Posatex (orbifloxacin–mometasone–posaconazole) is a prescription ear medication for dogs. It combines an antibiotic (fights bacteria), an antifungal (fights yeast), and a steroid (reduces redness and itching). Species: dogs only. Rx-only.
Most often prescribed for outer ear infections (otitis externa), especially yeast (Malassezia) and certain bacterial infections such as staph or Pseudomonas. Your veterinarian can discuss whether this is the right ear medication for your dog and how to use it.
If a dog on Posatex seems to have new trouble hearing, marked ear pain, head tilt, or balance issues (walking in circles), contact the clinic right away so a veterinarian can advise next steps.
Front desk script: “Posatex is a prescription ear drop for dogs. It’s a combo of an antibiotic, an antifungal, and a steroid to treat outer ear infections and calm redness and itching. Your veterinarian can go over how it’s used and what to expect. If you notice new hearing trouble, a head tilt, balance problems, or severe ear pain while using it, please call us right away so our veterinarian can advise you.”
Q: What is Posatex and why was it prescribed? A: It’s a triple‑action ear medication (antibiotic + antifungal + anti‑inflammatory) used in dogs for certain bacterial and yeast ear infections; your veterinarian chose it based on your dog’s exam and tests. For dogs only. ([merck-animal-health-usa.com](https://www.merck-animal-health-usa.com/products/posatex-otic-suspension/?utm_source=openai))
Q: How exactly should I use it? A: Please follow the label directions your veterinarian provided; don’t change the amount, frequency, or days of use without speaking with the doctor or a nurse. We can schedule a tech visit to demonstrate application if needed. ([merck-animal-health-usa.com](https://www.merck-animal-health-usa.com/products/posatex-otic-suspension/?utm_source=openai))
Q: Can I use this in both ears, on another pet, or for the next ear infection? A: No—use only for the ear(s) and the dog it was prescribed for, and only for this episode. Ear problems have different causes; your veterinarian can advise what’s appropriate if the other ear or another pet has issues. ([merck-animal-health-usa.com](https://www.merck-animal-health-usa.com/products/posatex-otic-suspension/?utm_source=openai))
Q: What side effects should I watch for? A: If you notice any hearing changes (acting deaf, startled to sounds), stop the drops and call us the same day. Do not use if your vet has told you the eardrum is ruptured. Report new/worsening redness, pain, or swelling. ([vetlabel.com](https://vetlabel.com/lib/vet/meds/posatex/))
Q: Can I clean the ear while using Posatex? A: Ask your veterinarian which cleaner to use and how often. Do not insert cotton swabs (Q‑tips) into the canal—wipe only the outer ear. ([vcahospitals.com](https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/ear-cleaning-in-dogs?utm_source=openai))
Front desk script: Posatex is a prescription ear medication for dogs that treats certain bacterial and yeast infections. Please use it exactly as on your label; if you need a quick demo, I can book a nurse appointment. If you see any hearing changes, head tilt, or balance issues, stop the drops and call us today so the doctor can advise. For ear cleaning, your veterinarian can recommend the right cleaner—avoid Q‑tips in the ear canal.
What owners commonly report: brief ear redness, mild discomfort, or extra head‑shaking right after the drops go in. These short‑lived effects can be normal. Let the owner know to avoid the medication contacting the skin around the mouth, as residue can irritate skin if the dog shakes or rubs.
Call back and route to a nurse/doctor the same day if the owner reports: ear pain that seems worse, swelling or discharge that is not improving, vomiting or diarrhea, changes in appetite, increased drinking or urination, or new skin irritation/hair loss where medication contacts the skin. These can occur with this product’s steroid component or if the infection isn’t improving. A veterinarian can discuss whether any changes are needed.
Urgent red flags to escalate immediately to a veterinarian: sudden hearing changes (not responding to sounds), new head tilt, stumbling or walking in circles, or severe balance issues. These signs are specifically noted with this medication class and warrant prompt veterinary guidance. Do not advise starting, stopping, or changing the drops—your veterinarian will advise next steps.
Front desk script: Thanks for calling about your dog’s Posatex ear drops. Some mild ear redness or extra head‑shaking right after dosing can happen. If you’re noticing sudden hearing changes, a new head tilt, or your dog is walking in circles, this is urgent—I’m getting a veterinarian on the line now. If you’re seeing vomiting, diarrhea, increased drinking/urination, or the ear seems more painful or swollen, I’ll have our medical team review this today. Please don’t change how you’re using the drops until the veterinarian advises.
Posatex is an ear-drop liquid for dogs only. It comes as a suspension in small squeeze bottles. Before use, gently roll or warm the bottle in your hands and shake well. Hold the ear flap up, keep the dog’s head steady, and place the tip just at the ear’s opening—do not push it deep or let the tip touch the ear. Instill the number of drops on the prescription label, then gently massage the base of the ear for a few seconds. A helper, a towel “hug,” and high‑value treats during and after can make dosing easier.
