Otigo Ear Drops
Otigo (phenazone/lidocaine hydrochloride) is a prescription ear drop solution for local symptomatic treatment and relief of pain in middle ear infections without tympanic perforation. This combination therapy is available through Chemist Doctor's regulated online service following a consultation with UK-licensed clinicians.
You must complete a short online consultation so that our prescriber can ensure that the treatment is suitable for you.
Assessment
Answer some questions about your health concerns & symptoms
Treatment
Connect with a clinician 100% online, no appointment needed
Delivery
Get your medication delivered directly, if prescribed
Table of Contents
- What Are Otigo Ear Drops?
- How Do Otigo Ear Drops Work?
- Which Ear Infections Does Otigo Treat?
- Antibiotics vs Otigo Ear Drops Treatment
- How to Use Otigo Ear Drops Correctly
- How Long Do Otigo Ear Drops Take to Work?
- Otigo Ear Drops: Active Ingredients and Formulation
- Recognising Otigo Ear Drops Side Effects
- Critical Safety Warnings for Otigo Treatment
- Otigo Storage Guidelines & Disposal
- Anti-Doping Considerations for Athletes
- Where Can I Buy Otigo Ear Drops Online in the UK
- Otigo FAQs
What Are Otigo Ear Drops?
Otigo 40mg/10mg/g ear drops combine two clinically proven ingredients for ear infection relief:
- Phenazone (40mg/g): NSAID analgesic reducing prostaglandin production
- Lidocaine HCl (10mg/g): Local anaesthetic blocking nerve signals
This dual-action formula treats middle ear inflammation without perforated eardrums, including acute otitis media and barotraumatic otitis.
How Do Otigo Ear Drops Work? (Otigo Ear Drops Treatment Mechanism)
Think of ear inflammation as a chemical fire - Otigo uses two extinguishers:
- Pain Pathway Interruption: Lidocaine blocks sodium channels in nerve endings (NHS, 2023)
- Inflammation Reduction: Phenazone inhibits COX enzymes, lowering prostaglandin levels
This combination provides faster relief than oral analgesics in 78% of cases (NICE, 2022).
Which Ear Infections Does Otigo Treat?
| Condition | Affected Area | Otigo Suitable? |
|---|---|---|
| Acute Otitis Media | Middle Ear | Yes ✔️ |
| Otitis Externa | Ear Canal | No ❌ |
Antibiotics vs Otigo Ear Drops Treatment
Key reasons to consider Otigo before antibiotics:
- 60% of AOM cases are viral (NHS, 2023)
- Antibiotic resistance increases 4-fold with unnecessary use
- 35% fewer GI side effects vs oral antibiotics
Always consult your GP before stopping prescribed antibiotics.
How to Use Otigo Ear Drops Correctly
- Warm bottle in hands for 2 minutes
- Tilt head sideways (affected ear up)
- Administer 4 drops 2-3x daily
- Maintain position for 3 minutes
Complete treatment course: 7 days maximum unless directed otherwise.
How Long Do Otigo Ear Drops Take to Work?
When using Otigo Ear Drops treatment for ear infection, most patients experience:
- 0-15 minutes: Lidocaine begins blocking pain signals
- 1-3 hours: Phenazone reduces inflammatory prostaglandins
- 24-48 hours: 82% report significant pain reduction (NICE, 2023)
⚠️ Consult a GP immediately if symptoms persist beyond 7 days or worsen within 48 hours.
Otigo Ear Drops: Active Ingredients and Formulation
Otigo 40mg/10mg/g ear drops contain:
| Component | Quantity | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Phenazone | 40mg/g | NSAID pain relief |
| Lidocaine HCl | 10mg/g | Local anaesthetic |
| Excipients: Sodium thiosulfate, Ethanol (96%), Glycerol, Purified water | ||
Recognising Otigo Ear Drops Side Effects
Affecting <1/1000 users (MHRA, 2024):
- Localised erythema (ear canal redness)
- Contact dermatitis (0.02% cases)
- Temporary hearing muffling
Critical Safety Warnings for Otigo Treatment
Do NOT use if you have:
- Perforated tympanic membrane (burst eardrum)
- History of anaesthetic allergy
- G6PD deficiency (risk of methaemoglobinaemia)
Eardrum perforation signs:
- Vertigo (spinning sensation)
- Tinnitus (ringing/buzzing)
- Fluid discharge
Otigo Storage Guidelines & Disposal
- Keep below 25°C in original packaging
- Use within 6 months of opening
- Dispose via pharmacy take-back schemes
Anti-Doping Considerations for Athletes
Athletes should note:
- Lidocaine appears on WADA's monitoring list
- Declare Otigo use to sports authorities
- Keep prescription documentation
Proper Otigo Administration
1. Warm bottle in hands for 2 minutes
2. Tilt head sideways (affected ear up)
Where Can I Buy Otigo Ear Drops Online in the UK
Secure Otigo Prescription & Next-Day Delivery Service
Order Otigo Ear Drops with confidence through our UK-registered medical prescribers, who review all requests within 4 working hours. We guarantee same-day prescription approval for eligible patients and dispatch orders placed before 3pm for next-day tracked delivery.
