How To Use Otigo Ear Drops
Complete Step-by-Step Usage Guide, Dosage Instructions & Safety Information
Key Takeaways: How to Use Otigo Ear Drops
- Correct Application: Warm bottle between hands first, lie on side with affected ear upward
- Standard Dosage: 4 drops, 2-3 times daily into affected ear canal
- Critical Precaution: Never use if eardrum is perforated or after ear surgery
- Treatment Duration: Typically 3-7 days, consult doctor if no improvement within 7 days
- Storage Guidelines: Store in original package, use within 6 months of opening
- Safety Check: Doctor should verify intact eardrum before prescribing Otigo
Otigo ear drops work through a dual-action mechanism that provides both pain relief and anti-inflammatory effects. Following the correct application technique is essential for the medication to work effectively and safely.
Important Medical Advice
If you experience severe ear pain, discharge from the ear, hearing loss, dizziness, or develop a fever during treatment, stop using Otigo immediately and seek medical attention. Do not use if you suspect a perforated eardrum.
How to Take Step-by-Step Usage Guide
Following the correct application technique ensures Otigo reaches the affected area effectively while minimising discomfort and risk of complications.
Complete Application Process
Prepare the Bottle
Warm the vial: Roll the bottle between your palms for 30-60 seconds. According to the patient information leaflet, this prevents the cold solution from causing discomfort or vertigo when it enters your ear canal.
Check the dropper: Ensure the dropper applicator is properly screwed onto the bottle and the protective cap is intact.
Prepare for Application
Position yourself: Lie on your side with the affected ear facing upward. You can also tilt your head sideways while sitting or standing.
Clean if necessary: Gently clean the outer ear with a clean, dry cloth if there's visible discharge. Do not insert anything into the ear canal.
Administer the Drops
Remove cap: Take off the white protective dropper cap.
Position dropper: Hold the dropper close to your ear opening without touching your ear, skin, or any surfaces to prevent contamination.
Apply drops: Gently squeeze the dropper until 4 drops are dispensed into the ear canal. Avoid inserting the dropper deep into the ear.
Complete the Process
Remain positioned: Stay lying on your side or keep your head tilted for 3-5 minutes to allow the drops to penetrate fully into the ear canal.
Gentle massage: Gently massage the area in front of your ear (tragus) to help the drops move deeper into the ear canal.
Replace cap: Wipe the dropper tip with a clean tissue and replace the protective cap securely to maintain sterility.
🗒️ Practical Tip: If you need to use Otigo in both ears, wait at least 5 minutes between applications to allow the first ear to absorb the medication properly. Always use a separate dropper for each ear if you have two bottles, or clean the dropper thoroughly between ears if using one bottle for both.
Dosage Guide
The recommended dosage of Otigo is standardised based on clinical evidence for effective treatment of middle ear conditions while minimising potential side effects.
Standard Dosage Recommendations
| Patient Group | Dosage per Application | Frequency | Maximum Daily Doses |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adults (18+ years) | 4 drops | 2-3 times daily | 3 applications (12 drops total) |
| Children (2-17 years) | 1-2 drops | 2-3 times daily | 3 applications (6 drops total) |
| Elderly (65+ years) | 4 drops | 2-3 times daily | 3 applications (12 drops total) |
Treatment Duration Guidelines
- Initial Assessment: Symptoms should begin improving within 24-48 hours of starting treatment, with initial pain relief noticeable within 5-10 minutes from the lidocaine component.
- Standard Course: Typically 3-7 days depending on severity and response. Most uncomplicated cases resolve within this timeframe.
- Medical Review: Consult your doctor if no improvement within 7 days. The anti-inflammatory effect of phenazone typically shows significant results within 24-48 hours.
- Early Worsening: Seek immediate medical advice if symptoms worsen rapidly at any time, especially if you develop fever, discharge, or severe dizziness.
- Maximum Duration: Do not use beyond 10 days without medical supervision, as prolonged use may mask underlying infections.
🗒️ Pharmacological Insight: The 4-drop dosage for adults provides sufficient medication volume to coat the ear canal and reach the middle ear through the intact eardrum. The 2-3 times daily frequency maintains therapeutic levels while allowing natural ear clearance mechanisms to function between applications.
What to Do If You Miss a Dose
Apply Immediately
If you remember within 2-3 hours of the missed dose, apply the drops as soon as possible, then continue with your regular schedule.
Skip Missed Dose
If it's almost time for your next dose, skip the missed one and continue with your regular schedule. Do not apply extra drops.
Do Not Double Dose
Never apply extra drops to make up for a missed dose. This increases risk of side effects without significant therapeutic benefit.
Who Should Use Otigo
Otigo is specifically indicated for certain middle ear conditions and appropriate patient groups when prescribed by a healthcare professional.
