Surolan (generic: miconazole + polymyxin B + prednisolone) is a prescription ear medication for dogs. It combines an antifungal, an antibiotic, and a corticosteroid to fight yeast/bacterial overgrowth and soothe inflammation in the outer ear (otitis externa). Rx-only; for canine ears only.
Most often prescribed for dog ear infections caused by yeast (Malassezia) or bacteria (e.g., Staphylococcus) and the related redness, itching, and discharge. Your veterinarian can discuss whether it’s appropriate for your pet and how to use it safely, including confirming the eardrum is intact before use.
Escalate if an owner reports head tilt, loss of balance, severe ear pain/swelling, or sudden hearing changes—these warrant a same-day veterinary evaluation.
Front desk script: “Surolan is a prescription ear drop for dogs that combines an antifungal, an antibiotic, and a steroid to treat outer-ear infections and calm inflammation. It’s used for yeast or bacterial ear infections in dogs. Your veterinarian can go over exactly how to use it and answer any safety questions. If you notice head tilt, trouble with balance, severe ear pain, or sudden hearing changes, please contact us right away for a same‑day check.”
Surolan is a prescription ear medication for dogs only. It combines an antifungal (miconazole), an antibiotic (polymyxin B), and a corticosteroid (prednisolone) to help with certain outer-ear infections as diagnosed by the veterinarian. It should only be used under veterinary direction because the eardrum must be intact. Store at room temperature (at or below 77°F), avoid contact with eyes, and keep out of reach of children and other pets.
Common owner FAQs (short answers you can use): Q: What is Surolan for? A: It’s an ear drop your veterinarian prescribed to address specific yeast or bacterial ear infections in dogs. Q: How soon should my dog feel better? A: Many dogs seem more comfortable after a few days, but your veterinarian can discuss what to expect and when they want a recheck. Q: Can I use it in both ears or on my other pet? A: Use only for the ear(s) and the dog it was prescribed for—Surolan is for dogs only; don’t share with other pets. Q: Do I need to clean the ear first? A: Follow your veterinarian’s cleaning plan; don’t place cotton swabs deep in the ear canal. Q: What side effects should I watch for? A: Mild redness or irritation can occur; contact us the same day if you notice reduced hearing, new head tilt, stumbling, vomiting after dosing, or if the ear seems very painful. If you see facial swelling, hives, trouble breathing, or collapse, seek emergency veterinary care immediately. Your veterinarian can discuss any other risks and how long they want treatment to continue.
Front desk script: Surolan is a prescription ear drop for dogs only—please use it exactly as your veterinarian prescribed. If you notice balance problems, a new head tilt, or changes in hearing after using it, call us right away for guidance before the next dose. If there’s facial swelling, hives, or trouble breathing, go to the nearest emergency vet now. For questions about cleaning, swimming/bathing, or how long to use it, your veterinarian can advise based on your dog’s exam.
What owners most often report during Surolan ear treatment: brief ear discomfort or irritation right after the drops go in (dog may shake the head or resist handling), and visible medication residue in the ear canal or on the fur. Vomiting can occur but is uncommon. These mild effects can happen even when the medicine is working as expected.
Call us the same day if you notice: your dog seems not to hear you as usual or you suspect reduced hearing; repeated vomiting; the ear looks very painful to the touch; red blisters in or around the ear; or any signs of an allergic reaction such as rash, hives, fever, or puffiness/swelling of the face. Your veterinarian can discuss what’s expected versus a true reaction and advise next steps.
Treat as urgent/emergency if there is trouble breathing, collapse, or sudden severe disorientation or loss of balance (for example, continuous falling to one side or a new head tilt). Seek emergency care immediately in those situations; our veterinarian will guide you after the pet is stabilized.
Front desk script: Some mild ear irritation or head shaking right after Surolan can be normal, and you may see some medication residue. If you’re noticing repeated vomiting, red blisters, facial swelling or hives, or any change in hearing, please let us know today so our veterinarian can advise you. If your dog has trouble breathing, collapses, or suddenly seems very off-balance, please go to the nearest emergency clinic now and call us on the way. We’ll alert the doctor and arrange a same‑day evaluation as needed.
