Mometamax

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Mometamax

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Medically reviewed

Rosario Oropesa

Last updated on 22/12/2025

This page provides general, reference-level information compiled from official medical sources. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For decisions about your health, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.

Overview of Mometamax

What is Mometamax?

Mometamax is a prescription veterinary medication developed to treat inflammatory and infectious conditions of the ear in dogs. It is a fixed-dose combination otic suspension that integrates three active pharmacological agents to address multiple components of ear disease simultaneously.

Composition and Ingredients

The formulation contains three primary active components:

  • Gentamicin: An aminoglycoside antibiotic that works by inhibiting protein synthesis in susceptible bacteria. It is effective against a variety of gram-positive and gram-negative pathogens commonly associated with canine ear infections.
  • Mometasone Furoate: A synthetic corticosteroid characterized by its anti-inflammatory and antipruritic properties. It helps reduce the swelling, redness, and itching associated with ear canal inflammation.
  • Clotrimazole: A broad-spectrum antifungal agent. It is included to treat yeast infections, specifically those caused by Malassezia pachydermatis, which often complicate ear conditions.

Mechanism of Action

Mometamax operates through a multi-modal approach. By combining an antibacterial, an antifungal, and a corticosteroid, the medication targets the underlying pathogens while managing the symptomatic inflammation. This combined action helps stabilize the environment of the external ear canal, making it less conducive to the overgrowth of microorganisms and providing relief from discomfort caused by the inflammatory response.

Regulatory References

  1. NADA 141-177 FOI Summary
  2. DailyMed Mometamax Label (NADA 141-177)

What side effects are possible with Mometamax?

The official safety profile for Mometamax Otic Suspension is defined by potential risks to the auditory system and the endocrine system, as documented in government regulatory sources, such as the FDA's New Animal Drug Application (NADA 141-177).


Adverse Reaction Scope

Category Description based on Official Regulatory Labeling
Key Adverse Reaction Categories Local reactions, Endocrine system effects, and Auditory/Vestibular disorders.
System-Organ Classes Involved Ear and Labyrinth Disorders, Endocrine Disorders, and Dermatological effects.
Serious Adverse Reactions Deafness or Permanent Hearing Loss (ototoxicity) and Vestibular Dysfunction (balance issues).
Population-Specific Considerations Safety has not been established for pregnant or lactating bitches. Geriatric dogs are noted as potentially more sensitive to hearing deficits.
Dose- or Exposure-Related Patterns Adrenal System Suppression and delayed wound healing are associated with prolonged use beyond the recommended duration.
Safety-related Restrictions Contraindicated in dogs with a known or suspected non-intact tympanic membrane (ruptured eardrum).

Regulatory Safety Summary

The regulatory profile highlights that the integrity of the tympanic membrane must be verified as a safety prerequisite before administration. Failure to do so is a formal contraindication due to the risk of inner ear damage, including the potential for permanent deafness linked to the Gentamicin component. Adverse reactions may include local erythema (redness) or discomfort. Signs of systemic absorption of the corticosteroid component, such as polydipsia (increased thirst) or polyuria (increased urination), have also been documented. Prolonged use is specifically associated with the risk of adrenocortical suppression.

Overdose and Emergency Response

Overdose and When to Seek Help

The official regulatory profile for Mometamax Otic Suspension outlines risks primarily associated with systemic exposure to its active components, Gentamicin Sulfate and Mometasone Furoate, following either prolonged use or accidental ingestion.

Feature Official Regulatory Statement
Documented Manifestations Signs of adrenocorticoid overdosage (e.g., increased thirst/urination, fluid retention) and vestibular dysfunction or partial hearing loss are documented.
Serious Outcomes Potential for irreversible deafness and renal toxicity is noted, particularly in sensitive or geriatric dogs, and the development of iatrogenic hyperadrenocorticism with prolonged use.
Required Actions Discontinue use immediately if any hearing or vestibular dysfunction is observed. For accidental ingestion by humans, a physician must be contacted immediately.
Monitoring Needs Close observation is required following systemic exposure to check for signs of adrenocorticoid overdosage.

The regulatory guidance focuses on the toxicological potential of the components rather than dose levels. The profile requires immediate cessation of use if specific adverse neurological signs are noted and mandates that urgent medical attention be sought for any instance of accidental human ingestion. This structure establishes the required emergency-response conditions based on potential component toxicity.

Therapeutic Uses of Mometamax

What Mometamax Treats: Main Uses and Benefits

Mometamax is commonly used across conditions presenting with acute episodes of canine otitis externa when symptoms are driven by susceptible strains of both bacteria and the common ear yeast (Malassezia pachydermatis). The medication addresses symptom clusters that may become intense or disruptive, including intense pruritus (itching), redness, swelling, and discharge.

