Acute Otitis Externa (OE)

First use analgesia.

Cure rates similar at 7 days for topical acetic acid or antibiotic +/- steroid. If cellulitis/disease extending outside ear canal, start oral antibiotics & refer to exclude malignant OE.
CKS OE

For glossary of terms see Glossary

Drug details

First Line

Acetic acid 2% 1 spray three times daily

7 days

Second Line

Neomycin sulphate with corticosteroid 3 drops three times daily

7 days min to 14 days max

Last reviewed: 14 November 2017

Next review: 14 November 2019

Author(s): Antimicrobial Management Team

Approved By: TAM Subgroup of ADTC

Reviewer Name(s): Area Antimicrobial Pharmacist

Document Id: AMT148