Appropriate Clinical Indications
Acute Otitis Media
Condition: Acute middle ear inflammation without perforation
Symptoms: Ear pain, pressure sensation, mild hearing reduction, often following upper respiratory infection
Suitability: First-line symptomatic treatment when eardrum confirmed intact by medical examination
Post-Influenza Otitis
Condition: Middle ear complication after flu or viral respiratory infection
Symptoms: Ear pain, fullness, and discomfort following respiratory symptoms
Suitability: Effective for viral-induced inflammation and pain while the body fights the underlying infection
Barotraumatic Otitis
Condition: Pressure-related ear damage from flying, diving, or altitude changes
Symptoms: Pain, pressure sensation, sometimes mild hearing reduction after pressure changes
Suitability: Reduces inflammation from pressure trauma while the eustachian tube function normalises
Suitable Patient Groups
| Patient Group | Suitability | Special Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Adults (18-64 years) | Fully suitable with confirmed intact eardrum | Standard dosage, monitor for improvement within 7 days, watch for side effects like local irritation |
| Children (2-17 years) | Suitable with paediatric assessment and dosage adjustment | Doctor must verify intact eardrum, parental supervision required for application, use 1-2 drops instead of 4 |
| Elderly (65+ years) | Suitable with geriatric assessment | Check for age-related eardrum changes, monitor closely for dizziness (may increase fall risk) |
| Diabetic patients | Suitable with caution | Monitor for infection signs carefully, as diabetes may affect healing; no direct interaction with diabetes medications |
Who Should Not Use Otigo
Certain conditions and patient characteristics make Otigo unsuitable or require special precautions before use.
Absolute Contraindications
Perforated Eardrum
Risk: Drops can enter middle ear directly, causing irritation, dizziness, or damage to delicate structures including the ossicles and cochlea
Identification: Symptoms include ear discharge, sudden hearing change, vertigo, or previous ear surgery. Must be confirmed by doctor using otoscopy.
Allergy to Ingredients
Risk: Allergic reactions including itching, rash, swelling, or in severe cases breathing difficulties (anaphylaxis)
Ingredients: Phenazone, lidocaine hydrochloride, sodium thiosulfate, ethanol (96%), glycerol, purified water
Recent Ear Surgery
Risk: Interference with healing, infection risk, potential damage to surgical site including graft materials
Timeline: Avoid until surgeon confirms complete healing, typically 4-6 weeks post-operation depending on procedure
Relative Contraindications (Use with Medical Supervision)
| Condition | Risk Level | Precaution Required |
|---|---|---|
| Chronic ear infections | Moderate | Medical assessment to rule out perforation or complications; may require longer treatment or additional therapies |
| Ear tube placement (grommets) | High | Generally contraindicated unless specifically approved by ENT specialist; drops can pass through tubes into middle ear |
| Severe eczema in ear canal | Moderate | May cause irritation; treat eczema first or use with caution under dermatological guidance |
| Known methemoglobinemia risk | High | Lidocaine may exacerbate condition; medical supervision essential, consider alternatives for high-risk individuals |
🗒️ Important Note: According to the Summary of Product Characteristics, athletes should be aware that Otigo contains lidocaine, which may give a positive result in anti-doping tests. Professional athletes should consult their sporting authority before use and may need a Therapeutic Use Exemption.
To Be Taken With Food and Without Food
As Otigo is administered topically to the ear, it has no direct interaction with food intake, but certain considerations apply regarding application timing.
Food and Drink Considerations
No Direct Interaction
Since Otigo is applied topically to the ear and has minimal systemic absorption, it doesn't interact with food or drink in the digestive system. No need to coordinate with meals.
Flexible Schedule
You can use Otigo at any time of day regardless of meals. Choose times that fit your routine consistently for best adherence to the treatment schedule.
Minimal Concern
The small amount of ethanol in Otigo (as preservative) doesn't interact significantly with consumed alcohol. No special precautions needed regarding alcohol consumption.
Optimal Application Schedule Recommendations
| Dosage Frequency | Recommended Times | Practical Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Twice Daily | Morning (after waking) & Evening (before bed) | Aligns with natural daily routine, ensures consistent treatment coverage throughout day and night |
| Three Times Daily | Morning, Afternoon, Evening (approximately 8-hour intervals) | Maintains steady medication levels throughout waking hours; set phone reminders if needed |
| With Other Medications | No specific timing requirements | Can be used alongside oral antibiotics or systemic pain relievers without timing concerns or interactions |
🗒️ Practical Advice: Some patients find applying Otigo before bedtime particularly helpful, as lying down for sleep provides natural positioning time for the drops to work. The pain relief can also improve sleep quality when dealing with uncomfortable ear conditions, which often worsen at night due to positional changes.
Special Conditions & Considerations
Certain medical conditions and situations require special attention when considering or using Otigo ear drops.
