Dexamethasone/Neomycin/Polymyxin B clEARmix Lanolin Otic (3mL Syringe)

How to Use clEARmix Lanolin Otic (Ear Medication)

This is a thick ear ointment used to treat ear infections. It comes in a pre-filled syringe with a soft tip, making it easier to apply and designed to stay in your pet’s ear longer.

Step-by-Step: 1. Warm the syringe – If it’s cold, hold it in your hands for a minute to soften the ointment. Do not microwave. 2. Position your pet – Have them sit in a comfy spot. You may need someone to gently help hold them. Lift their ear flap straight up. 3. Clean the ear (if needed) – Only if your vet told you to. Use a vet-approved ear cleaner and cotton ball—never a Q-tip deep in the ear. Let the ear dry. 4. Apply the medication – Remove the cap, then gently insert just the tip of the syringe into the ear opening. Don’t push in deep. 5. Dispense slowly – Press the plunger gently to apply the full dose or the amount your vet prescribed. 6. Massage the ear – Rub the base of the ear for about 30 seconds to help the medication spread. 7. Let them shake – It’s normal! Wipe off any excess with a tissue or cloth. 8. Reward your pet – Give them praise and maybe a treat to make it a positive experience. 9. Store the rest – If there’s more medication left, recap the syringe and store at room temp. Wash your hands after use.

This compounded formulation combines active ingredients from different drug classes: dexamethasone, a corticosteroid; neomycin, an aminoglycoside antibiotic; and polymyxin B, a polymyxin antibiotic. In compounding practice, clinicians may consider a multi-ingredient preparation like this to address more than one aspect of a patient's physiology at once. Your veterinarian determines whether it is appropriate based on your animal's diagnostic findings.

At a pharmacological level, dexamethasone acts as a synthetic glucocorticoid that modulates the inflammatory response by binding to intracellular glucocorticoid receptors and managing the production of inflammatory mediators. This mechanism manages the localized swelling, redness and itching that often accompany surface irritations. Neomycin is an aminoglycoside antibiotic that acts by binding to the 30S ribosomal subunit of susceptible bacteria, inhibiting protein synthesis and leading to bacterial death.

Polymyxin B is a polypeptide antibiotic that acts by managing the integrity of the bacterial cell membrane. It binds to phospholipids in the cytoplasmic membrane of gram-negative bacteria, increasing permeability and causing cellular leakage. The combination of these two antibiotics provides a method for managing a diverse range of gram-positive and gram-negative aerobic organisms. Your veterinarian will determine the clinical appropriateness of this combination based on diagnostic findings, such as an ophthalmic exam, fluorescein staining or ear cytology, to ensure the management approach is suitable for your pet's specific needs.

This description reflects the general pharmacology of the active ingredient's drug class; your veterinarian determines whether this approach is appropriate for your animal.

Prescription only. Use only under the direction of a licensed veterinarian. This information is not a substitute for veterinary diagnosis, prescribing or monitoring. Compounded drugs are not approved by the FDA for safety or effectiveness.

Commonly observed effects following the administration of this combination include localized changes at the application site, such as mild redness, increased tearing or temporary stinging. Because the formulation contains a corticosteroid, systemic absorption is possible with prolonged use; your veterinarian will monitor for observational signs of steroid influence such as increased thirst, changes in appetite or increased urination.

A high-priority clinical consideration before administering this medication to the eye is ensuring the cornea is intact. Veterinarians typically avoid using medications containing corticosteroids in patients with active corneal ulcers, as they can influence the healing process. In the context of ear administration, ensuring the eardrum (tympanic membrane) is intact is a high-priority safety step as exposure to an intact tympanic membrane is an important safety consideration for inner ear health. Owners should watch for behavioral shifts including a head tilt, loss of balance or sudden changes in hearing and contact their veterinarian promptly with any concerns.

This medication is typically used with extra caution or avoided in patients with a known hypersensitivity to aminoglycosides, polymyxins or corticosteroids. Significant interactions can occur if this medication is administered concurrently with other topical agents or specific systemic prescriptions. Your veterinarian is the right person to provide guidance on the necessary duration of use and the most appropriate monitoring schedule to ensure the management approach remains suitable for your pet's recovery.