Antipyrine benzocaine otic is used primarily in combination with an antibiotic to treat some ear infections. The antibiotic treats the infection while antipyrine benzocaine otic helps soothe pain, swelling, and congestion in the ear. It can also be used to soften earwax so that it can be washed out more easily. Antipyrine and benzocaine are both analgesics available as a solution. In the United States, this combination is marketed under several brand names, including A/B Octic®, Aurodex®, and Benzotic®.
There are two common uses of antipyrine benzocaine otic. It is typically given together with an antibiotic to treat middle ear infections. The antibiotic treats the infection itself while antipyrine benzocaine otic works by alleviating ear pain and discomfort that typically result. These two medications are analgesics, or painkillers.
Another use for this medication involves facilitating earwax removal. Earwax is produced by glands inside the ear and typically dries up and falls out of the ear on its own. In some cases, earwax can become compacted in the ear canal, affecting hearing and causing dizziness and ringing in the ear. When a blockage occurs, the earwax must be flushed out. Antipyrine benzocaine otic softens earwax, allowing for easier removal.
When prescribed for pain and swelling, antipyrine benzocaine otic is often administered every one to two hours as needed. If the goal is to soften earwax before cleaning, this medication is usually used three times a day for two to three days. A medical professional typically flushes the ear with warm water to remove earwax buildup.
The dose and amount of this medication vary among patients depending on the problem being treated, among other factors. Proper use begins by warming the bottle in a hand for approximately two minutes. The patient should then lie down or tilt his or her head so that the affected ear faces up. The earlobe is pulled up and back, and antipyrine benzocaine otic is dropped into the ear canal. The affected ear should be kept facing up for about five minutes, and a cotton plug moistened with a few drops of the medication can be inserted into the ear opening to prevent leakage.
The bottle of antipyrine benzocaine otic should be kept cool but not frozen. Patients should avoid touching the tip of the dropper to any surface. After use, the dropper should be wiped dry with a clean cloth rather than rinsed.
Infrequent side effects of antipyrine benzocaine otic include itching, redness, and weeping sores in the ear. These symptoms typically indicate an allergic reaction to this combination of drugs. If these side effects occur, the patient should stop taking the medication and consult with his or her doctor. A patient with a perforated ear drum, ear tubes, or allergies to any local anesthetic should probably not use this medication.