Betnesol ear drops for sinusitis and otitis externa

Betnesol drops are prescription medicines that contain the corticosteroid betamethasone, used to reduce inflammation. Betamethasone works by calming the immune response in tissues where swelling, redness or irritation is present. Some formulations — such as Betnesol-N eye, ear and nose drops — also include the antibiotic neomycin when there is a risk of bacterial infection. These drops are classified as prescription-only medicines and should be used under the supervision of a qualified healthcare professional.

When specifically used for the ear, Betnesol drops for ears are prescribed to treat inflammatory conditions of the outer ear canal, such as otitis externa. The corticosteroid helps reduce swelling and irritation in the ear canal, while the antibiotic component in combination products addresses or prevents bacterial infection when appropriate. Betnesol nasal drops refer to the same active ingredient (betamethasone) formulated for use in the nose to reduce inflammation of the nasal lining, for example in allergic rhinitis. Nasal steroid drops are prescribed when nasal inflammation is significant and requires a corticosteroid to relieve symptoms.

Betnesol products — whether for ears, eyes, nose or a combination — should be used only as directed. They are not suitable for viral or fungal infections and should not be used without medical assessment of the condition being treated. Prolonged or inappropriate use may increase the risk of side effects.

Betnesol ear drops — and related formulations such as Betnesol-N eye, ear and nose drops — are prescription medicines containing the corticosteroid betamethasone, often combined with the antibiotic neomycin in products like Betnesol-N. These drops are designed to reduce inflammation and, in some cases, help prevent or treat bacterial infection where there is a risk, such as in the ear canal or on delicate mucosal surfaces. Importantly, Betnesol ear drops are not used to treat sinusitis. Sinusitis involves inflammation or infection of the sinus cavities inside the skull, not the external ear canal. Betnesol drops are formulated for topical use in the outer ear, eye, or nose to relieve redness, itching, swelling, and soreness in those specific areas, not within the deeper sinus passages. Betnesol-N may be prescribed when there is inflammation with a possible bacterial component affecting the ear, eye, or nose, but this is different from treating sinusitis itself. For sinusitis — whether allergic, viral, or bacterial — other treatments such as saline sprays, decongestants, or different prescription medicines may be recommended by a healthcare professional. Always consult a doctor or pharmacist before using Betnesol drops to ensure they are suitable for your symptoms and condition.

• Betnesol ear drops — including combination products like Betnesol-N eye, ear and nose drops — are prescription medicines containing the corticosteroid betamethasone, sometimes with the antibiotic neomycin. They are used to reduce inflammation and treat bacterial infection in the ear when clinically appropriate.
• To use Betnesol ear drops effectively, always follow your doctor’s instructions and the guidance provided in the patient information leaflet. Before applying the drops, wash and dry your hands thoroughly to prevent contamination of the bottle tip.
• Tilt your head to one side so the affected ear faces upwards. Gently pull the earlobe down and back to help straighten the ear canal, then place the prescribed number of drops into the ear, typically 2 to 3 drops, three to four times daily, or as directed. Keep your head tilted for a minute or two after application to allow the medicine to reach deeper into the ear canal. If both ears are affected, repeat the process on the other side.
• Continue using the drops for the full course recommended, even if symptoms improve earlier. If there is no improvement after about seven days, consult your healthcare professional for further advice. Do not use Betnesol ear drops if you have a perforated eardrum unless specifically advised by a clinician.

Betnesol eye drops contain the corticosteroid betamethasone, a topical medicine prescribed to treat short-term inflammatory eye conditions where reducing redness, swelling, itching and irritation is required. This preparation belongs to a class of medicines called corticosteroids, which calm the body’s inflammatory response in delicate tissues such as the eye. They are typically used only under the supervision of a clinician, often an eye specialist, and are not suitable for all types of eye problems.

When using betamethasone eye drops, the usual approach is to instil one or two drops every one to two hours until inflammation improves, then reduce the frequency as advised by a doctor. Proper technique — washing hands, tilting the head back, and avoiding contact between the dropper and the eye — helps ensure correct application.

Because corticosteroids can affect internal eye structures, Betnesol eye drops are not indicated for viral or fungal eye infections and must not be used without medical assessment. Conditions such as glaucoma or ulcers of the eye surface may worsen with steroid use. Common temporary effects after application include local irritation or blurred vision. More serious effects, such as increased eye pressure or cataract formation, may occur with prolonged or inappropriate use. Always follow your doctor’s instructions carefully.

