What is Fluocinolone Otic?
The steroid drug fluocinolone can be used to treat a variety of conditions. The outer ear canal of adults and children older than 2 years is treated with fluocinolone (for use as an otic). This medication guide does not list all possible uses of fluocinolone.
Side effects of Fluocinolone otic
If you experience any of the following signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction: difficulty breathing, hives or facial or throat swelling - seek medical assistance immediately!
Fluocinolone may have serious side effects. If you experience:
- Severe irritation around or in your ears;
- Signs of skin infection: warmth, redness, swelling, sores, or oozing.
Topical steroids can be absorbed through the skin, causing side effects in other parts of the body. You should tell your doctor if:
- Weight gain, especially in the face and upper back or torso;
- Stretch marks, facial hair, and thinning of the skin
- Memory problems and feeling irritable
- Changes in sexual function, irregular menstrual cycles
- Growth delay in an infant.
Children may experience adverse side effects from this medicine due to absorption through their skin.
Fluocinolone may cause the following side effects:
- Itching or burning is a sign of irritation.
- Rash on the area around the ear where this medicine was applied.
- You may experience a rash or irritation in your mouth.
- Stretch marks, acne, and pimples
- Lightening of skin color
- Redness or crusting on your hair follicles.
There may be other side effects. For medical advice on side effects, call your doctor.Contact the FDA by calling 1-800-FDA-1088 in order to report adverse events.
Warnings
Please read all the instructions on the label or package of your medication.Informing your healthcare provider of any current medical conditions, allergies or medicines you are taking will assist them in providing effective healthcare to you.
Before you take this drug
If you have an allergy to fluocinolone, then do not use the fluocinolone-containing otic. This medicine contains peanut oil. You should tell your doctor if there is a peanut allergen. This medicine may not work if you are suffering from a skin infection. Inform your doctor immediately if you are pregnant or nursing. The fluocinolone otic should not be administered to a child under the age of 2 years. This medicine can be absorbed more readily by children through their skin.
How to take Fluocinolone Otic?
Read and follow all instructions or guides included with your medication.Follow the directions on the label. Take it only by mouth. Otic medicines are only to be used in the ears. Before using ear drops, wash your hands.
How to use the eardrops:
- If you are lying down, tilt your head upward with your ear up. When giving the medicine to a young child, gently pull your ear back or pull downward on the earlobe.
- Drop the correct amount of drops in your ear by holding the dropper upside-down over your ear.
- Keep your head tilted or lying down for a few minutes.
- Avoid touching the tip of the dropper or placing it directly into your ears. It could become contaminated. Do not use soap or water to wash the tip. Instead, wipe it with a tissue.
Use a cotton ball to remove any liquid medicine from your ears. Do not use cotton to plug the treated ear. This could lead to unwanted side effects. If your symptoms don't improve within 2 weeks or worsen, call your doctor. Store away from heat and moisture at room temperature. When not in use, keep the bottle tightly shut.
Details on dosage
Adult dose for eczema:
Fluocinolone drops (0.01%): Apply 5 drops to each affected ear twice a day for two weeks.
The usual pediatric dose for eczema is:
Fluocinolone drops 0.01%:
For 2-year-olds and older, instill 5 drops into each affected ear twice a day. Do this for two weeks.
What happens if I miss the dose?
If it's almost time for your next dose, take an extra one if necessary and skip this missed one.Never take two doses of the same medicine at once.
What happens if I overdose?
Call 1-800-222-1222 for poison help or seek immediate medical attention. The use of steroids in high doses can cause thinning of the skin, easy bleeding, changes in body weight (especially on your neck, face, back, and waist), acne, facial hair growth, menstrual issues, impotence, or a loss of interest in sexual activity.
What should be avoided?
Avoid getting fluocinolone in your eyes. Rinse with water if you do. Fluocinolone is not recommended for treating any condition not checked by a doctor.
Interaction with other drug
Other drugs that you take are unlikely to affect the medicine used in your ears. Many drugs interact with each other. Inform your healthcare provider about the medicines you take, including prescriptions and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
