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Antibiotic and steroid ear drops

Thonzonium bromide is an ingredient in Cortisporin TC, a prescription ear medication used to treat bacterial infections in the outer ear canal or in certain ear surgery cavities. It is used alongside other antibiotics and a steroid to manage infection and inflammation.

How it worksThonzonium bromide is part of a combination medication used to treat bacterial infections in the ear.

Brand names:Cortisporin TC

Used for
Superficial bacterial infections of the outer ear canalInfections in mastoidectomy and fenestration cavities
Conditions
Bacterial ear infections
Class
AntibioticCorticosteroidAntibiotic and steroid ear dropsEarIntegumentary (Skin)

How to take

FormsEar drops (suspension)
RoutesEar (Otic)

Adults typically use 5 drops in the affected ear 3 to 4 times daily. Children over one year old typically use 4 drops in the affected ear 3 to 4 times daily. Treatment should generally not last longer than 10 days.

Shake the bottle well before using. The ear should be cleaned and dried before application. Lie with the affected ear facing upward for 5 minutes after applying drops to help them sink in. If using a cotton wick, keep it moist by adding solution every 4 hours and replace it every 24 hours.

Key warnings

  • ·Do not use if you have a viral infection in the ear canal, such as herpes or chickenpox.
  • ·Limit use to 10 days.
  • ·Avoid contact between the dropper and the ear or fingers to prevent contamination.
  • ·Do not use this medication in the eyes.

Do not use if

  • ·Do not use if you are allergic to any of the ingredients.
  • ·Do not use if the ear infection is caused by a virus like herpes simplex or varicella zoster.

Side effects

Common

Allergic skin reactionsBurningItchingIrritationDrynessSkin thinning (atrophy)Acne-like bumpsSkin color changes

Serious

  • ·Hearing loss (ototoxicity)
  • ·Kidney issues (nephrotoxicity)
  • ·Severe allergic reactions

Seek help if

  • ·Severe allergic reaction
  • ·Hearing changes
  • ·Severe ear pain

Interactions

  • ·The label does not list specific drug-to-drug interactions, but warns of potential reactions with topical antibiotic combinations.

Special populations

PregnancyThere are no well-controlled studies on Cortisporin TC in pregnant women. While high systemic doses of some ingredients have shown risks in animal studies, significant absorption into the bloodstream is not expected when used as directed in the ear.

PediatricFor children one year or older, the medicine has been shown to work in clinical trials. The safety and effectiveness for infants under one year old have not been established.

GeriatricNo major differences in safety or effectiveness have been noted between elderly patients and younger patients.

Talk to your doctor

Monitor

  • ·Skin irritation or allergic reactions
  • ·Changes in hearing
  • ·Changes in kidney function

Questions to ask

  • ·Is my ear infection bacterial or viral?
  • ·How long should I continue using these drops?
  • ·Are there risks to my hearing with this medication?
  • ·Can I use a cotton wick with these drops?

Practical

StorageShake well before using. If you warm it, do not exceed body temperature.

Educational summary derived from FDA labeling, AI-assisted. Not medical advice — consult a healthcare professional. Updated 2026-04-26.