Otomize

[Cjbeeb]

I’ve been prescribed Otomize. After each dose my tinnitus intensifies for several hours. Is this usual?

[ellj]

I have in the past been prescribed Otomise for inflammatory ear infections and it always caused my tinnitus to go crazy.

The hospital consultant told me any liquid would do that.

I think he was right as even water from the shower causes it to happen.

[Cjbeeb in reply to ellj]

Thanks. My tinnitus is relatively recent so because of the ‘lockdown’ I have not been able to see my GP. On the telephone I said I was willing to try any possible solution, and was prescribed Otomize. I’ll complete the course, so it’s a relief to know others have experienced similar effects.

[RONf]

Otomise is ototoxic - I was prescribed this (following a minor ear infection) and after using it for a few days my tinnitus, to which I had habituated, increased in volume and became really intrusive again. My doctor and the ENT specialist said that this couldn't have occurred - however, all I can put the increase in loudness to is the otomise - which I stopped using. This happened last Summer (2019). Fortunately, after six or seven months, I have habituated once again to the tinnitus and although it is still there it does not bother me (too much).

[Cjbeeb in reply to RONf]

Thanks. This is all new to me and very confusing. I’m very frustrated that I can not see my GP - if only to have them look in my ear!

[RONf in reply to Cjbeeb]

Thanks for you reply Cjbeeb. I wish you all the best in these difficult, unrepresented times.

As I wrote, I had an ear infection last Summer (2019) - but my tinnitus was not at that time intrusive, having habituated. I used the prescribed Otomise spray for about three days and my tinnitus certainly appeared to increase in volume (particularly in my right ear - the side of the infection). Otomise does contain an ototoxic ingredient - so I stopped using it and went back to the doctor. She gave me an oral, non-ototoxic anti-biotic. The ear infection cleared up - but my tinnitus was still really bothersome - it was noticeable again after previously having habituated. She also sent me to ENT and having waited twelve weeks for the appointment the specialist explained that in his opinion the otomise had not caused the tinnitus spike as this only occurs if your ear drum is perforated or damaged. He said my doctor would have spotted this. Fortunately, after about six months, I have habituated once again. I still have tinnitus - but it does not impact upon my well-being. However, I still blame the otomise spray as I cannot put the spike in my tinnitus down to anything else. It did not spike because of the infection - only spiking when I had used the spray for three days. I wish you all the best - take care.

[Cjbeeb in reply to RONf]

Much appreciated, RONf. As with many other sufferers (of many other conditions) I’m probably more stressed than would be the case because of the impossibility of seeing a doctor at the moment. But it’s reassuring to know there is support on this site.