effects, and what species they are prescribed for. This content shouldn’t take the place of advice by your vet.

What Is EasOtic® for Dogs?

EasOtic® is a veterinary prescription ear ointment FDA-approved for use in dogs for the treatment of otitis externa (outer ear infections) in dogs.

EasOtic® is a once-a-day treatment for five days, considered safe, effective, and a convenient treatment by veterinarians for ear infections in dogs due to these unique features:

• It’s a once-a-day treatment for only five days.
• The benefits of treatment can last up to 14 days.

The ergonomic bottle design contains a flexible nozzle that is gentle on your dog’s ear. The bottle prevents contaminated ear material from getting pulled back into the bottle after administration and allows accurate dosing from any angle, even upside down.

EasOtic® for dogs is a combination product containing an antibiotic (gentamicin), an antifungal (miconazole), and a steroid anti-inflammatory (hydrocortisone). Your veterinarian may perform a thorough exam of your dog’s ear and tests of the ear discharge to determine if EasOtic® is the best choice for your dog’s ear infection.

EasOtic® Considerations

It is important to have your dog’s ears examined by your veterinarian first before applying EasOtic®. Using EasOtic® in a dog with a damaged eardrum can cause toxicity to the ear.

EasOtic® should not be used in dogs with known hypersensitivity to hydrocortisone, miconazole, gentamicin, or similar medications in the same drug classes.

EasOtic® should not be used in breeding, pregnant, or nursing dogs, as safety studies in these dogs have not yet been performed at the time of this publication.

EasOtic® should be used with caution in dogs with recurring ear infections, liver disease, or kidney disease.

Giving EasOtic® with certain medications can result in health risks to your dog, so it is important to discuss your dog’s medications, including vitamins and supplements, and medical conditions with your veterinarian.

EasOtic® is to be used short term and not for prolonged periods of time; long-term use of topical ear medications containing corticosteroids has been associated with overactive adrenal glands.

How EasOtic® Works in Dogs

EasOtic® has three active ingredients: gentamicin, miconazole, and hydrocortisone.

As an antibiotic, gentamicin works by binding to the genetic code of susceptible bacteria, which prevents the bacteria from making the essential proteins necessary for survival, growth, and replication. This leads to death of the bacteria.

Miconazole is an antifungal medication that works by blocking the ability of the fungi to maintain their cell membrane.

Hydrocortisone is a corticosteroid that reduces swelling, inflammation, and itching.

EasOtic® Directions for Dogs

Follow the directions on the drug label or as provided by your veterinarian.

Before applying EasOtic® to your dog’s ear, check with your veterinarian to ensure your dog’s ear drum is not ruptured.

Wear gloves while applying EasOtic®, and always wash your hands after use.

Your veterinarian will instruct you to apply the medication to the affected ear canal once daily for five days. They may instruct you not to clean the ear or put anything else in the ear for 14 days.

Do not allow EasOtic® to get into your pet’s eyes, mouth, or nose.

It is important to prevent your dog from scratching at their ears, as this can delay healing and may cause further trauma and infection.

Your vet may recommend a recovery cone collar for your dog to protect the delicate tissues of their ears and face and also to prevent other pets from licking the medication.

Contact your veterinarian if your dog’s ear infection does not seem to be healing, worsens, or if the ear infection recurs after you have completed the treatment.

Missed a Dose?

Speak with your veterinarian about what to do if you forget to give a dose of EasOtic®. Generally, they may instruct you to give it when you remember, or if it is almost time for your pet’s next dose, to skip the missed dose and resume your normal dosing schedule. Do not give extra or double doses.

Possible Side Effects of EasOtic® in Dogs

EasOtic® is generally well tolerated in dogs. Side effects that are usually not serious are redness or discomfort at the site of application. Contact your vet if the redness and/or discomfort are severe or getting worse.

Instilling ear medication when your dog’s eardrum is ruptured can cause serious side effects associated with inner ear issues including:

• Gastrointestinal signs—loss of appetite, vomiting, or diarrhea
• Sudden hearing loss
• Ear pain
• Head tilt, walking in circles

Contact your veterinarian immediately if your dog is experiencing any of these symptoms. Do not use EasOtic® for longer than your veterinarian has prescribed for your dog, as long-term use of topical ear medications containing corticosteroids has been associated with overactive adrenal glands.

Human Side Effects

EasOtic® is a veterinary medication not intended for use in humans.

If you have hypersensitivity to cortisone, aminoglycoside antibiotics, or antifungal medication, talk to your veterinarian about using another medication, or ensure that you always wear gloves while handling this medication. Wash your hands after application. In case of accidental skin contact, wash the area thoroughly with water. Avoid contact with eyes.

Due to possible side effects, humans should never use medicine dispensed for their pets and pets should not be given any medicine dispensed for a human’s use.

If you accidentally ingest a veterinary medication, call your physician or the national Poison Control Center hotline at 800-222-1222.

Call Your Vet If:

• Severe side effects are seen (see above)
• Your pet’s condition worsens or does not improve with treatment
• You see or suspect an overdose
• You have additional questions or concerns about the use of EasOtic®

EasOtic® Overdose Information for Dogs

An overdose of EasOtic® is unlikely to occur unless your pet ingests the topical medication.

Overdosage by mouth may suppress your pet’s immune system.

Prolonged use (longer than the maximum recommended treatment duration of five days) or administration of too much medication (more than the recommended dosage of a single pump full in the affected ear once a day) may cause ear redness, ear ulceration, worsening of the ear infection, elevated liver levels, and suppression of your pet’s immune system.

If you suspect an overdose, immediately contact your veterinarian, seek emergency veterinary care, or call an animal poison control center. Consultation fees often apply.

Pet Poison Helpline (855) 764-7661

ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888) 426-4435

EasOtic® Storage for Dogs

Always confirm storage requirements by reading the prescription label.

EasOtic® should be stored at 68–77 F with excursions permitted between 59–86 F.

Keep out of reach of children and pets.