This triple-action preparation is indicated for the treatment of this specific, mixed-pathogen ear condition. This approach to symptom management supports the patient during difficult episodes by easing distress associated with inflammation and infection.

“This approach may be part of symptomatic management, providing supportive relief when symptoms interfere with routine activities, contributing to improved comfort during periods of heightened symptoms.”


Quick Fact: Relief for Inflammation and Infection

Therapeutic Focus Benefit to Patient
Microbial Control Helps ease the overall symptom burden by controlling coexisting bacteria and yeast.
Inflammation Assists with maintaining functional stability by reducing acute swelling and pain.
Symptom Clusters Provides supportive relief when itching and discharge are highly disruptive.

The product is commonly used to help with symptom clusters that may become intense or disruptive, coupled with support for the severe inflammatory or irritative states commonly associated with canine ear infections.

Regulatory References

  1. FDA's DailyMed Overview

Eligibility and Restrictions for Use

Eligibility Map: Who Can and Cannot Use Mometamax Otic Suspension

Official regulatory documents strictly define the eligibility for Mometamax Otic Suspension, a prescription-only veterinary product, based on the patient's species, physical condition, and physiological status.

Eligibility Classification Status and Restriction
Target Species Only approved for dogs
Absolute Contraindication Dogs with a known perforation of the eardrum must not use this product.
Hypersensitivity Contraindicated if there is a known sensitivity to any component (Gentamicin, Mometasone, or Clotrimazole).
Age Group Eligibility Safety has been established in dogs 2 months of age and older (US labeling). Safety is not established in dogs under 3 months of age or weighing less than 3 kg (EU labeling).
Pregnancy/Lactation Do not use in pregnant, lactating, or breeding dogs, as safe use has not been evaluated.
Conditional Caution Geriatric dogs require special caution due to a documented risk of ototoxicity (hearing loss).

Eligibility-related warnings also state that the concurrent use of Mometamax with other drugs known to induce ototoxicity should be avoided. Discontinuation is required immediately if signs of hearing or vestibular dysfunction are observed.

What should I know about interactions with other medicines?

Mometamax Interactions with other medicines and products

This section outlines the officially documented interaction profile for Mometamax Otic Suspension (Gentamicin Sulfate, Mometasone Furoate, Clotrimazole) as described in government-approved regulatory documents, such as those issued by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).


Documented Pharmacodynamic Interactions and Restrictions

The primary focus of the regulatory interaction profile is the potential for additive toxicity related to the Gentamicin component, an aminoglycoside.

Interaction Type Interacting Substance Class Official Restriction
Additive Ototoxicity Drugs known to cause ototoxicity Concomitant use with this class of medicines is advised against.

This constraint is based on the risk of an irreversible pharmacodynamic effect (auditory or vestibular damage) if Mometamax is combined with other substances that also carry this specific risk.


Population-Specific Cautions

The official label notes that the risk of an ototoxic outcome is heightened in specific patient populations. The use of ototoxic topical ear preparations has been formally associated with deafness or partial hearing loss in sensitive dogs, particularly geriatric patients. If signs of hearing or vestibular dysfunction appear, use of the product must be discontinued.

No formal documentation exists in official regulatory labels for pharmacokinetic interactions (such as CYP enzyme or transporter-mediated effects), or for interactions with food, alcohol, or herbal products.

Mechanism of Action

The mechanism of Mometamax is defined by the coordinated action of three components. Gentamicin Sulfate acts on susceptible bacteria by binding to the 30S ribosomal subunit, which halts protein synthesis and compromises the bacterial cell’s functional integrity. Clotrimazole acts on susceptible fungi by inhibiting the enzyme lanosterol 14-alpha-demethylase (CYP51), disrupting ergosterol synthesis, and collapsing the fungal cell membrane structure. The third component, Mometasone Furoate, suppresses inflammation by functioning as an agonist of the cytoplasmic Glucocorticoid Receptor (GR). This activation leads to gene transrepression of transcription factors (e.g., NF-kappaB), suppressing the synthesis of pro-inflammatory mediators (e.g., cytokines and prostaglandins). This sequence of molecular events results in decreased capillary permeability and inhibited cellular exudation at the tissue level. Furthermore, Mometasone's anti-inflammatory mechanism lowers tissue exudate, which affects the local concentration and tissue penetration of the Gentamicin and Clotrimazole components, facilitating a multi-modal physiological adjustment.

Dosage and Administration Information

How to Use Mometamax — Official Administration Guidelines

Mometamax Otic Suspension is approved for aural use (ear use) in dogs only, and the official administration protocol must be followed precisely for correct use.