Important Medical Considerations
Driving and Machine Operation
Effect: No significant impairment expected from Otigo itself
Consideration: Dizziness from the underlying ear condition or if used with perforated eardrum may affect driving ability
Recommendation: Assess individual response before driving if experiencing vertigo; generally safe once accustomed to any mild dizziness
Athletes and Doping Tests
Risk: Lidocaine component may give positive doping test results in some sports
Consideration: Therapeutic Use Exemption may be required for competitive athletes
Recommendation: Consult sports governing body before use if competing professionally; keep prescription documentation
Methemoglobinemia Risk
Risk: Lidocaine can rarely cause this blood disorder where haemoglobin can't release oxygen properly
At-risk Groups: Infants under 3 months, G6PD deficiency, hemoglobinopathies (like sickle cell disease)
Recommendation: Medical supervision for at-risk individuals; consider alternatives if high risk
Storage and Handling Special Conditions
| Condition | Requirement | Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| Temperature Storage | Room temperature (below 25°C) | No refrigeration needed, but avoid extreme temperatures that could affect drug stability |
| Light Protection | Store in original package | Brown glass bottle protects from light degradation; keep in outer carton when not in use |
| Shelf Life After Opening | 6 months maximum | Preservative effectiveness limited, risk of contamination increases with time and handling |
| Child Safety | Keep out of reach and sight of children | Prevent accidental ingestion or inappropriate use; store in secure location |
Disposal Instructions
- Do not dispose: via wastewater or household waste
- Return to pharmacy: Take any unused or expired Otigo to your pharmacy
- Pharmacy disposal: Pharmacies have appropriate disposal systems for medicines
- Environmental protection: Proper disposal helps protect the environment from pharmaceutical contamination
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
Due to minimal systemic absorption, Otigo is generally considered suitable for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding when medically necessary.
Safety Profile in Pregnancy and Lactation
Generally Safe
Minimal systemic absorption means fetal exposure is negligible. Can be used if clearly needed after medical consultation. No evidence of harm in human pregnancy.
Compatible
Negligible transfer to breast milk due to local application and minimal absorption into maternal circulation. Considered generally safe during breastfeeding.
No Known Effect
No evidence that Otigo affects male or female fertility when used as directed for ear conditions. Not systemically absorbed in significant amounts.
Practical Recommendations
- Medical Consultation: Always discuss with your doctor or midwife before using any medication during pregnancy or breastfeeding, even topical treatments
- Benefit-Risk Assessment: Doctor will weigh benefits of symptom relief against any theoretical risks; ear infections themselves can be problematic in pregnancy
- Application Technique: Use standard dosage and application method - no adjustments needed for pregnant or breastfeeding women
- Monitoring: Report any unusual symptoms to your healthcare provider promptly, though side effects are expected to be same as general population
- Alternative Considerations: For very mild symptoms, doctor may recommend trying warm compresses first before medication, but Otigo is appropriate if needed
🗒️ Clinical Guidance: The UK Teratology Information Service considers topical ear medications with minimal systemic absorption to be low risk during pregnancy. However, ear infections themselves can sometimes be more problematic during pregnancy due to physiological changes, so appropriate treatment is important. Always use the lowest effective dose for the shortest necessary duration, even with topical medications.
Key Points for Healthcare Providers
| Scenario | Recommendation | Evidence Level |
|---|---|---|
| First trimester pregnancy | Can be used if clearly indicated | Limited human data, but low risk profile expected |
| Breastfeeding mother | Generally compatible, monitor infant | Minimal systemic absorption makes significant transfer unlikely |
| Planning pregnancy | No need to discontinue if using | No evidence of fertility effects |
Otigo Usage FAQs
What is the correct way to apply Otigo ear drops?
Warm the bottle in your hands first, lie on your side with the affected ear up, administer 4 drops, then remain in position for 3-5 minutes. This ensures proper penetration and prevents the drops from running out.
How often should I use Otigo ear drops?
Use Otigo 2-3 times daily, approximately every 6-8 hours. Never exceed 3 applications in 24 hours. If pain persists beyond 48 hours, consult your doctor rather than increasing frequency.
What should I do if Otigo doesn't seem to be working?
If there's no improvement after 2 proper applications (6-8 hours) or symptoms worsen, stop using Otigo and consult your doctor. You may have a perforated eardrum, bacterial infection needing antibiotics, or another condition.
Is it safe to use Otigo during pregnancy?
Yes, Otigo can generally be used during pregnancy if needed, as minimal systemic absorption means negligible fetal exposure. However, always consult your doctor or midwife before using any medication when pregnant.
Can I use Otigo with other ear medications?
If using multiple ear medications, apply Otigo last or wait at least 30 minutes between different drops. Always inform your doctor about all medications you're using for proper guidance on timing and compatibility.
Need Otigo Ear Drops for Ear Pain?
If you're experiencing middle ear pain or inflammation and think Otigo might be appropriate for you, consult with a UK-registered doctor through our confidential online service for a prescription and personalised usage guidance.
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Medical Content Manager
Nabeel is a co-founder, and medical content manager of Chemist Doctor. He works closely with our medical team to ensure the information is accurate and up-to-date.
Medical Doctor
Dr. Feroz is a GMC-registered doctor and a medical reviewer at Chemist Doctor. He oversees acute condition and urgent care guidance.
Medical Director
Usman is a co-founder, and medical director of Chemist Doctor. He leads the organisation's strategic vision, bridging clinical and operational priorities.
Review Date: 07 February 2026
Next Review: 07 August 2026
Published on: 07 February 2026
Last Updated: 07 February 2026
