Otigo Ear Drops

What is Otigo?

Otigo ear drops are a prescription‑only medicine containing two active ingredients: phenazone (an analgesic and anti‑inflammatory) and lidocaine hydrochloride (a local anaesthetic). They are formulated to provide rapid relief of pain and inflammation in the middle ear, without the need for systemic absorption.

Active Ingredients and Drug Class

Phenazone is a pyrazolone derivative with analgesic and anti‑inflammatory properties. Lidocaine hydrochloride is an amide‑type local anaesthetic that blocks voltage‑gated sodium channels, preventing nerve impulse conduction and producing reversible loss of sensation in the ear canal and middle ear.

Mechanism of Action with Patient-Friendly Analogies

Think of an ear infection as a “storm” inside your middle ear – the lining becomes swollen and sends constant pain signals. Otigo works like a firefighter and a repair crew: phenazone calms the inflammation (reduces swelling), while lidocaine temporarily “numbs” the pain signals so your brain no longer feels the sharp, throbbing discomfort. Together they provide fast, local relief without affecting the rest of your body.

More specifically, Otigo works by:

1. Phenazone inhibiting prostaglandin synthesis, reducing inflammation and pain in the middle ear mucosa.
2. Lidocaine blocking sodium ion channels on nerve endings, preventing depolarisation and pain transmission.
3. Combined action provides both aetiological (anti‑inflammatory) and symptomatic (anaesthetic) relief.
4. Local application delivers high concentration directly to the site of pain with minimal systemic absorption.

Biological Pathway Explanation

In acute otitis media, bacterial or viral infection triggers release of inflammatory mediators (prostaglandins, cytokines) leading to mucosal oedema, exudate, and pressure‑induced pain. Phenazone reduces these mediators. Lidocaine rapidly diffuses through the intact tympanic membrane (when not perforated) or through the inflamed mucosa, reversibly binding to voltage‑gated sodium channels and stabilising the neuronal membrane, thus preventing pain signal propagation along the auditory nerve.

What is Otigo Used For?

Otigo is indicated for local symptomatic treatment and relief of pain in the following middle ear diseases, provided the tympanic membrane (ear drum) is intact and not perforated:

Approved Indications

Before Using Otigo

Before starting Otigo, a thorough assessment is essential to ensure the eardrum is intact and no contraindications exist.

Medical History Assessment Checklist

Your clinician will check for:

• Known allergy to phenazone, lidocaine, or any of the excipients
• Perforated tympanic membrane (including after myringotomy)
• History of methemoglobinemia or G6PD deficiency (lidocaine risk)
• Infants under 3 months of age (higher risk of methemoglobinemia)
• Current ear discharge, drainage, or bleeding
• Recent ear surgery or ventilation tubes (grommets)

Required Baseline Tests

In most cases, a clinician will perform or confirm an otoscopic examination to verify an intact eardrum before prescribing Otigo.

Otigo Contraindications

Do not use Otigo in the following situations:

• Hypersensitivity to phenazone, lidocaine, or any excipients listed in section 6
• Perforated eardrum (tympanic perforation) – including cases where the eardrum has been perforated during surgical manipulation (myringotomy)
• Known history of methemoglobinemia or severe G6PD deficiency (relative contraindication – use only if benefits outweigh risks)

Special Population Considerations

Infants and Children

Otigo is suitable for use in children, but extra caution is needed in infants under 3 months of age due to an increased risk of methemoglobinemia with topical lidocaine. A doctor should assess the need before use.

Elderly Patients

No specific precautions beyond the general warnings; however, elderly patients may have age‑related hearing changes or tympanic membrane thinning. A medical review is recommended before first use.

Patients with G6PD Deficiency

Lidocaine has been associated with methemoglobinemia in susceptible individuals. Use only under medical supervision, and monitor for signs of hypoxia (bluish skin, shortness of breath).

Otigo and Other Medicines

Because Otigo is applied locally into the ear, systemic interactions are unlikely. However, tell your doctor or pharmacist about all medicines you use, including:

• Other ear drops (avoid concomitant use unless prescribed)
• Systemic local anaesthetics (additive risk of methemoglobinemia)
• Drugs that may induce methemoglobinemia (e.g., nitrates, dapsone, phenobarbital)

If you are using other ear preparations, separate administration by at least 30 minutes unless otherwise advised.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Pregnancy Considerations

Otigo can be used by pregnant women if necessary. Systemic absorption after topical ear application is minimal, and no teratogenic effects have been reported. However, as with any medicine, use only on medical advice and for the shortest duration needed.

