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Overview: Cortisporin-TC is an ear drop that is commonly used to treat ear infections caused by certain bacteria. It works by killing the bacteria causing the infection and by calming the immune system to reduce swelling and other ear symptoms. Common side effects include skin irritation, itching, and dryness. Contact your health care provider if your infection does not get better within one week of starting this medicine.

Uses

What is Cortisporin-TC used for?

Cortisporin-TC (colistin/neomycin/thonzonium/hydrocortisone) is commonly used to treat the following infections caused by certain bacteria. 

  • Outer ear infections 
  • Infections at the surgery site after certain ear procedures, such as a mastoidectomy

Cortisporin-TC may not be appropriate for some of the infections listed above, depending on which germs are causing the infection. Bacteria in some locations may have developed resistance to Cortisporin-TC, which will make it not work as well.

Cortisporin-TC may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

How does Cortisporin-TC work (mechanism of action)?

Cortisporin-TC contains multiple medicines that each work in different ways. Some of these ingredients are antibiotics and one is a corticosteroid. The antibiotics in Cortisporin-TC kill certain types of bacteria by blocking their ability to create proteins they need to grow and by weakening their cell membrane. The corticosteroid reduces swelling, redness, and other ear symptoms by calming (suppressing) the immune system.

How is Cortisporin-TC supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Cortisporin-TC
  • Coly-Mycin S

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 3 mg/3.3 mg/0.5 mg/10 mg per milliliter (mL) otic suspension (ear drops)

How should I store Cortisporin-TC?

Cortisporin-TC should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F to 77 F (20 C to 25 C). Store in a cool, dry place.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of Cortisporin-TC?

The most common side effects of Cortisporin-TC are listed below. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Allergic skin reactions
  • Burning or irritation of the skin
  • Itchy or dry skin

There may be other side effects of Cortisporin-TC that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of Cortisporin-TC?

While less common, the most serious side effects of Cortisporin-TC are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Cortisporin-TC may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using Cortisporin-TC and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain
  • Ear redness, swelling, scaling, or itching

Hearing Loss. Cortisporin-TC may be linked with hearing loss, which is also called ototoxicity. The risk is higher if you use the medicine for a long time. You should only use this medicine for as long as your health care provider recommends, usually no more than 10 days. Tell your health care provider right away if you have hearing loss or if you hear a ringing or roaring sound in your ears.

Another Infection With Prolonged Use. Using Cortisporin-TC for a long period of time may lead to an infection with other types of germs, such as fungi. Call your health care provider if your ear infection does not improve within one week of starting Cortisporin-TC or if it gets worse.

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use Cortisporin-TC?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use Cortisporin-TC.

  • Cortisporin-TC
  • Coly-Mycin S
  • Colistin
  • Neomycin
  • Thonzonium
  • Hydrocortisone
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in Cortisporin-TC.

Viral Ear Infection. You should not use Cortisporin-TC if you have an infection in your outer ear canal that is caused by a virus, such as shingles or chickenpox. Ask your health care provider if you are not sure what is causing your infection. 

What should I know about Cortisporin-TC before using it?

Do not use Cortisporin-TC unless it has been prescribed to you by a health care provider. Use it as prescribed.

Do not share Cortisporin-TC with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep Cortisporin-TC out of the reach of children.

Cortisporin-TC should only be applied to the ear. Do not use it in the eyes. Shake the bottle well before using. Do not touch the tip of the dropper to your ear or any other surface, including your finger. Ask your pharmacist if you are unsure how to use Cortisporin-TC. 

Contact your health care provider if your infection does not get better within one week of starting Cortisporin-TC.

Do not warm the medicine above body temperature before using it. This can cause the medicine to not work as well. You can roll the medicine container in your hands or put it under your armpit for a few minutes if you want to warm the medicine up before using it in your ears.

What should I tell my health care provider before using Cortisporin-TC?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if Cortisporin-TC is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Allergies to Other Antibiotics. People who have had an allergic reaction to certain antibiotics, such as gentamicin, kanamycin, paromomycin, streptomycin, or tobramycin, may also be allergic to Cortisporin-TC. Tell your health care provider if you have had an allergic reaction to any medicine.

Ruptured Eardrum. Cortisporin-TC can cause burning and stinging inside the ear if you have a ruptured eardrum. Tell your health care provider if you have a ruptured eardrum. Your health care provider may look inside your ear before you begin using this medicine to see if your eardrum is ruptured.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how Cortisporin-TC could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your health care provider if you are or plan to become pregnant. Your health care provider will advise you if you should use Cortisporin-TC while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if Cortisporin-TC passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your health care provider will advise you if you should use Cortisporin-TC while breastfeeding.

How can I get more information about Cortisporin-TC?

For more information about Cortisporin-TC, you can call the manufacturer at 800-462-3636.

Interactions

Does Cortisporin-TC interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between Cortisporin-TC and foods or drinks.

There are no known interactions between Cortisporin-TC and alcohol.

Does Cortisporin-TC interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

There are no known interactions between Cortisporin-TC and other medicines. Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much Cortisporin-TC?

If you or someone else has used too much Cortisporin-TC, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Cortisporin-TC?

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only use the next dose. Do not use double or extra doses.

It is important to complete your prescribed course of Cortisporin-TC, even if your symptoms get better or go away. This will reduce the risk that future infections are resistant to Cortisporin-TC or other similar medicines.