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Took First Dose Of Clotrimazole Solution Into Ear. Having Intense Pain, Headache And Feel Cinder Blocks On Shoulders. Help?

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Posted on Fri, 19 Jul 2013
Question: My husband just took his first dose of Clotrimazole 1% solution prescribed by his ear doctor. I applied 4 to 5 drops in his ear as prescribed. On the medication it says for topical use only and says it is used on skin. It does not say anything about ears.

Within minutes of putting the drops in, he has intense ear pain, feels light headed and says he feels like he has cinder blocks on his shoulders.


We have called the doctor's office, but that are all AT LUNCH! Should I take him the an emergency room?
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Answered by Dr. Sreenivasan Narayana (45 minutes later)
Hi,

Clotrimazole ear drops can some times cause irritation, burning sensation and redness when applied in some patients. Sometimes other hypersensitive reactions can develop which usually is not very common. The first advice would be to temporarily discontinue the drops. These reactions could be because of the drug or any of the content that goes into the making of the drops.

Severe symptoms of hypersensitivity wherein one has to rush to a hospital are symptoms such as fainting, vomiting, intense generalised itching and redness and so on. By your description your husband does not seem to have any of such adverse reactions. But as a first step discontinue the medicine and go to emergency room if you feel strongly. First time use can cause hypersensitivity in some patients. As this is a judgement call it is better to be safe considering the age of your husband.

Do let me know if you have any other doubts.

Regards,
Sreenivasan


Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Sreenivasan Narayana

ENT Specialist

Practicing since :2001

Answered : 210 Questions

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Took First Dose Of Clotrimazole Solution Into Ear. Having Intense Pain, Headache And Feel Cinder Blocks On Shoulders. Help?

Hi,

Clotrimazole ear drops can some times cause irritation, burning sensation and redness when applied in some patients. Sometimes other hypersensitive reactions can develop which usually is not very common. The first advice would be to temporarily discontinue the drops. These reactions could be because of the drug or any of the content that goes into the making of the drops.

Severe symptoms of hypersensitivity wherein one has to rush to a hospital are symptoms such as fainting, vomiting, intense generalised itching and redness and so on. By your description your husband does not seem to have any of such adverse reactions. But as a first step discontinue the medicine and go to emergency room if you feel strongly. First time use can cause hypersensitivity in some patients. As this is a judgement call it is better to be safe considering the age of your husband.

Do let me know if you have any other doubts.

Regards,
Sreenivasan