Osurnia Otic Suspension (Florfenicol, Terbinafine, Betamethasone) for Dogs
Overview of Osurnia Medication for Dogs
- Osurnia is a medication to treat ear infections in dogs. Otitis externa (outer ear infections) commonly include infection with both bacteria and yeast organisms. Many medications designed to treat these infections will include multiple medications to treat all aspects of the infection. You can learn more about otitis externa in these articles from the Petplace library: Otitis Externa (Ear Infections) in Dogs and Otitis Externa (Ear Infections) in Cats.
- Osurnia contains 3 medications to treat your pet’s otitis externa:
- Florfenicol – a bacteriostatic antibiotic that will treat a wide variety of bacteria types found in ear infections.
- Terbinafine – an antifungal medication used to treat infections caused by fungi (yeasts and molds). It is effective in the treatment of the common skin and ear yeast Malassezia pachydematitis.
- Betamethasone – a glucocorticosteroid that will help reduce inflammation and itching in the ear canal. Inflammation is a large source of the pain associated with otitis, this will help your pet become comfortable more quickly.
- Osurnia is specifically used to treat of otitis externa caused by susceptible strains of yeast (Malassezia pachydermatis) and bacteria (Staphylococcus pseudointermedius).
Brand Names
- Osurnia® – Elanco Animal Health
Similar multi-drug products include:- Tresaderm (Merial) which includes Neomycin sulfate, dexamethasone and thiabendazole
- Otomax Ointment (Intervet-Schering-Plough) which includes Gentamicin sulfate, betamethasone valerate and clotrimazole
- Posatex (Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health) which includes Orbifloxacin, posaconazole, mometasone furoate monohydrate
- Generic formulations which contain Neomycin, polymyxin B, and hydrocortisone (generics)
- Surolan (Vetoquinol) which includes Miconazole nitrate, polymyxin B sulfate, prednisolone acetate
- Mometamax (Elanco Animal Health) which includes clotrimazole, gentamicin and mometasone
Uses of Osurnia in Dogs
- Osurnia is prescribed to treat or control infections caused by susceptible yeast and bacterial ear infections (otitis externa). The product is currently labeled for use in dogs only.
- Osurnia is not effective against infections caused by viruses or parasites (such as worms or mites).
- Identification of the cause of an ear infection should be undertaken by your veterinarian.
Precautions and Adverse (Side-) Effects of Osurnia
- The combination of florfenicol, terbinafine, betamethasone found in Osurnia® is generally safe for use in dogs.
- Your pet should be examined by your veterinarian before starting this medication, it should not be used in animals with a ruptured ear drum (tympanic membrane).
- Signs of allergy to Osurnia® may include skin reactions, hives and redness of the treated area.
- Use of Osurnia® can potentially be associated with partial hearing loss in a small number of dogs. It can be temporary in some dogs.
- If you notice hearing loss, head tilt or dizziness in your pet undergoing treatment with Osurnia® stop the treatment and call your veterinarian immediately.
- The steroid component of Osurnia®, betamethasone can cause suppression if the adrenal gland and interfere with testing for disorders of the adrenal gland.
- This medication has not been evaluated for use in breeding, pregnant or lactating dogs.
How Osurnia® is Supplied
Osurnia® is available in single use tubes with a flexible soft tip.
The ear canal should be cleaned and dried before the topical use of this product.
Dosing Information for Osurnia for Dogs
- This drug should only be used under direction of a veterinarian. It may not be safe to administer the combination of florfenicol, terbinafine, betamethasone to pets with certain medical problems.
- The typical dose of Osurnia® is the same for all dogs, the entire tube is squeezed into the ear canal. This dose is repeated in 7 days. The ear canal should not be cleaned for 45 days for all the gel to contact the canal.
- The duration of administration depends on the severity of the infection, response to the medication, and the presence of any adverse effects. Be certain to complete the prescription.