Form/how to give: Surolan is a liquid ear medication for dogs only (not a pill). Shake the bottle well before each use. In a quiet spot, gently lift the ear flap to straighten the canal, place the prescribed drops into the ear (do not let the tip touch the ear), then gently massage the base of the ear for about 30 seconds. It’s normal if your dog shakes their head after—use a tissue or cotton ball to wipe away excess. Clean and dry the ear only as directed by the veterinarian before applying the drops. Store at or below 77°F and keep out of reach of children. Do not give by mouth.
Troubleshooting tips: If the bottle feels cold, warm it in your hands first. Use treats and calm handling; having a second person steady the dog can help. Keep the tip clean—if it touches the ear, wipe it with alcohol before recapping. If medication builds up on the ear flap, gently wipe the outer ear with a vet-recommended ear cleaner or a damp cotton ball; never insert cotton swabs into the canal. Because this is used in the ear, there are no food interactions. Vomiting is not expected; if it happens after dosing, let us know so the veterinarian can advise. If applying at home is difficult, we can arrange a technician demo or discuss tools (e.g., towel wrap, cone) to make it easier.
When to escalate: Contact the clinic the same day if you see severe ear pain, a new head tilt, stumbling/loss of balance, abnormal eye movements, sudden hearing changes, bleeding or pus from the ear, or if medication gets in the eye and causes redness or squinting. Your veterinarian can discuss whether to adjust the plan, alternatives (including different bottle types), or if a compounded option or different product is more appropriate.
Front desk script: This one is ear drops, not a pill. Shake the bottle, lift the ear flap, place the prescribed drops in, and gently massage the base of the ear—some head shaking after is normal; just wipe the excess. Keep the tip clean and don’t put cotton swabs into the canal; clean the ear only as your vet directed. If you notice strong pain, a new head tilt, stumbling, or a sudden change in hearing, please call us right away today so our veterinarian can advise next steps. If it’s hard to give, we can schedule a quick tech demo to show you handling tips.
Surolan is a prescription-only ear medication that combines an antifungal, an antibiotic, and a corticosteroid for canine otitis externa. It is labeled for short-course use (about one week), so refills are not automatic. Because ear drum status and the type of ear disease can change, most refill requests require veterinarian review and, in many cases, a recheck exam before more medication is approved. The product should not be used if the eardrum is ruptured; your veterinarian will determine safety and next steps.
Standard intake for a refill request: confirm pet name and DOB, client name, phone/email, medication name (“Surolan otic suspension”), how much is left, which ear(s) were treated, when the pet was last examined for ears, any current symptoms, and the preferred pickup or pharmacy details. Typical turnaround: allow one business day for routine review; sooner if the veterinarian flags it as urgent. Online pharmacy requests must be authorized by the prescribing veterinarian within a valid VCPR; we can provide a written prescription or transmit approval directly once the doctor authorizes it. Your veterinarian can discuss whether a recheck is needed and the expected duration of any further therapy.
Escalate immediately to the medical team and offer a same-day appointment if the caller reports concerning signs such as new head tilt, stumbling/loss of balance, facial droop, sudden hearing change, severe ear pain, or a suspected ear drum rupture. These signs can indicate middle/inner ear involvement and need prompt veterinarian assessment.
Front desk script: “Thanks for calling about a Surolan refill. Because this medication is usually used for a short course, our doctor needs to review the chart and may require a recheck exam before approving more. I’ll collect a few details and we’ll update you within one business day. If you’re seeing head tilt, balance issues, or severe ear pain, I recommend we schedule a same-day visit and I’ll alert the medical team now. If you prefer an online pharmacy, we can provide a written prescription or send authorization once the doctor approves.”
