7 mins read

Overview: Fluocinolone otic is an ear drop commonly used to treat symptoms of eczema in the outer ear canal, such as itching, redness, dry skin, and flaking. Fluocinolone otic belongs to a group of medicines called corticosteroids. Common side effects include ear irritation or stinging. Contact your health care provider right away if your symptoms get worse or do not get better within two weeks of starting fluocinolone otic.

Uses

What is fluocinolone otic (ear) used for?

Fluocinolone otic is commonly used to treat a condition called chronic eczematous external otitis, sometimes called ear eczema. This condition causes symptoms such as itching, redness, dry skin, and flaking in the outer ear canal.

Fluocinolone otic may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

How does fluocinolone otic work (mechanism of action)?

Fluocinolone otic belongs to a group of medicines called corticosteroids. Corticosteroids may work by preventing the release of certain substances that cause inflammation. Fluocinolone otic helps reduce symptoms such as swelling (inflammation), itching, and redness in the ear. 

How is fluocinolone otic supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • DermOtic
  • Flac

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 0.01% otic oil (ear drops)

Fluocinolone is also available in a form that is applied to the scalp or skin. See Fluocinolone topical for more information.

How should I store fluocinolone otic?

Fluocinolone otic should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F and 77 F (20 C and 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F and 86 F (15 C and 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when you’re transporting it. Store it in a cool, dry place. Keep the medicine container tightly closed when you are not using it.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of fluocinolone otic?

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

  • Burning, itching, irritation, or dryness of the ear
  • Headache
  • Infection in the nose or throat, sore throat, or common cold symptoms
  • Cough

There may be other side effects of fluocinolone otic 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 (800-332-1088). 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 fluocinolone otic?

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

Severe Allergic Reactions. Fluocinolone otic may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using fluocinolone otic 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

Reduced Adrenal Function. Rarely, long-term use of a corticosteroid, like fluocinolone otic, can cause your body’s adrenal glands to stop making as much cortisol (the stress hormone). This is known as adrenal insufficiency. This is especially a concern if you use it for a long period of time, wrap or cover the skin after applying it, use it on damaged skin, or use it with other corticosteroids. Adrenal insufficiency can get worse if your body is under stress because of fever, surgery, or trauma. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following symptoms of adrenal insufficiency.

  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Weakness, tiredness, or lack of energy
  • Low blood pressure

Cushing’s Syndrome. Rarely, using a corticosteroid, like fluocinolone otic, for a long time may increase your risk of Cushing’s syndrome. Cushing’s syndrome is a condition that happens when your body is exposed to too much cortisol (the stress hormone). The risk may be higher in children. Stop using fluocinolone otic and call your health care provider if you have any of the following symptoms of Cushing’s syndrome.

  • A rounded, rosy color of the face
  • Weight gain, especially in the upper body
  • A fat buildup in the upper back or base of the neck
  • Thinning skin that bruises easily
  • Feeling very weak or tired
  • Depression or anxiety
  • High blood sugar
  • High blood pressure
  • Sleep problems

Skin Reactions. Fluocinolone otic can rarely cause serious skin-related side effects. The risk may be higher if you use this medicine for a long time or if you cover or bandage the area after applying it. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following side effects.

  • Inflamed hair follicles or skin swelling or burning
  • Bumps or blisters on the skin that may look like acne
  • Rash around your mouth
  • Lightening of skin color
  • Skin infections where the medicine is applied
  • Skin thinning
  • Skin itching, dryness, cracking, or scaly skin
  • Stretch marks
  • Heat rash or sweat rash caused by blocked sweat glands

Eye Problems. Fluocinolone otic, like other corticosteroids, may rarely increase pressure inside the eye and cause or worsen glaucoma, which can lead to blindness. It can also increase the risk of cataracts. Keep this medicine away from your eyes. Tell your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of cataracts or glaucoma.

  • Changes in vision, including loss of vision
  • Eye pain or redness
  • Severe headache or vomiting
  • Seeing bright, colorful circles around lights (vision halos)

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use fluocinolone otic?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use fluocinolone otic.

  • Fluocinolone
  • DermOtic
  • Flac
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific fluocinolone otic products they stock.

What should I know about fluocinolone otic before using it?

Do not use fluocinolone otic unless it has been prescribed to you by a health care provider. Use it as prescribed.

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

Keep fluocinolone otic out of the reach of children.

Fluocinolone otic should only be applied to the ear. Do not use fluocinolone otic in the eye, mouth, or vagina. If you accidentally get the medicine in your eye, flush your eyes well with water. Do not use this medicine for other conditions or in other areas, such as the face or between skin folds (such as the armpit or groin), unless you are told to do so by your health care provider.

Do not touch the tip of the dropper to your ear or any other surface, including your finger. The area should not be covered, bandaged, or wrapped after you apply the medicine. Ask your health care provider if you are unsure how to use fluocinolone otic.

Fluocinolone otic is a corticosteroid. Do not use other prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines containing a corticosteroid (such as hydrocortisone, prednisone, or triamcinolone) without talking to your health care provider first. 

Contact your health care provider right away if your symptoms get worse or do not get better within two weeks of starting fluocinolone otic.

People who are under 18 can be at greater risk of some side effects from fluocinolone otic. Talk to your health care provider about the risks if you are under 18 or if you are treating someone under 18.

What should I tell my health care provider before using fluocinolone otic?

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 fluocinolone otic is right for you.

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

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.

  • Adrenal gland problems
  • Skin problems, including an infection in the area where the medicine will be used
  • Liver problems
  • Eye problems, including glaucoma or cataracts

Peanut Allergy. Fluocinolone otic contains peanut oil, which may cause an allergic reaction in people who are sensitive to peanuts. Tell your health care provider if you have a peanut allergy. Stop using fluocinolone otic and contact your health care provider right away if you have any signs of an allergic reaction, such as itching, a skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives.

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

Breastfeeding. It is not known if fluocinolone otic passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your health care provider will let you know if you should use fluocinolone otic while breastfeeding.

Interactions

Does fluocinolone otic interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between fluocinolone otic and foods or drinks.

There are no known interactions between fluocinolone otic and alcohol.

Does fluocinolone otic interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

There are no known interactions between fluocinolone otic 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 fluocinolone otic?

If you or someone else has used too much fluocinolone otic, 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 fluocinolone otic?

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.