Triple-action combination: gentamicin provides bactericidal activity against gram-negative and some gram-positive organisms; betamethasone reduces inflammation and pruritus; clotrimazole provides antifungal activity against Malassezia and dermatophytes
At a glance
Class
Otic combination (antibiotic + corticosteroid + antifungal)
Storage
Below 25°C, shake well before use
Dosing
Otitis externa (bacterial, fungal, or mixed)
Max dose
12 drops per ear/dose; 24 drops per ear/day
Duration: 7–14 days; reassess if not improving by 7 days
Otitis externa
Max dose
4 drops per ear/dose; 8 drops per ear/day
Duration: 7–14 days
Safety
Absolute contraindications — do not use
Ruptured tympanic membrane
Gentamicin is ototoxic if it reaches the middle/inner ear
Known hypersensitivity to any component
Adverse effects
Common
Transient increased ear discharge
Local irritation
Serious
Ototoxicity (if tympanic membrane ruptured)
Deafness
Systemic corticosteroid effects with prolonged use
Tympanic membrane integrity (otoscopy before use)Clinical improvementCytology follow-upSigns of hearing loss
Interactions
No documented interactions.
Brands
International
Otomax
Merck Animal Health
Mometamax
Merck Animal Health
Surolan (similar combination)
Elanco
FAQs
Frequently asked questions
›What is Otomax (Gentamicin+Betamethasone+Clotrimazole Otic)?
Otomax (Gentamicin+Betamethasone+Clotrimazole Otic) is a otic combination (antibiotic + corticosteroid + antifungal) used in pets. Triple-action combination: gentamicin provides bactericidal activity against gram-negative and some gram-positive organisms; betamethasone reduces inflammation and pruritus; clotrimazole provides antifungal activity against Malassezia and dermatophytes
›What is Otomax (Gentamicin+Betamethasone+Clotrimazole Otic) used for in pets?
Otomax (Gentamicin+Betamethasone+Clotrimazole Otic) is used in veterinary medicine for: Otitis externa (bacterial, fungal, or mixed); Otitis externa.
›What is the Otomax (Gentamicin+Betamethasone+Clotrimazole Otic) dose for dogs?
For dogs, Otomax (Gentamicin+Betamethasone+Clotrimazole Otic) is typically dosed as follows — Otitis externa (bacterial, fungal, or mixed): 4–12 drops per ear otic BID. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›What is the Otomax (Gentamicin+Betamethasone+Clotrimazole Otic) dose for cats?
For cats, Otomax (Gentamicin+Betamethasone+Clotrimazole Otic) is typically dosed as follows — Otitis externa: 2–4 drops per ear otic BID. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›What are the side effects of Otomax (Gentamicin+Betamethasone+Clotrimazole Otic)?
Common: Transient increased ear discharge, Local irritation. Serious (call your vet immediately): Ototoxicity (if tympanic membrane ruptured), Deafness, Systemic corticosteroid effects with prolonged use.
›Does Otomax (Gentamicin+Betamethasone+Clotrimazole Otic) need a prescription?
Yes. Otomax (Gentamicin+Betamethasone+Clotrimazole Otic) is a prescription medication and should only be administered under veterinary supervision.
›When should Otomax (Gentamicin+Betamethasone+Clotrimazole Otic) not be used?
Do not use Otomax (Gentamicin+Betamethasone+Clotrimazole Otic) if: Ruptured tympanic membrane; Known hypersensitivity to any component.
References
References
Textbooks & handbooks
- Plumb, D.C. Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook. 10th ed., Wiley-Blackwell, 2023.
- Vail, D.M., Thamm, D.H., & Liptak, J.M. (eds.). Withrow & MacEwen's Small Animal Clinical Oncology. 6th ed., Saunders/Elsevier, 2020.
- Riviere, J.E., & Papich, M.G. (eds.). Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics. 10th ed., Wiley-Blackwell, 2018.
- National Research Council. Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats. National Academies Press, Washington DC, 2006.
- The Merck Veterinary Manual. Merck & Co., Online edition. https://www.merckvetmanual.com/
Clinical guidelines & consensus
- Fletcher, D.J., Boller, M., Brainard, B.M., et al. "RECOVER Evidence and Knowledge Gap Analysis on Veterinary CPR." Journal of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care, 2012;22(S1):S102–S131.
- American Animal Hospital Association. 2018 AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines for Dogs and Cats. AAHA Press.
Journals & peer-reviewed studies
- Hogan, D.F., Fox, P.R., Jacob, K., et al. "Secondary prevention of cardiogenic arterial thromboembolism in the cat: The FAT CAT study." Journal of Veterinary Cardiology, 2015;17(Suppl 1):S306–S317.
- Boswood, A., Häggström, J., Gordon, S.G., et al. "Effect of Pimobendan in Dogs with Preclinical Myxomatous Mitral Valve Disease and Cardiomegaly: The EPIC Study — A Randomized Clinical Trial." Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 2016;30(6):1765–1779.
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Toxicology and Poison Management Guidelines. American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control
Regulatory & approvals
- Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), Government of India. Veterinary Drug Approval Registry, 1969–2026. Directorate General of Health Services. https://cdsco.gov.in/
Databases
- Washington State University, College of Veterinary Medicine. Veterinary Clinical Pharmacology Laboratory (VCPL) — MDR1 Multidrug Sensitivity Database. https://vcpl.vetmed.wsu.edu/
Educational reference only
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet.
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