HealthNotes

EYE: Unless otherwise directed by your doctor, do not wear contact lenses while you are using this medicine. Sterilize contact lenses according to the manufacturer's directions, and check with your doctor before you begin using them again.

If your doctor does approve the wearing of contact lenses during treatment with this medication, remove the lenses before using the eye drops. The preservative in this product may be absorbed by contact lenses. Wait at least 15 minutes after each dose of the eye drop before wearing the lenses again.

To apply eye drops, wash your hands first. If you are using a suspension form of this medication, shake the bottle well before using. To avoid contamination, do not touch the dropper tip or let it touch your eye or any other surface.

Tilt your head back, look upward, and pull down the lower eyelid to make a pouch. Hold the dropper directly over your eye and place 1 drop into the pouch. Look downward and gently close your eyes for 1 to 2 minutes. Place one finger at the corner of your eye (near the nose) and apply gentle pressure. This will prevent the medication from draining out. Try not to blink and do not rub your eye. Repeat these steps for your other eye if so directed and if your dose is for more than 1 drop.

Apply as often as directed by your doctor. Do not rinse the dropper. Replace the dropper cap after each use.

If you are using another kind of eye medication (for example, other drops or ointments), wait at least 5 to 10 minutes before applying other medications. Use eye drops before eye ointments to allow the drops to enter the eye.

Wait several minutes for your vision to clear before driving or operating machinery.

EAR: Clean and dry the ear canal before using this medication. To make sure the right amount of medication is given, and to avoid touching the ear with the dropper, have another person insert the drops if possible. To lower the risk of dizziness, hold the container in your hand for a few minutes in order to warm it.

To apply ear drops, wash your hands first. To avoid contamination, do not touch the dropper tip or let it touch your ear or any other surface. If you are using a suspension form of this medication, shake the bottle well before using. Lie on your side or tilt the affected ear upward. Hold the dropper directly over the ear and place the prescribed number of drops into the ear canal. To help the drops roll into the ear of an adult, hold the earlobe up and back. For children, hold the earlobe down and back. Keep the head tilted for 5 minutes, or insert a soft cotton plug if so directed. Alternatively, your doctor may instruct you to place a cotton/gauze plug in the ear canal, moisten it with the medication, and leave it in the ear for 12 to 24 hours or as directed. The plug should be replaced at least once a day.

Repeat these steps for the other ear if so directed. Apply as often as directed by your doctor. Do not rinse the dropper. Replace the dropper cap after each use.

Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same time(s) each day.

The dosage and length of treatment are based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Do not use this medication more often or for longer than prescribed because doing so may increase your risk of side effects.

Continue to use this medication for the full time prescribed. Do not stop using this medication without consulting your doctor. Some conditions may become worse when the drug is suddenly stopped. Your dose may need to be gradually decreased.

Do not use this product if it becomes contaminated (for example, drops turn a dark color). Use of contaminated eye medication can cause infection, serious damage to the eye, and loss of vision. Use of contaminated ear medication can cause infection, serious damage to the ear, and hearing loss. Contact your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve in a few days or if it worsens.