Acute Otitis Externa (OE)
Antimicrobial prescribing: NHS Forth Valley
Further guidance available from:
First use analgesia.
Cure rates similar at 7 days for topical acetic acid or antibiotic +/- steroid.
If cellulitis or disease extends outside ear canal, start flucloxacillin and refer to exclude malignant otitis externa
Drug details
First Line:Acetic acid 2% (EarCalm) spray
1 spray TDS
7 days
Second Line:Neomycin sulphate with corticosteroid
3 drops TDS
7 days min to 14 days max
If cellulitis: Flucloxacillin
(see Comment section above for further advice too)
500mg QDS
Child
1 month to 1 year: 62.5mg to 125mg QDS
2 to 9 years: 125mg to 250mg QDS
10 to 17 years: 250mg to 500 mg QDS
5 days