Troubleshooting: If your dog shakes right after you dose or you’re not sure the medicine went in, do not give extra without checking—call the clinic for guidance. Ask the veterinarian whether the ear should be cleaned before dosing and which cleaner to use (some cases should not be cleaned right away). This medication is not oral—there are no food interactions or “pilling” tricks. Avoid getting it in eyes or mouth; wash hands after use. Store at room temperature and recap tightly; do not share between pets. If applying remains difficult, your veterinarian can demonstrate technique, discuss restraint options, or consider whether a different product or a compounded alternative is appropriate for your pet.
Escalate the call immediately if the dog shows a sudden change in hearing, head tilt, loss of balance, severe ear pain, or marked swelling/worsening discharge—these are urgent and a veterinarian needs to advise before any further doses. If a large amount is swallowed or the medication gets into the eyes and irritation persists, contact the clinic or an emergency service right away.
Front desk script: Posatex is an ear-drop for dogs. Please shake the bottle, hold the ear flap up, keep the tip at the ear opening without touching the ear, give the drops as your label says, and gently massage the base of the ear. If your dog won’t allow it, try a helper, a towel wrap, and treats; we can also show you the technique in person. If you think some shook out or you missed a dose, please call us before giving extra. If you notice head tilt, balance problems, or a sudden change in hearing, that’s urgent—call us right away so a veterinarian can advise next steps.
Posatex (orbifloxacin–mometasone–posaconazole) is a prescription-only ear medication for dogs. It is generally used as a short course per the product label, and the label advises against prolonged or repeated use. Because it must not be used when the eardrum is perforated and hearing changes can require discontinuation, refills are not automatic—most cases need veterinarian review and often a recheck exam before any additional medication is authorized. Your veterinarian will determine if a re-exam or different plan is needed.
Refill workflow: gather the pet’s name, owner contact, medication name, which ear(s) are being treated, last exam date, when Posatex was last used, remaining supply, and any side effects or new symptoms (e.g., hearing changes, head tilt, severe ear pain, discharge changes). Route the request to the medical team for chart review; allow at least one full business day for processing, longer if submitted after hours or via an external pharmacy. If the caller reports red-flag signs such as new hearing loss, marked head tilt, severe pain, facial droop, or loss of balance, escalate to the veterinarian or nurse immediately for same-day guidance.
Online pharmacy process: a valid VCPR and prescription are required. The clinic can provide a written prescription or verify directly with a licensed U.S. pharmacy; advise clients to use pharmacies that require a veterinary prescription and are state-licensed/accredited. Turnaround can be longer with third-party pharmacies because verification is required; shipping timelines are controlled by the pharmacy. Your veterinarian can discuss whether a recheck is needed and if any additional medication is appropriate.
Front desk script: Thanks for calling about a Posatex refill. Because this is a short-course ear medication and the label cautions against repeated use, the doctor usually needs to review your dog’s case—and sometimes a recheck exam is needed—before authorizing more. I’ll start the request; can I confirm your dog’s name, which ear is treated, your last visit date, remaining medication, and whether you’ve noticed any hearing changes, head tilt, or unusual pain? We typically process refill requests within one business day. If you prefer an online pharmacy, we can provide a prescription or verify with a licensed pharmacy, but verification and shipping may add time.
Escalate to a veterinarian or technician immediately if, after starting Posatex, the dog shows sudden changes in hearing (not responding to sounds), new balance problems (head tilt, stumbling, walking in circles, rapid eye movements), intense ear pain/crying, or rapidly worsening ear swelling or discharge/bleeding. These can signal a serious ear reaction and need urgent veterinary assessment; only a veterinarian can check the eardrum and advise next steps.
Treat as an emergency if there are signs of a severe allergic reaction such as facial swelling, hives, vomiting with collapse, or trouble breathing. Also escalate promptly if the dog chewed or swallowed the medication (it is for ear use only), or if caregivers report marked increases in thirst/urination, appetite, or panting during use. Your veterinarian can discuss whether monitoring, an exam, or other actions are needed.
Front desk script: Because your dog is on Posatex, the signs you’re describing could be urgent. Please stay on the line while I get a veterinarian or technician right now. If there is facial swelling, trouble breathing, sudden hearing loss, or balance problems, this is an emergency. Our medical team will advise you on next steps for the medication and exam.
Posatex is an ear medication for dogs that combines an antibiotic, a steroid, and an antifungal. Because it’s used in the ear, drug–drug interactions are uncommon, but there are important times to flag other meds. Flag if the dog is taking any steroid (for example, recent steroid injection or oral prednisone), because Posatex also contains a steroid; long-term or stacked steroids can increase the risk of steroid side effects—your veterinarian can discuss whether any changes are needed. Also flag any report of sudden hearing changes, head tilt, or loss of balance while using Posatex; the label advises stopping the drops and having the dog rechecked the same day.
Do not mix Posatex with other ear prescriptions or OTC human ear products unless the veterinarian has instructed it. Home remedies like vinegar or hydrogen peroxide can irritate inflamed ears and are discouraged. Some ear drugs can be ototoxic (harmful to hearing), especially if the eardrum is damaged; if owners mention using another otic like gentamicin/polymyxin products or if the eardrum status is unknown, hand off to the veterinarian before advising anything further.
