12.1.1 Otitis externa

General Guidance
 

• Many cases recover following cleansing of the external ear canal using suction, dry mopping or gentle syringing.
• If an infection is present, a topical antibiotic is preferred to systemic agents. Such treatment should be limited to 1 to 2 weeks to minimise the risk of fungal overgrowth.

​Recommended drugs

Acute infection

Locorten Vioform ear drops

Sofradex ear drops

Gentisone HC ear drops

Clotrimazole ear drops

Non infective

Betamethasone ear drops

Drug Traffic Light Key:

Green – On Formulary

Amber – Restricted use, see local guidelines      

Purple – Specialist use/initiation

Red – Non Formulary

Relative Costs Key (where indicated):

£££££ - high

£££ - moderate

£ - low