Cortisporin-Tc Is a Prescription Ear Drop That Treats Bacterial Ear Infections Using a Combination of Two Antibiotics, a Steroid, and a Surfactant

If your doctor has prescribed Cortisporin-Tc — or you've heard the name and want to understand what it is — this guide covers everything you need to know. We'll explain what it's used for, how to take it, who should avoid it, what it costs, and the key facts that matter in 2026.

What Is Cortisporin-Tc?

Cortisporin-Tc is a brand-name prescription otic suspension (ear drops) manufactured by Endo Pharmaceuticals. It is not available over the counter.

The medication contains four active ingredients:

• Colistin sulfate (3 mg/mL) — a polypeptide antibiotic that kills gram-negative bacteria
• Neomycin sulfate (3.3 mg/mL) — an aminoglycoside antibiotic providing additional antibacterial coverage
• Hydrocortisone acetate (10 mg/mL) — a corticosteroid that reduces ear canal inflammation, swelling, and discomfort
• Thonzonium bromide (0.5 mg/mL) — a surfactant (wetting agent) that helps the medication penetrate earwax and reach infected tissue

It belongs to the drug class otic steroids with anti-infectives. The medication comes as a 10 mL bottle of otic suspension.

Brand Names and Other Names

You may see Cortisporin-Tc referred to by several names:

• Cortisporin-Tc Otic
• Cortisporin TC
• Coly-Mycin S Otic (an older brand name for a similar formulation)

Important: Cortisporin-Tc is not the same as Cortisporin Otic (which contains polymyxin B instead of colistin). Make sure you and your pharmacy are clear about which product was prescribed.

Generic Availability

As of 2026, there is no generic version of Cortisporin-Tc. It is available only as a brand-name product from Endo Pharmaceuticals.

Controlled Substance Status

Cortisporin-Tc is not a controlled substance. It does not require a DEA number and can be prescribed with a standard prescription.

What Is Cortisporin-Tc Used For?

Cortisporin-Tc is FDA-approved for treating:

• Acute otitis externa (swimmer's ear) — a bacterial infection of the outer ear canal, often caused by water exposure
• Infections in mastoidectomy and fenestration cavities — post-surgical ear infections in patients who have had certain types of ear surgery
• Chronic otitis media — ongoing middle ear infections caused by susceptible bacteria

In some clinical settings, it may also be used off-label for middle ear infections in patients with tympanostomy tubes (ear tubes), though other medications are more commonly chosen for this purpose.

For a detailed look at how the medication fights infection, see our article on how Cortisporin-Tc works.

How Is Cortisporin-Tc Taken?

Cortisporin-Tc is applied directly into the affected ear. Here's how to use it properly:

Dosing

• Adults: 5 drops into the affected ear, 3-4 times daily
• Children (age 1 and older): 4 drops into the affected ear, 3-4 times daily

Step-by-Step Application

1. Shake the bottle well before each use — this is a suspension, so the ingredients need to be mixed
2. Clean and dry the ear canal with sterile cotton
3. Lie down or tilt your head with the affected ear facing up
4. Straighten the ear canal — adults should pull the outer ear up and back; for children, pull down and back
5. Instill the prescribed number of drops
6. Stay in position for at least 5 minutes to let the drops reach the infection

Cotton Wick Method

As an alternative, your doctor may instruct you to use a cotton wick: saturate a sterile cotton wick with the suspension and place it in the ear canal. Keep it moist by adding drops every 4 hours, and replace the wick every 24 hours.

Treatment Duration

Cortisporin-Tc should not be used for more than 10 days unless your doctor specifically instructs otherwise. Prolonged use increases the risk of ototoxicity (hearing damage) from the neomycin component. Learn more about Cortisporin-Tc side effects.

Who Should Not Take Cortisporin-Tc?

Cortisporin-Tc is not safe for everyone. Do not use this medication if you have:

• A perforated (ruptured) eardrum — the medication can reach inner ear structures through the perforation and cause hearing damage
• An allergy to colistin, neomycin, hydrocortisone, thonzonium, or any ingredient in the formulation (note: it contains thimerosal as a preservative)
• A viral ear infection (like herpes simplex) — antibiotics don't treat viral infections and the steroid component could worsen them
• A fungal ear infection — the steroid in Cortisporin-Tc can promote fungal growth

Cortisporin-Tc should not be used in children under 1 year of age.

Use with Caution

• Pregnancy: FDA Category C — potential risk cannot be ruled out. Discuss with your doctor.
• Breastfeeding: It's unknown if the medication passes into breast milk.
• Elderly patients: Use with caution due to potential age-related hearing changes.

How Much Does Cortisporin-Tc Cost?

This is where Cortisporin-Tc can be a challenge. Because there is no generic available:

• Cash price (without insurance): $234-$350 for a 10 mL bottle
• Insurance coverage: Many plans place Cortisporin-Tc on higher formulary tiers or don't cover it at all, steering patients toward cheaper alternatives like generic Cortisporin Otic ($15-$40) or ofloxacin otic drops ($10-$30)
• Manufacturer savings: Endo Pharmaceuticals does not currently offer a savings program or copay card for Cortisporin-Tc

There are ways to bring the cost down. For a complete breakdown, read our guide on how to save money on Cortisporin-Tc. Discount cards from services like SingleCare, GoodRx, and BuzzRx may help reduce the out-of-pocket cost.

If cost is a major barrier, talk to your doctor about whether a more affordable alternative to Cortisporin-Tc would work for your condition.

Availability

Cortisporin-Tc can be difficult to find in stock at some pharmacies. It's a niche, brand-name only product with limited distribution and intermittent supply issues. If your pharmacy doesn't carry it, they can usually special-order it in 1-2 business days.

Use Medfinder to check which pharmacies near you have Cortisporin-Tc available and compare prices.

Final Thoughts

Cortisporin-Tc is a specialized prescription ear drop that combines two antibiotics, a steroid, and a surfactant to treat bacterial ear infections effectively. It's been a trusted treatment for otitis externa and chronic ear infections for decades.

The main challenges in 2026 are cost (no generic, $234-$350 per bottle) and availability (brand-name only, spotty pharmacy stock). If your doctor has prescribed it, the medication itself is straightforward to use — just follow the dosing instructions carefully and don't exceed 10 days of treatment without medical guidance.

For help finding it in stock or at a lower price, visit Medfinder.