Commonly co‑prescribed items you may hear: veterinary ear cleaners/flushes (e.g., saline or Tris‑EDTA), allergy medications for underlying skin disease (such as oclacitinib/Apoquel or lokivetmab/Cytopoint), oral antibiotics for complicated cases, and a veterinary NSAID for discomfort. OTC human meds owners sometimes give: antihistamines (e.g., diphenhydramine—note it for the chart), and human pain relievers (ibuprofen/Advil, acetaminophen/Tylenol)—these can be dangerous to dogs; if given, escalate immediately to the veterinarian or poison control. Your veterinarian will decide what can be used together safely.
Front desk script: Thanks for telling me about the other medications. Because Posatex already has a steroid plus an antibiotic and antifungal, please don’t add any other ear drops or home remedies unless our veterinarian has told you to—I'll note everything and check with the doctor. If your dog is on any steroid pills or had a recent steroid injection, I’ll flag that for the doctor as well. If you notice sudden hearing changes, a head tilt, or trouble with balance while using Posatex, stop the drops and we need to see your dog today. If any human pain medicine like ibuprofen or acetaminophen was given, please tell me right away so we can contact the veterinarian or poison control.
Storage: Keep Posatex in its original bottle and box, capped tightly, and out of reach of children and pets. Per the U.S. label, store at 35.6–86°F (2–30°C). Shake well before use at home. If a bottle was left in a hot car or froze, ask your veterinarian before using.
After opening: The U.S. label does not list a discard-after-opening period. EU/UK product labeling sets in‑use times of 7 days for the 8.8 mL bottle and 28 days for the 17.5 mL and 35.1 mL bottles; many clinics use similar “use by” windows—mark the date opened on the box. Do not use past the printed expiration date. Your veterinarian can advise your clinic’s policy for in‑use dating.
Disposal: Do not pour down sinks or toilets. Prefer a drug take‑back location; if none is available, the FDA advises mixing unused medication with an unappealing substance (e.g., used coffee grounds or cat litter), sealing in a bag/container, and placing in household trash; scratch out any personal info on labels. If a pet or child swallows the medication or it gets in the eyes and significant irritation occurs, contact your veterinarian or an animal poison control center immediately.
Schedule a recheck ear appointment about 7–10 days after starting Posatex so the veterinarian can look down the ear canal and confirm improvement. They may also do a quick microscope check of ear discharge to be sure the infection is clearing. Depending on the response, expect follow‑up visits every 1–2 weeks until the ear is clear and comfortable; timing is set by the veterinarian.
Routine bloodwork is not required for typical short‑term topical ear treatments, and the Posatex label does not call for lab monitoring. Because Posatex contains a steroid, the veterinarian may recommend labs or closer follow‑up if treatment becomes prolonged or is repeated, or if the dog has other health concerns.
Escalate the following owner reports as a same‑day concern: new hearing changes, persistent head tilt, loss of balance, unusual eye movements, severe ear pain, or vomiting. Do not advise any medication changes—connect the caller with the veterinarian for guidance right away.
Front desk script: “I’ll book your dog’s ear recheck about a week from now so our veterinarian can confirm the ear is improving. Depending on the exam findings, they may recommend additional rechecks every week or two until it’s fully cleared. No routine bloodwork is needed for this ear medicine unless the doctor says otherwise. If you notice any sudden hearing changes, head tilt, balance problems, or severe worsening, please call us immediately so we can arrange a same‑day evaluation.”
Posatex is a prescription ear drop for dogs that combines an antibiotic (orbifloxacin), an anti‑inflammatory steroid (mometasone), and an antifungal (posaconazole). Veterinarians use it to treat certain bacterial and yeast ear infections in the outer ear canal. It is for dogs only and is used in the ear as directed; do not give by mouth.
Safety to relay: do not use in dogs with a known ruptured eardrum—your veterinarian will confirm the eardrum is intact before prescribing. If a pet on Posatex develops new hearing loss, head tilt, or balance problems, stop the drops and contact us the same day so a veterinarian can advise. Keep out of reach of children; avoid eye contact; if a pet chews the bottle or swallows a large amount, contact a veterinarian or poison control for next steps.
Front-desk guidance: avoid giving dosing instructions or advising clients to start or stop this medication. Use deferral language such as, “Please follow the label and your veterinarian’s instructions—your veterinarian can discuss dose, duration, side effects, and whether Posatex is appropriate for your dog.”
Front desk script: Thanks for calling [Clinic Name], this is [Your Name]. Posatex is a prescription ear drop for dogs that treats certain bacterial and yeast ear infections—please follow the label and your veterinarian’s instructions. I can’t advise on dose or whether to start or stop it; let me connect you with our veterinarian or a nurse for medical questions. If your dog has new hearing loss, a head tilt, or trouble with balance while using it, please stop the drops and we should see your dog today. Would you like me to schedule a same‑day appointment or send a message to the care team now?