Required Preparatory Steps

Prior to administration, the external ear canal must be thoroughly cleaned and dried. Additionally, a critical step is to verify that the eardrum is intact before the product is instilled. If the eardrum is not intact, the medication must not be used.

Official Dosing and Frequency

Treatment is administered once daily for 7 consecutive days.

Dog Weight (using 7.5 g, 15 g, or 30 g bottles) Drops per Ear Frequency Duration
Less than 30 lbs (<13.6 kg) 4 drops Once daily 7 days
30 lbs or more (13.6 kg) 8 drops Once daily 7 days

For larger 215 g bottles, the dose is 2 drops for dogs under 30 lbs and 4 drops for dogs 30 lbs or more.

Procedural Steps

  1. Shake the bottle well before use.
  2. Instill the prescribed number of drops into the ear canal.
  3. Gently massage the base of the ear after application to ensure the preparation is distributed throughout the external ear canal.

Missed Dose Guidance

If a dose is missed, instill it as soon as it is remembered. However, if it is almost time for the next scheduled dose, the missed dose should be skipped, and the regular once-daily dosing schedule should be resumed. Do not administer two doses at the same time to make up for a missed one.

Recent Clinical Evidence

Research Evidence / Overview of Studies for Mometamax

Core Research for Acute Canine Otitis Externa

Research examined the clinical properties of Mometamax, specifically when the condition was observed in dogs carrying concurrent infections caused by susceptible bacteria and the yeast Malassezia pachydermatis. The evidence base primarily consists of randomized, controlled field trials (RCTs). These studies monitored dogs presenting with fluctuating or unstable symptoms of ear infection.

Researchers examined a variety of outcomes related to physical discomfort and inflammation within the ear canal. Primary study outcomes included clinical assessment scores monitoring ear canal redness (erythema), swelling, and the dog’s level of physical discomfort. The study findings describe patterns observed in the symptoms during the short-term treatment period.


Comparator Study Design and Control Groups

The research for Mometamax included comparisons against different kinds of control groups. In the randomized trials, the drug was evaluated in settings that included a negative control group that received the ear drop vehicle (liquid base) without the three active ingredients. This design was used to explore whether any measured measurements was associated with the active ingredients. The studies also monitored outcomes in comparison to an active control, which was a previously approved medication used for similar conditions. These comparisons describe patterns related to how the measured symptoms were observed in the populations.

Understanding Short-Term Follow-up and Duration

The research exploring short-term symptom changes was studied for a defined treatment period of seven consecutive days. Following the completion of this short course, dogs were observed in a structured follow-up period lasting several days. The reported outcomes reflect symptom patterns and data show patterns related to measurements taken during the defined study period, which concluded approximately one to two weeks after the treatment started. Evidence contributes to understanding short-term changes and outcomes describing episodic or acute changes.


Research Gaps and Unanswered Questions

There is limited information for long-term outcomes because the follow-up durations were limited to a short period after treatment ceased. Therefore, the long-term effects are not fully established. Additionally, while research explored acute outcomes, data for groups with chronic, recurring ear infections remain insufficient. The evidence provides insight into what was observed in acute settings, but long-term outcomes are not fully established for these conditions characterized by fluctuating or episodic manifestations.

Key Studies & References

  1. MOMETAMAX Otic Suspension for Dogs - Freedom of Information Summary (NADA 141-177)
  2. Mometamax Otic Suspension: Label - DailyMed (Gentamicin Sulfate, Mometasone Furoate Monohydrate, and Clotrimazole)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Common questions about Mometamax (FAQ)


Q: How quickly does Mometamax start to work after the first use?

Studies examining Mometamax focused on symptom changes over the defined, short-term treatment period of seven consecutive days. Official information states that symptom changes were tracked over the defined, short-term treatment period.


Q: Can Mometamax be used in combination with other oral medicines?

Regulatory documents do not provide a general interaction profile for non-ototoxic oral medicines. However, official regulatory documents formally state that concomitant use with drugs known to cause ototoxicity, which means damage to hearing or balance, is avoided. This caution relates to the Gentamicin component.


Q: Is Mometamax the same as other products with similar names?

Mometamax is a specific, prescription-only formulation defined by its three active ingredients: Gentamicin Sulfate, Mometasone Furoate, and Clotrimazole. Other products may contain one or two of these compounds, or a different combination altogether, and are therefore considered distinct medications. Official documents define the unique identity and composition of Mometamax.


Q: Is it common for people to experience temporary stinging or discomfort when using Mometamax?

