This medication is used to treat eczema of the outer ear
(also known as chronic itchy ear). The main symptom is itchiness, but
redness, flaking, or oozing may also occur. Fluocinolone reduces these
symptoms. This medication is a low- to medium-strength
corticosteroid.
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. 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 as directed by your doctor, usually twice a day. To help
the drops roll into the ear of an adult, hold the earlobe up and back. In
children, hold the earlobe down and back. Keep the head tilted for about 1
minute, or insert a soft cotton plug if so directed. Remove the plug after
1 minute. Repeat for the other ear if so directed. Do not rinse the
dropper. Replace the cap after use. Do not bandage, cover, or wrap the area
unless directed to do so by your doctor.
Avoid getting this medication in the eyes, nose, or
mouth. If you get the medication in these areas, rinse with plenty of
water.
Dosage is based on your medical condition and response
to treatment.
Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit
from it. To help you remember, use it at the same times each
day.
Use this medication only for the condition for which it
was prescribed. Do not use it for longer than prescribed.
Tell your doctor if your condition lasts or gets worse
after 2 weeks.
Stinging, burning, irritation, dryness, or redness at
the application site may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse,
tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Remember that this medication has been prescribed
because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the
risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious
side effects.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare.
However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a
serious allergic reaction, including:
- rash
- itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
- severe dizziness
- trouble breathing
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If
you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or
pharmacist.
In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at
www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about
side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at
1-866-234-2345.
Before using fluocinolone, tell your doctor or
pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other corticosteroids (such as
hydrocortisone, prednisone); or if you have any other allergies. This
product may contain inactive ingredients (such as peanut oil), which can
cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for
more details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or
pharmacist your medical history.
Do not use if there is an infection or sore in the area
to be treated. Skin infections can become worse when this medication is
used. Tell your doctor promptly if redness, swelling, or irritation does
not improve.
During pregnancy, this product should be used only when
clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your
doctor.
It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk when
applied to the skin. Similar medications pass into breast milk when taken
by mouth. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
Drug interactions may change how your medications work
or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not
contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you
use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and
share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the
dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
This medicine may be harmful if swallowed. If someone
has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble
breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US
residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call
1-844-764-7669.
Do not share this medication with others.
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If
it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Use your next
dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch
up.
Different brands of this medication have different
storage needs. Check the product package for instructions on how to store
your brand, or ask your pharmacist. Keep all medications away from children
and pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them
into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when
it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste
disposal company.