Colistin/neomycin/thonzonium/hydrocortisone (Into the ear)

Colistin Sulfate (koe-LIS-tin SUL-fate), Hydrocortisone Acetate (hye-droe-KOR-ti-sone AS-e-tate), Neomycin Sulfate (nee-oh-MYE-sin SUL-fate), Thonzonium Bromide (thon-ZOE-nee-um BROE-mide)

Treats infections of the ear canal. This medicine contains an aminoglycoside antibiotic and a steroid.

Brand Name(s):

Cortisporin TC

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Liquid, Drop

• Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.
• Use this medicine only in your ear. Clean your ear canal thoroughly and dry it with a sterile cotton applicator.
• Wash your hands with soap and water before and after using this medicine.
• You may warm the drops by holding the unopened bottle in your hands for a few minutes. Shake the bottle well before using it.
• Remove the cap. Do not let the tip of the dropper touch anything, including your ear.
• Lie down or tilt your head to the side. For a child, gently pull the child's earlobe down and back to straighten the child's ear canal. For an adult, gently pull the earlobe up and back to straighten the ear canal.
• Drop the prescribed number of drops into the ear. Keep the ear tilted up for a few minutes or put a cotton ball into your ear.
• Do not rinse the dropper.
• Your doctor may also insert a cotton wick soaked with the medicine into your ear canal. Keep it moist by adding more medicine every 4 hours. Replace the cotton wick at least once every 24 hours.
• Take all of the medicine in your prescription to clear up your infection, even if you feel better after the first few doses.
• Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
• Keep the bottle closed when you are not using it. Store it at room temperature, away from light and heat. Do not freeze.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have other ear infections or ear problems (including a tear or hole of the eardrum).
• This medicine may cause permanent hearing loss (with long-term use). Do not use it for more than 10 days.
• Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.
• Your doctor will check your progress and the effects of this medicine at regular visits. Keep all appointments.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Hearing loss
• Reddening, swelling, drying, scaling, or itching of your ear
• Slow healing of your ear

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

Last Updated: 12/4/2023