Get a veterinarian or technician immediately if a dog using Surolan shows sudden hearing changes (not responding to sounds), new head tilt, severe imbalance/circling, rapid eye movements, or intense pain when drops are applied. These can signal inner-ear involvement/ototoxicity or a non‑intact eardrum; the product label reports reduced hearing and warns to use only when the eardrum is intact. Treat these signs as urgent and escalate right away. ([dailymed.nlm.nih.gov](https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/fda/fdaDrugXsl.cfm?setid=d8ab8c22-4667-4577-a0b7-166c86477a4e&utm_source=openai))
Treat as an emergency if there are signs of a severe allergic reaction: facial or muzzle swelling, hives, trouble breathing, collapse, or widespread blistering/redness of the ear flap. Post‑approval reports include deafness/reduced hearing and topical hypersensitivity (pinna blisters). Escalate immediately and keep the pet on site or on the line while you alert the veterinarian. ([fda.report](https://fda.report/DailyMed/1631eb9c-43e5-4d8c-a7c1-93095119f82a))
If a dog chews the bottle or you suspect a large accidental ingestion, contact the veterinarian or a veterinary poison control service right away. The label states “Do not administer orally,” and notes that excessive topical corticosteroid exposure can have systemic effects—your veterinarian can discuss risks and next steps. ([dailymed.nlm.nih.gov](https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/fda/fdaDrugXsl.cfm?setid=d8ab8c22-4667-4577-a0b7-166c86477a4e&utm_source=openai))
Front desk script: Thank you for calling—based on what you’re describing, this could be serious with Surolan. I’m getting our veterinarian right now; please keep your dog with you and avoid putting in any more drops until the doctor advises. If you notice trouble breathing, collapse, or sudden loss of balance or hearing, this is an emergency—please come in immediately or go to the nearest ER clinic. Your veterinarian can explain what these signs may mean and the safest next steps.
Key interaction to flag: Surolan’s label says not to use it with other drugs known to cause ear toxicity (ototoxicity). If an owner mentions any other ear drops—especially ones that contain aminoglycoside antibiotics like gentamicin or neomycin—flag for the veterinarian before the owner combines products. Only the veterinarian can assess the eardrum and decide what can be used together. Sudden head tilt, loss of balance, or a new decrease in hearing after ear drops are red flags that need same‑day veterinary review.
Commonly co‑prescribed or discussed alongside Surolan (for awareness/flagging, not to approve): 1) Ear cleaners/flushes (e.g., saline, tris‑EDTA; some cleaners or home remedies can irritate) — confirm which product the owner is using; 2) Short‑term oral corticosteroids given with topical therapy in some cases — let the vet know if the pet is on any steroid (e.g., prednisone, injections); 3) Systemic antibiotics or antifungals when deeper or more complex infections are present — document any current oral meds. Advise owners not to start any additional ear products or “home remedies” (e.g., vinegar or peroxide) without the veterinarian’s guidance, as these can irritate ears and increase risk if the eardrum isn’t intact; your veterinarian can discuss safe cleaning options.
Escalate the call the same day if the owner reports: new balance problems, circling, nystagmus (eye flicking), sudden hearing change, severe pain, or marked swelling/ulceration of the pinna after starting drops. Document all prescription meds, OTC products, supplements, and ear cleaners; your veterinarian will determine if any changes are needed.
Front desk script: Thanks for calling—because Surolan is an ear medication, we need to check for any other ear drops or cleaners you’re using. Are you using any products like gentamicin/neomycin ear drops, or any home remedies such as vinegar or hydrogen peroxide? I’ll note all medications and supplements your dog is on so our veterinarian can review for interactions. If you’re seeing head tilt, balance issues, eye flicking, or a sudden change in hearing, please come in today—I’m alerting the doctor now.
Store Surolan at or below 77°F (25°C) in its original, tightly closed bottle. Keep it at room temperature, away from heat and direct sunlight; do not leave it in hot cars or near heat sources. For dispensing: verify the bottle is sealed and not leaking, check the printed expiration date, and bag promptly for pickup. Keep out of reach of children and pets at all times.
Shelf life after opening: the current U.S. label does not specify a “discard after opening” timeframe. Use until the printed expiration date unless the veterinarian advises a shorter period. Avoid contaminating the dropper tip; if the bottle appears damaged, contaminated, or was exposed to extreme temperatures, check with the veterinarian before dispensing or advising use.
