Osurnia (Terbinafine+Florfenicol+Betamethasone acetate)

Description

Osurnia is a prescription ear gel made specifically for dogs to treat ear infections. It combines three medicines in one: florfenicol to fight bacteria, terbinafine to target fungi, and betamethasone acetate to reduce inflammation. The gel is packaged in single-dose tubes, each containing the exact amount needed for treatment. Osurnia is for veterinary use only, requires a prescription, and should never be used in cats.

Directions

Osurnia is typically given by a veterinary professional. It’s recommended to wear eye protection during application. Before applying Osurnia, clean and dry the external ear canal, confirm the eardrum is intact, and properly restrain the dog to prevent head shaking.

1. Open the tube by twisting the soft tip
2. Insert the flexible tip into the affected ear canal
3. Squeeze the entire tube contents into the ear
4. Gently massage the base of the ear to help the gel spread

Apply one tube in each affected ear, then repeat exactly 7 days later for a total of two doses. After each application, restrain the dog to reduce head shaking and prevent splatter that could reach people’s or the dog’s eyes. Do not clean the ear canal for 45 days after the first dose.

Ingredients

Terbinafine, florfenicol, and betamethasone acetate are the active ingredients in this drug.

Contraindications

Avoid using this product in dogs with a known hypersensitivity or allergic reaction to any ingredients in the medication. Do not use Osurnia in dogs with known tympanic perforation.

Cautions

• Before giving this medication, you may want to consult a veterinarian about the following:
• Any existing health conditions
• Any allergies
• A list of all medications currently being taken
• Osurnia is for dogs only—never for humans. Keep it out of reach of children. If it gets in your eyes, rinse with water for 15 minutes and seek medical help if irritation develops. Wash skin thoroughly if contact occurs.
• When applying, wear eye protection and hold your dog’s head steady to prevent shaking and splatter. This helps avoid eye injuries in both people and dogs.
• Your vet should confirm your dog’s eardrum is intact before each dose. Stop treatment and call your vet if your dog develops hearing loss, head tilt, balance problems, unusual eye movements, or facial weakness.
• Do not give Osurnia by mouth. In rare cases, ear medications with steroids can affect hormone levels, and changes in the middle ear have been reported.
• Use this medication carefully in dogs with liver disease. Its safety in breeding, pregnant, or nursing dogs has not been established.

Side Effects

The most common side effects of Osurnia in dogs included mild digestive problems like vomiting and occasional weight loss, as well as temporary increases in liver enzymes. A small number of dogs also showed hearing changes or loss, but these effects were uncommon. Overall, most reactions were mild and often went away without long-term issues.

More serious side effects have also been reported. These include deafness, ear pain or discharge, head shaking, and balance problems such as stumbling or a head tilt. In rare cases, eye injuries in people have occurred if exposed accidentally, usually when a dog shook its head after treatment. Serious ear problems, nerve issues, and ruptured eardrums have also been reported in some dogs.

References:

1. Osurnia Drug Label Information. Overland Park, KS: Dechra Veterinary Products; 2024.
2. Osurnia Summary of Product Characteristics. Bladel, The Netherlands: Dechra Regulatory B.V.; 2019.

About Dr. Gerardo Sison (Page Author)

An honors graduate of the University of Florida, Dr. Sison started his pharmacy career in a community setting, extending his services to hospitals and clinics over time. He has also worked in medication therapy management, advising patients on proper medication use for their chronic health conditions. Read More....