DermOtic^® Oil is indicated for the topical treatment of chronic eczematous external otitis in adults and pediatric patients 2 years of age and older.

Systemic absorption of topical corticosteroids can produce reversible hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis suppression with the potential for glucocorticosteroid insufficiency. Cushing’s syndrome, hyperglycemia, and glucosuria can result from systemic absorption of topical corticosteroids.

HPA axis suppression and Cushing’s syndrome have been reported in pediatric patients receiving topical corticosteroids. Manifestations of adrenal suppression in pediatric patients include linear growth retardation, delayed weight gain, low plasma cortisol levels, and subnormal response to ACTH stimulation. Pediatric patients may be more susceptible to systemic toxicity from equivalent doses due to their larger skin surface to body mass ratios [see Use in Specific Populations (8.4)].

Conditions which increase systemic absorption include the use of more potent corticosteroids, use over large surface areas, use over prolonged periods, use of occlusive dressings, altered skin barrier, liver failure, and young age. Use of more than one corticosteroid-containing product at the same time may increase total systemic corticosteroid exposure.
Because of the potential for systemic absorption, use of topical corticosteroids may require that patients be periodically evaluated for HPA axis suppression. The ACTH stimulation test may be helpful in evaluating patients for HPA axis suppression.

If HPA axis suppression is documented, an attempt should be made to withdraw the drug to reduce the frequency of application, or to substitute a less potent corticosteroid. Manifestations of adrenal insufficiency may require supplemental systemic corticosteroid. Recovery of HPA axis function is generally prompt upon discontinuation of topical corticosteroids.

Local adverse reactions may occur with use of topical corticosteroids, including DERMOTIC OIL, and may be more likely to occur with occlusive use, prolonged use, or use of higher potency corticosteroids. Some local adverse reactions may be irreversible. Reactions may include atrophy, striae, telangiectasias, burning, itching, irritation, dryness, folliculitis, acneiform eruptions, hypopigmentation, perioral dermatitis, allergic contact dermatitis, secondary infection, and miliaria [see Adverse Reactions (6.1)].

Use of topical corticosteroids may increase the risks of glaucoma and posterior subcapsular cataract. Glaucoma and cataracts have been reported in postmarketing experience with the use of topical corticosteroid products. Avoid contact of DERMOTIC OIL with eyes. Advise patients to report any visual symptoms and consider referral to an ophthalmologist for evaluation.

Use of topical corticosteroids can cause allergic contact dermatitis. Allergic contact dermatitis to any component of topical corticosteroids is usually diagnosed by a failure to heal rather than a clinical exacerbation. Clinical diagnosis of allergic contact dermatitis can be confirmed by patch testing.

Use of topical corticosteroids may delay healing or worsen concomitant skin infections. Treat concomitant skin infections with an appropriate antimicrobial agent. If the infection persists unchanged, discontinue DERMOTIC OIL until the infection has been adequately treated.

Use caution in prescribing DERMOTIC OIL for peanut sensitive individuals [see Description (11)].

Should signs of hypersensitivity present (wheal and flare reactions, pruritus, or other manifestations), or should disease exacerbations occur, discontinue DERMOTIC OIL immediately and institute appropriate therapy.

Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice.

In trials that enrolled 154 subjects (adults and pediatric subjects 2 years and older) with chronic eczematous external otitis who were treated with five drops per ear of DERMOTIC OIL twice daily for a maximum 14 days of treatment, the following adverse reactions were reported:

The following adverse reactions have been identified during post-approval use of products containing topical corticosteroids. Because postmarketing adverse reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure.

• Endocrine Disorders: HPA axis suppression and Cushing’s syndrome [see Use in Specific Populations (8.4)]
• Eye Disorders: glaucoma and cataracts [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)]
• Nervous System Disorders: intracranial hypertension including bulging fontanelles, headaches, and bilateral papilledema [see Use in Specific Populations (8.4)]

Corticosteroids play a role in cellular signaling, immune function, inflammation, and protein regulation; however, the precise mechanism of action in eczematous external otitis is unknown.

Vasoconstrictor Assay
DERMOTIC OIL is in the low to medium range of potency as compared with other topical corticosteroids in vasoconstrictor studies. However, similar blanching scores do not necessarily imply therapeutic equivalence.

Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) Axis Suppression
HPA axis suppression was evaluated in 33 pediatric subjects 2 to 12 years old (20 subjects ages 2 to 6 years, 13 subjects ages 7 to 12 years) with moderate to severe stable atopic dermatitis. Subjects were treated with the formulation of DERMOTIC OIL twice daily for 4 weeks. Baseline body surface area involvement was 50% to 75% in 15 subjects and greater than 75% in 18 subjects. Morning pre-stimulation cortisol and post-ACTH stimulation cortisol levels were obtained in each subject at the beginning of the trial and at the end of 4 weeks of treatment. At the end of treatment, 4 out of 18 subjects aged 2 to 5 years showed low pre-stimulation cortisol levels (3.2 to 6.6 µg/dL; normal cortisol >7 µg/dL) but all had normal responses to 0.25 mg of ACTH stimulation (cortisol > 18 µg/dL) [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)].

Topical corticosteroids can be absorbed from intact healthy skin. The extent of percutaneous absorption of topical corticosteroids is determined by many factors, including the product formulation and the integrity of the epidermal barrier. Occlusion, inflammation and/or other disease processes in the skin may increase percutaneous absorption. The use of pharmacodynamic endpoints for assessing the systemic exposure of topical corticosteroids may be necessary due to the fact that circulating levels are often below the level of detection. Once absorbed through the skin, topical corticosteroids are metabolized, primarily in the liver, and are then excreted by the kidneys. Some corticosteroids and their metabolites are also excreted in the bile.

No carcinogenicity, genotoxicity, or fertility studies were conducted with DERMOTIC OIL. However, some corticosteroids are genotoxic in various genotoxicity tests (i.e., the in vitro human peripheral blood lymphocyte chromosome aberration assay with metabolic activation, the in vivo mouse bone marrow micronucleus assay, the Chinese hamster micronucleus test and the in vitro mouse lymphoma gene mutation assay).

Storage: Keep tightly closed. Store at 20°-25°C (68°-77°F); excursions permitted to 15°-30°C (59°-86°F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature].

Discard DERMOTIC OIL 2 months after initial use.

Administration Instructions

Advise patients that DERMOTIC OIL is for otic administration only and not for oral, ophthalmic, or intravaginal use [see Dosage and Administration (2)].

Advise patients to avoid use of DERMOTIC OIL on the face, axillae, or groin unless directed by their healthcare provider [see Dosage and Administration (2)].

Advise patients to discontinue therapy when control of disease is achieved. Instruct patients to contact their healthcare provider if no improvement is seen within 2 weeks [see Dosage and Administration (2)].

Endocrine System Adverse Reactions
Instruct patients not to use other corticosteroid-containing products while using DERMOTIC OIL without first consulting their healthcare provider [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)].

Ophthalmic Adverse Reactions
Advise patients to avoid contact with the eyes and in case of contact, wash eyes liberally with water. Instruct patients to tell their healthcare provider if they develop any visual symptoms [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ].

Pregnancy and Lactation
Advise patients to use DERMOTIC OIL on the smallest area of skin and for the shortest duration possible while pregnant or breastfeeding. Advise patients that are breastfeeding not to apply DERMOTIC OIL directly to the nipple and areola to avoid direct infant exposure [See Use in Specific Populations (8.1 and 8.2)].