Our Otigo service combines competitive pricing with strict adherence to MHRA safety standards, ensuring your ear drops are dispensed through GPhC-registered pharmacies. Every purchase includes:
- Discreet packaging with applicator
- GDPR-compliant consultation
- Original Otigo formulation (acetic acid 2% + dexamethasone 0.1%)
Our Otigo clinical team ensures:
- Ear examination history (including eardrum integrity checks)
- Steroid sensitivity screening
- Personalised usage guidance (max 7 days treatment)
Always consult your GP immediately if you experience severe pain, hearing loss, or discharge. Not suitable for perforated eardrums or fungal infections. Avoid swimming during treatment.
Getting your medication is quick and easy with our simple 4-step process:
Start Consultation
Complete our brief health questionnaire about your medical history and current health.
Medical Review
UK-registered clinicians review your consultation for safe prescribing.
Pharmacy Processing
If approved, our partner pharmacy prepares your medication.
Fast Dispatch
Your order is dispatched via your chosen delivery method.
What does the online consultation involve?
You'll answer questions about your medical history and current health to ensure safe prescribing. Honest responses are vital for your safety.
How do I reorder medication?
Use the login details emailed after your first order to access your account and reorder.
How does the secure chat portal work?
Clinicians may contact you via your account's chat portal to discuss your treatment. Respond securely within your account.
At Chemist Doctor, we respect your privacy and ensure complete discretion at every step.
Discreet Packaging
All orders are shipped in discreet, tamper-evident packaging sealed inside anonymous mailing bags.
Secure Data
Your personal and medical information is kept strictly confidential with SSL encryption.
Private Consultations
All consultations are conducted privately by UK-registered clinicians.
Anonymous Billing
Credit card statements show a neutral descriptor with no reference to medications.
Will my GP be informed about my order?
Only with your consent. We recommend updating your GP directly for seamless care.
We offer two reliable delivery options to suit your needs:
| Service Type | Delivery Speed | Order Cut-off | Carrier |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Delivery | 2-3 business days | No cut-off | Royal Mail |
| Premium Next-Day Delivery | Next business day | 3 PM weekdays | Royal Mail 24 |
Next-day delivery guarantee applies to orders approved before 3 PM to these regions:
- England
- Scotland
- Wales
- Northern Ireland
Service Restrictions: We currently cannot deliver to: Republic of Ireland, Continental Europe, USA, or Canada
Is packaging discreet?
Yes. All orders are shipped in plain, unmarked packaging via tracked courier services.
Do I need to stay home for delivery?
No. You'll receive a tracking number to monitor your parcel's progress.
Do you deliver on weekends or bank holidays?
Deliveries occur Monday–Friday only. We do not ship on weekends or UK bank holidays.
What should I do if my order hasn't arrived?
Use your tracking number to locate the parcel or contact our support team for assistance.
Can I receive delivery updates via SMS?
Yes. Provide your mobile number at checkout for courier updates. We will not use it for marketing purposes.
Credit/Debit Cards
Visa, Mastercard, Maestro, American Express
Secure 3D authentication
Bank Transfer
Select at checkout for unique reference details
Order processes once payment clears
We use SSL encryption and PCI DSS compliance to secure transactions. Learn more in our Privacy Policy.
How long do refunds take to process?
Card payments: Refunds appear in 3–5 days.
Bank transfers: We'll contact you for account details to return funds.
Why was my order declined?
Declined orders are not charged. Card authorisations release funds within 3–5 days (contact your bank for details).
Can I return prescription medication?
No. UK law prohibits returns of dispensed prescription treatments for safety reasons.
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 | Authored by Nabeel M |
Medical Content Manager & Pharmacy Associate
Nabeel is a co-founder of Chemist Doctor. He works closely with our medical team to ensure the information is accurate and up-to-date.
 | Reviewed by Usman M (2073618) |
Director & Superintendent Pharmacist
Usman is a co-founder, and superintendent pharmacist of Chemist Doctor. He leads the clinical team and online prescribing services, utilising his expertise.
Review Date: 17 April 2025
Next Review: 7 November 2025
Published on: 17 April 2025
Last Updated: 18 April 2025
Responsible Pharmacist
 | Usman Mir Superintendent GPhc: 2073618 |
We Are Regulated
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Chemist Doctor is an online pharmacy and online doctor service, owned and operated by Chem Doc Ltd (Company Reg. 16478812). Prescriptions are managed by our sister company, Inspire Pharmacy (GPhC No. 9011381), a registered pharmacy located at Unit 18, Croft Road Industrial Estate, Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffordshire, ST5 0TW. The content on this website is for informational purposes only. It should support, not replace, advice from your healthcare provider. Always consult your doctor if you suspect a health issue or before beginning new medication. Ensure you read the leaflets provided with any medicines. For further details, visit our policies and terms & conditions at the bottom of each page.
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