Mometamax for Dogs

What Is Mometamax Used for in Dogs?

Mometamax is an otic suspension ear medication that contains three active ingredients: 

• Gentamicin 
• Mometasone 
• Clotrimazole 

It is prescribed for the treatment of external ear infections in dogs caused by susceptible strains of yeast and certain bacteria. Mometamax also reduces discomfort, redness, swelling, discharge, and odor, while treating the underlying infection. 

A generic equivalent,  Mometavet Otic Suspension, is also commercially available. 

Is Mometamax FDA-Approved for Dogs? 

Mometamax is FDA-approved for use in dogs for treatment of ear infections.  

Speak with your veterinarian about whether Mometamax is right for your dog. 

Mometamax Considerations for Dogs

Before using this product, it’s important that your veterinarian examines your dog’s eardrum to ensure that it is intact to avoid damage to the inner ear. Your vet may perform tests of the ear discharge to determine if Mometamax is the best choice for your dog’s ear infection. 

Mometamax should not be used in pregnant dogs. 

How Does Mometamax Work in Dogs?

Mometamax works by combining three separate ingredients to treat susceptible ear infections:  

• Gentamicin: an antibiotic that is active against several common strains of bacteria that can infect the ear 
• Mometasone: a steroid used to decrease inflammation, discomfort, redness, and swelling in the ear canal  
• Clotrimazole: a broad-spectrum antifungal agent that is used to treat common yeast organisms 

How Do You Give Mometamax to Dogs?

Follow the directions on the drug label or as provided by your veterinarian. 

Mometamax is administered directly into the infected ear canal once daily for seven consecutive days. Your veterinarian will prescribe an appropriate number of drops to administer into each ear, which can vary based on your dog’s weight.  

1. Clean and dry your dog’s ears before administering Mometamax. Your vet can advise whether you should air-dry your pup’s ears or gently wipe them dry with gauze or cotton balls, based on the severity of their condition. Your vet may clean the ears in the office and instill the first dose of Mometamax there. 

2. If your pet has long hair, trim the area around the ears before giving your dog Mometamax.  

3. Shake the bottle well before each use. 

4. Place the prescribed amount of drops into your dog’s ear.  

5. Gently massage the external ear canal to appropriately distribute the medication. 

6. Discontinue treatment after seven days.  

Administering Mometamax beyond seven days may result in delayed wound healing.  

What Happens If You Miss a Dose of Mometamax? 

Speak with your veterinarian about what to do if a dose is missed.  

Generally, your vet may instruct you to give it when you remember, or if it is almost time for your pet’s next dose, to skip the missed dose and resume your normal dosing schedule. 

Do not give extra or double doses. 

What Are the Side Effects of Mometamax in Dogs?

Mometamax has a wide safety margin and is well-tolerated in dogs. 

In field studies, less than 1% of dogs had these rare side effects: 

• Loss of balance and coordination 
• Increased thirst 

Other potential side effects seen in a small number of geriatric dogs include:  

• Hearing loss (rare and usually temporary)   
• Head tilting and lack of coordination (signs of vestibular disease)  

If these symptoms are noted during treatment, immediately discontinue use of Mometamax and call your veterinarian. 

Human Side Effects 

Humans should never take medication prescribed for pets, and pets should not be given medication prescribed for humans. Dosages often differ significantly. 

If you accidentally ingest a pet medication, seek medical attention or call Poison Control at 800-222-1222. 

Monitoring Your Pet 

No specific monitoring is required for this medication, but your veterinarian may recommend routine testing depending on your dog’s individual needs, other medications that may be prescribed, and/or the issue that initially caused your dog to be placed on this medication. 

When Should You Call Your Veterinarian? 

Contact your veterinarian if you see any of the following, or if you have additional questions or concerns about the use of Mometamax: 

• Severe side effects occur  
• Your dog’s condition worsens or does not improve  
• You suspect an overdose  

What Happens If a Pet Overdoses on Mometamax?

In safety studies where dogs received double doses (twice daily treatment instead of once daily), less than 1% of dogs had symptoms including: 

• Inflammation of the ear flap 
• Diarrhea 

Overdosing on Mometamax is not common, but sensitivity or allergic reactions can occur. If your pet is showing signs of hearing loss, deafness, a head tilt, circling, or other signs of vestibular disease, contact your veterinarian immediately. 

If your dog accidentally ingests Mometamax, seek veterinary care and observe your dog closely for: 

• Fluid retention (swelling) 
• Weight gain 
• Increased thirst and/or urination 

Prolonged use of Mometamax or overdosage of Mometamax can suppress your dog’s immune system causing them to be more susceptible to infection.  

If you suspect an overdose, seek emergency veterinary care or contact an animal poison control center. Consultation fees may apply. 

• Pet Poison Helpline: 855-764-7661
• ASPCA Animal Poison Control: 888-426-4435 

How Should Mometamax Be Stored for Dogs?

To store Mometamax safely: 

• Always confirm storage requirements by reviewing the label.  
• Keep it in a safe, dry place at a temperature between 36–77 F (2–25 C).  
• Keep out of reach of children and pets.  
• Discard 28 days from first use.