Betnesol eye, ear and nose drops are a prescription-only medicine (POM) containing the corticosteroid betamethasone. They are used to reduce inflammation of the eyes, ears or nose when clinically appropriate. In the UK, the price varies depending on where you obtain the product, with private online pharmacies and community pharmacies offering different pricing. Because Betnesol is not available over the counter, a valid prescription from a GP or qualified prescriber is required. Below is an overview of typical private UK prices:

Price Comparison for Betnesol Eye, Ear & Nose Drops (UK private)

Prices can differ because some listings reflect retail pharmacy pricing, others represent wholesale or stockist costs, and some include online consultation or delivery fees. Lower prices often reflect the medicine cost alone and still require a prescription. Always purchase from a UK-regulated pharmacy and confirm the final price and prescription requirements before ordering. A healthcare professional can advise if Betnesol is suitable for your condition.

No, you cannot buy Betnesol ear drops over the counter in the UK. Medicines that contain betamethasone for the eyes, ears and nose — including Betnesol and Betnesol-N drops — are classified as Prescription Only Medicines (POMs). Under UK regulations, a POM can only be supplied with a valid prescription from a qualified prescriber, such as a GP, dentist or independent prescriber. Pharmacists cannot sell Betnesol drops over the counter like general pharmacy or retail medicines. Betnesol-N eye, ear and nose drops combine the corticosteroid betamethasone with the antibiotic neomycin and are used for inflammatory conditions when there may also be a risk of bacterial infection. Because these drops contain both a steroid and an antibiotic, they require medical assessment before use. This ensures the treatment is appropriate and helps reduce the risk of side effects or incorrect use. Even if you obtain the medicine through an online pharmacy, you still need a prescription. Some online services may offer a clinical consultation and issue a prescription if suitable, but this is not the same as buying the product without one. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist before using Betnesol ear drops to make sure they are safe and suitable for your condition.

Betnesol-N ear drops contain a corticosteroid (betamethasone) and an antibiotic (neomycin) and are commonly used to treat otitis externa, an inflammation of the outer ear canal where infection may be present. When Betnesol-N is unsuitable or unavailable, other licensed topical ear treatments may be considered by clinicians based on prescribing guidelines and clinical assessment.

• One recognised alternative is Sofradex ear drops, which combine a corticosteroid (dexamethasone) with antibiotics (framycetin and gramicidin). This formulation helps reduce inflammation while also treating bacterial infection in the ear canal.
• Another option used in practice includes ear drops containing hydrocortisone acetate with gentamicin. These preparations provide both anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects, similar to Betnesol-N, but use different active ingredients.
• For some patients, especially in milder cases, acidifying ear drops or sprays such as acetic acid may be recommended. These help restore the ear canal’s natural acidic environment and can reduce bacterial growth. They may be used alone or alongside other treatments depending on clinical need.

The choice of alternative depends on factors such as the severity of symptoms, suspected cause of infection, and whether the eardrum is intact. Because these medicines contain steroids and antibiotics, they should always be selected and prescribed by a healthcare professional.

Neomycin is a topical aminoglycoside antibiotic used to treat or prevent bacterial infections of the skin and outer ear. It works by stopping the growth of bacteria and is applied directly to the affected area, which helps target infection locally rather than systemically.

• In creams or ointments, neomycin may be used alone or combined with other ingredients such as corticosteroids. These preparations are prescribed for infected or at-risk inflammatory skin conditions, including dermatitis, eczema, or minor cuts and wounds. The antibiotic helps control bacterial growth, while added steroids can reduce redness, swelling and itching when inflammation is present.
• In ear drops, neomycin is commonly combined with a corticosteroid to treat otitis externa, an infection and inflammation of the outer ear canal. The steroid reduces inflammation and discomfort, while neomycin addresses bacterial infection. There are important precautions. Neomycin products should not be used in the ear if the eardrum is perforated, as aminoglycosides may carry a risk of ototoxicity if they enter the middle or inner ear. Some people may also develop allergic or contact skin reactions, including redness, itching or rash.
• Neomycin medicines are typically prescription-only and should be used exactly as directed by a healthcare professional to ensure safe and effective treatment.