Official safety documents list local discomfort and redness (erythema) among the documented adverse reactions associated with the product. Regulatory summaries do not formally quantify how common these effects are or state that they are only temporary upon application.


Q: Can Mometamax be used in young children?

Mometamax Otic Suspension is a prescription veterinary medicine that is approved exclusively for use in dogs. Safety and use in human populations, including pediatric patients, are outside the scope of the product's official regulatory documentation.


Q: Is there a generic version of Mometamax available?

Mometamax is an official brand product. Regulatory information allows for the approval of other generic animal drugs with the same active ingredients, and these may be available under different product names, based on the approval status in different regions.


Q: Is Mometamax safe to use for a long period of time?

The official administration guidelines specify a short course of seven consecutive days. Official regulatory warnings state that use beyond the recommended duration is formally discouraged, as prolonged use is associated with a risk of systemic effects, including adrenocortical suppression.


Q: Why are there different versions of Mometamax mentioned online?

The official product information indicates that Mometamax Otic Suspension is supplied in multiple container sizes, such as 7.5 g, 15 g, 30 g, and 215 g bottles. All of these packaging options contain the identical formulation and concentration of the active ingredients.


Q: Are there any known issues when using Mometamax around certain foods or supplements?

Official regulatory labels do not formally document specific interactions or restrictions with food, alcohol, or herbal products.


Q: Does Mometamax affect performance or daily activities like driving?

Since Mometamax is a veterinary drug approved solely for use in dogs, official regulatory information does not contain data or warnings regarding its potential effects on human performance or activities, such as driving.


Q: Does Mometamax affect blood pressure or blood sugar levels?

The product contains a corticosteroid component, Mometasone Furoate, which has the potential for systemic absorption. The official label notes the specific risk of adrenocortical suppression, but it does not list changes in blood pressure or blood sugar levels as commonly reported adverse reactions.


Q: Are there any common interactions with vaccinations or flu shots?

Official regulatory documents and safety data for Mometamax do not contain any information or warnings regarding specific interactions with vaccinations or annual flu shots.


Q: Are there restrictions on consuming alcohol while using Mometamax?

Official regulatory labels do not formally document specific interactions or restrictions with food, alcohol, or herbal products.


Q: What information is available regarding accidental ingestion of Mometamax?

Official safety data sheets advise that the product may be harmful if accidentally ingested. Official safety data sheets state that medical attention is sought in the event of accidental exposure or ingestion.


Q: Does Mometamax interact with common dietary supplements like vitamins D or C?

Official regulatory labels do not formally document specific interactions or restrictions with food, alcohol, or herbal products.


Q: What is the reasoning behind the list of who should not use Mometamax?

Restrictions on use are based on documented safety risks identified during research and regulatory review. The product is formally contraindicated when the eardrum is perforated due to the risk of inner ear damage, including the potential for deafness. Safety is also not established for breeding, pregnant, or very young animals.


Q: Why is Mometamax sometimes prescribed for a short course only?

The official administration guidelines specify a defined short-term course of seven consecutive days. The official guidelines define a short-term course of seven days because use prolonged beyond this period is formally associated with the risk of adrenocortical suppression.


Q: What is the regulatory status of Mometamax in different global regions?

Mometamax has been reviewed and approved by major government health authorities worldwide, including the U.S. FDA, which granted it a New Animal Drug Application (NADA) status. This approval establishes the drug's legal context and definition for use in its approved species.


Q: Can Mometamax be used if a patient has a known allergy to similar types of medication?

Official label information indicates that the product is contraindicated if there is a known hypersensitivity. This includes sensitivity to any of the active ingredients (Gentamicin, Mometasone, or Clotrimazole) or to their respective drug classes, such as other aminoglycoside antibiotics or corticosteroids.


How should Mometamax be stored and disposed of?

Storage and Disposal of Mometamax Otic Suspension

Mometamax (gentamicin sulfate, mometasone furoate monohydrate, and clotrimazole) Otic Suspension must be stored according to official regulatory specifications to ensure stability and effectiveness.


Storage Conditions

  • Temperature: Store at controlled room temperature, maintaining a range between 2 C and 30 C (36 F and 86 F). The product must not be exposed to temperatures outside of this range.
  • Container and Protection: The medication must be kept in its original bottle and carton, and the container must be kept tightly closed.
  • Shelf-Life: The drug must be discarded 28 days after first use.
  • Safety: The product must be kept out of the reach of children and uninformed persons.

Disposal

Disposal of unused or expired product must be in accordance with local requirements. To avoid environmental contamination, the medication should not be poured down drains or into the aquatic environment.

Attention! Always consult to a doctor or pharmacist before using pills or medicines.

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