Breastfeeding Safety

Otigo can be used during breastfeeding. The amounts that pass into breast milk after ear administration are negligible and not expected to affect the infant. Always use as directed.

Driving & Machine Operation

Otigo does not affect the ability to drive or use machines. The drops are applied locally and do not cause drowsiness, dizziness, or central nervous system effects when used correctly with an intact eardrum.

Otigo Ingredients

Active Ingredients

• Phenazone 40 mg per gram
• Lidocaine hydrochloride 10 mg per gram

Other Ingredients (Excipients)

• Sodium thiosulfate
• Ethanol
• Glycerol
• Water for injections

The solution is clear, colourless to yellow‑brown. Contains no preservatives.

How to Use Otigo

Proper administration ensures maximum efficacy and safety.

Step-by-Step Administration Guide

1. Warm the vial between your hands for a few seconds to avoid discomfort from cold solution.
2. Unscrew the bottle cap and replace it with the supplied dropper applicator.
3. Remove the protective dropper cap and tilt your head to one side, affected ear facing upwards.
4. Turn the bottle down and gently squeeze the dropper until the required number of drops (4 drops) is dispensed into the ear canal.
5. Lie flat on your side for 1‑2 minutes to allow the drops to penetrate.
6. Replace the white protective dropper cap after each use.

Important Usage Tips

• Do not touch the dropper tip to the ear or any surface to avoid contamination.
• Use only in the ear – do not apply to eyes, nose, or swallow.
• Wash hands before and after administration.

Otigo Dosage Guidelines

The recommended dose is the same for adults and children.

Standard Dosage Table

If symptoms worsen or do not improve within 7 days, consult your doctor – the therapy should be re‑evaluated.

Duration of Use

Treatment is intended for short‑term symptomatic relief. Do not use for longer than 7 days without medical review.

Administration Instructions

For best results, follow these additional guidelines:

• Warming the drops – hold the bottle in your hands for a minute; do not use hot water or microwave.
• Post‑administration position – remain lying on your side for 1‑2 minutes to prevent leakage.
• Do not insert anything (cotton buds, fingers) into the ear canal after applying drops.
• If using other ear preparations, wait at least 30 minutes between different drops.

Missed Dose Management

If you forget to use Otigo, apply the missed dose as soon as you remember, unless it is almost time for your next dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not double the dose to make up for a forgotten one.

Overdose Information

When used as directed (topical ear application with an intact eardrum), overdose is unlikely. Accidental ingestion or excessive application into a perforated eardrum could lead to systemic effects of lidocaine (dizziness, confusion, seizures, methemoglobinemia). If you suspect overdose (e.g., child swallowed the drops), contact NHS 111 or go to A&E immediately.

Otigo Side Effects

Like all medicines, Otigo can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them. The following frequency is used:

Rare side effects (may affect up to 1 in 1,000 people)

• Local allergic reactions (itching, maculopapular rash)
• Auditory canal hyperaemia (redness of ear canal)

Additional potential side effects (not listed in PIL but known for lidocaine)

• Methemoglobinemia – rare but serious; signs include pale/grey‑blue skin, headache, shortness of breath
• Temporary mild stinging or burning on application

Reporting side effects: If you get any side effects, tell your doctor or pharmacist. You can also report directly via MHRA Yellow Card or search MHRA Yellow Card in app stores.

How to Store Otigo

• Keep out of the sight and reach of children.
• Store in the original package in order to protect from light.
• No special temperature storage conditions required.
• Once opened, use within 6 months.
• Do not use after the expiry date (EXP) on the carton and bottle label.
• Do not throw away any medicines via wastewater or household waste. Ask a pharmacist how to dispose of unused medicine.

Otigo Pack Information

Otigo ear drops are supplied as a clear, colourless to yellow‑brown solution in a 15 ml brown glass (Type III) bottle with a tamper‑evident screw cap. The pack includes a dropper applicator (polypropylene screw capsule/thermoplastic elastomer reservoir/low density polyethylene cap) to be fitted after first opening.

Each carton contains one bottle, a dropper applicator, and this package leaflet.

Where Can I Buy Otigo Ear Drops Online in the UK