Disposal: encourage a drug take‑back location or mail‑back program. If take‑back isn’t available and the product is not on the FDA Flush List, mix leftover liquid with an unpalatable material (e.g., used coffee grounds or cat litter), seal in a bag/container, and place in household trash; do not flush. If a child or pet chews or swallows the medication, treat as urgent and instruct the owner to contact their veterinarian or a poison control resource immediately. Your veterinarian can discuss local take‑back options and whether a replacement is needed after a temperature excursion.
Scheduling: Book a recheck with the veterinarian when the prescribed course is finished so the doctor can look down the ear canal and, if needed, repeat an ear swab/cytology to confirm the infection has cleared and adjust the plan. Because Surolan courses are short, this first recheck is typically soon after starting—often within about a week—unless the doctor specifies otherwise. Dogs with ongoing or recurrent ear disease may need additional rechecks (for example, every few weeks) until the ear is stable; your veterinarian will set that timeline.
What to monitor and when to escalate: Advise owners to call immediately for a same‑day visit if they notice head tilt, trouble with balance, disorientation/vertigo, or a sudden change in hearing while using the drops. These can be signs that the middle/inner ear is irritated or that the eardrum may not be intact. Also flag worsening pain, marked redness/swelling, or a foul‑smelling discharge for prompt follow‑up.
Labs/other monitoring: Routine bloodwork is not typically needed for short topical ear courses. Because this product contains a corticosteroid, long‑term or repeated use can have body‑wide (systemic) effects in some dogs; your veterinarian can discuss whether any lab monitoring is appropriate if prolonged therapy is expected or if your dog has other health conditions.
Front desk script: For Surolan, we usually schedule a quick recheck with the doctor right after the prescribed course is finished to be sure the ear is clearing and to decide on next steps. If you notice any head tilt, balance problems, or sudden hearing changes while using the drops, that’s urgent—please come in today. The doctor will let you know if any testing or bloodwork is needed; for short ear treatments it’s usually not required. I can reserve a recheck for you now—does [date/time] work?
Surolan is a prescription-only ear medication for dogs that combines an antifungal (miconazole), an antibiotic (polymyxin B), and a corticosteroid (prednisolone). It is used under a veterinarian’s direction for certain yeast and bacterial ear infections of the outer ear. If callers ask how to use it, advise that the veterinarian will provide exact instructions for their dog; front-office staff should not give dosing or diagnostic advice.
Escalate immediately if a caller reports red-flag signs such as new head tilt, loss of balance, falling/rolling to one side, severe ear pain, or facial nerve changes—these can indicate deeper ear involvement and need urgent veterinary evaluation. Also flag concerns about a ruptured eardrum or if the dog seems worse after any ear product is placed; advise the caller to keep the pet safe and contact the clinic right away or use emergency care after hours. Your veterinarian can discuss next steps and whether Surolan is appropriate or should be adjusted based on an exam.
Phrases to avoid: “Use X drops/times,” “It’s safe to use in any ear,” “Just keep using it until it looks better,” or “You can clean the ear with [specific product].” Preferred alternatives: “I can’t advise dosing or cleaning over the phone—let me connect you with our medical team,” and “Our veterinarian can review your pet’s record and guide you.”
Front desk script: “Thank you for calling [Clinic Name], this is [Your Name]. Are you calling about your dog’s Surolan ear medication?” “Quick answer: Surolan is a vet-prescribed ear drop that treats certain yeast and bacterial infections and helps reduce itching and inflammation.” “For how to use it for your dog—or if it’s the right medication—our veterinarian or nurse can review the chart and advise; let me get them for you.” “If you’re seeing head tilt, stumbling or loss of balance, severe ear pain, or facial changes, please keep your dog safe and contact us immediately; if it’s after hours, go to the nearest emergency clinic.” “To avoid any mix-ups, I won’t give dosing or cleaning instructions by phone—let’s schedule a same-day appointment or a quick medical team callback.”