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Otoflush (Disodium Edetate, Polyhexamethylene HCL)

Written by Dr. Feargus McConnell, BVSc on the Jan.16, 2024

Petdirect is dedicated to providing educational pet health content for pet parents. This article was written and reviewed by veterinary professionals to answer common questions about your pet’s medication. Our focus is on delivering unbiased information to help you understand how medication works, its potential side effects, and FAQs for your reference. Always administer medication directly as prescribed by your vet. This article shouldn’t take the place of advice from your vet.

What is Otoflush?

Otoflush is a specially formulated ear cleansing solution commonly prescribed for dogs. This product is aimed at removing wax, discharge, and debris from the ear canal, while also lowering the count of bacteria and yeast. This neutral buffered solution serves as an effective pre-treatment ear flush, enhancing the absorption of prescribed ear medications in dogs, such as antibiotics to treat ear infections.

How does it work?

Otoflush combines the following two active ingredients:

  • Polyhexanide (Polyhexamethylene biguanidine HCL) which acts as an antiseptic with antimicrobial properties.
  • Disodium edetate: which functions to damage the bacterial cell walls which aids in killing bacteria in conjunction with an antibiotic.

It is important to note that in the presence of active infection, it is typically recommended to use with an antibiotic and/or antifungal treatment.

Dose and Administration

Your veterinarian will advise you of the best delivery method for Otoflush. However, as a guide:

  • Insert the nozzle just into the ear canal opening and squeeze to fill the ear canal (approx 0.5mL for small breeds or 1.5mL for larger breeds).
  • Gently massage the ear then allow the dog to shake its head to remove debris and excess Otoflush® liquid from the ear.
  • Repeat this process until the Otoflush® liquid coming out of the ear is clean.
  • Wipe off any debris and excess liquid from the ear and ear opening. Wipe the nozzle before replacing the cap.

For routine ear cleaning repeat this procedure typically once/twice a week or as instructed by your veterinarian. For use in conjunction with an antibiotic ear treatment, use as directed by your veterinarian.

Contraindications and Precautions

Veterinary advice is recommended prior to using Otoflush. In the presence of an active infection, Otoflush® must be used in conjunction with an antibiotic or antifungal ear treatment.

Potential Side Effects

Some side effects from using ear cleaning solutions can include skin irritation or redness, inner-ear damage if there was a pre-existing tympanic membrane rupture or in rare cases temporary hearing loss. If the symptoms above become present, call your veterinarian immediately.

Storage

Store Otoflush at room temperature, avoiding extreme heat. It is typically advised to store upright in a dry safe place out of reach of children and other pets.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How long do I need to wait between using Otoflush and another medicated ear treatment?

  • It's important to speak with your veterinarian when using various medications. However, Otoflush® is specifically formulated for use before applying other medicated ear treatments. Due to its rapid effectiveness, there's typically no requirement for a waiting period between the application of Otoflush® and other medicated ear treatments.

How can I prevent ear infections in my dog?

  • Regular ear cleaning and drying after swimming or bathing can help prevent infections. Discuss with your vet about managing allergies and other health issues that might contribute to ear problems.

Is Otoflush suitable for both dogs and cats?

  • Otoflush is generally recommended for dogs. For issues related to ear health in cats, it's advisable to consult with your veterinarian to identify the most suitable treatment option.

Conclusion

Otoflush offers a targeted approach to treating ear infections in dogs. As always, consult your veterinarian for advice tailored to your pet's specific needs.