Betamethasone ear drops

About betamethasone ear drops

Otitis externa is a term used for inflammation in the ear when it is confined to the ear canal and does not go further than the eardrum. If you get things like water, shampoo or soap in your ear then it can cause itching. If you then scratch or poke your ear, this can damage the skin in the ear canal and cause inflammation. Betamethasone ear drops are used to relieve this type of inflammation, along with any associated itching and pain.

Sometimes the inflamed skin becomes infected. A brand of betamethasone called Betnesol-N® is used if the skin in the ear canal is infected as well as inflamed. This brand contains an antibacterial ingredient called neomycin.

Before using betamethasone ear drops

To make sure this is the right treatment for you, before you start using betamethasone ear drops, it is important that your doctor knows:

• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

• If you have a hole in your eardrum (a perforated eardrum).

• If you have ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine.

How to use betamethasone ear drops

• Before you use the drops, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet from the pack. It will give you more information about betamethasone and will provide you with a full list of the side-effects which you could experience.

• Use the ear drops exactly as your doctor tells you to. Unless you have been told otherwise, put 2-3 drops into the affected ear every three hours to begin with, and then reduce the number of times you use the drops as your ear improves. You may need to use the drops for about 7-10 days. If you are using drops containing an antibacterial (Betnesol-N®), it is important that you do not use the drops for longer than a week unless your doctor has specifically told you to do so.

1. Wash your hands first. Clean your ear gently with warm water and then pat it dry.

2. Remove the cap from the bottle.

3. Lie down, or tilt your head to the side, so that the affected ear is facing upwards.

4. Gently pull your earlobe downwards to straighten the ear canal.

5. Hold the bottle upside down near to your ear and apply enough pressure to release two or three drops into your ear.

6. Keep your ear facing upwards for a few minutes to allow the solution to come into contact with the affected area.

7. Repeat the process in your other ear if you have been asked to use the drops in both ears.

8. Replace the cap on the bottle.
   

Getting the most from your treatment

• If you feel there is no improvement in your symptoms after you have used the drops for a week, stop using them and make another appointment to see your doctor.

• Otitis externa can be painful. You can take simple painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen to help relieve the pain.

• To help stop further bouts of inflammation, try not to let soap or shampoo get into your ear canal when you wash. You can do this when you have a shower by gently placing a piece of cotton wool coated in soft white paraffin (eg, Vaseline®) into your ear. Do not poke it in.

• Otitis externa is more common in people who swim regularly compared to non-swimmers. If it is not possible for you to avoid swimming, try to protect your ears as much as possible.

Can betamethasone ear drops cause problems?

You may get a slight feeling of irritation or burning. This is usually mild and soon passes. If you get a skin rash or if you notice any other symptoms which you think may be due to the drops, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

How to store betamethasone ear drops

• Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.

• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

• In order to prevent the risk of infection, throw away any solution left in the bottle after you have finished your course of treatment. Do not keep it to use another time.

Important information about all medicines