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.

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

• Si estás embarazada o amamantando.

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

• Si alguna vez has tenido una reacción alérgica a un medicamento.

• 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. Retira la tapa de la botella.

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

4. Tira suavemente de tu lóbulo hacia abajo para enderezar el canal auditivo.

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

6. Mantén tu oído hacia arriba durante unos minutos para permitir que la solución entre en contacto con el área afectada.

7. Repite el proceso en tu otro oído si te han indicado usar las gotas en ambos oídos.

8. Replace the cap on the bottle.
   

• 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.

• La otitis externa es más común en personas que nadan regularmente en comparación con las que no nadan. Si no es posible para ti evitar nadar, intenta proteger tus oídos tanto como sea posible.

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.

• Mantenga todos los medicamentos fuera del alcance y la vista de los niños.

• Almacenar en un lugar fresco y seco, lejos del calor y la luz directos.

• Para prevenir el riesgo de infección, deseche cualquier solución que quede en el frasco después de haber terminado su tratamiento. No la guarde para usarla en otra ocasión.