Otitis Externa

Clinic A/P, adults, Clinic A/P, Peds, Hospital A/P, Adults, Hospital A/P, Peds

Treatment
Ciprofloxacin 0.3%/dexamethasone 0.1% (Ciprodex) topically

 

When to consider oral antibiotics

  • If the infection has spread beyond the ear canal,
  • If the patient has diabetes mellitus or
  • If the patient is immunocompromised.

 

Ear discharge in children with ventilation tubes in place

A Cochrane review showed that “Antibiotic eardrops with or without corticosteroid were more effective than corticosteroid eardrops in terms of duration of ear discharge (moderate-quality evidence).” Cochrane review.

The antibiotic eardrops of choice are fluoroquinolones, which are not ototoxic.

 

 

Reference

Interventions for children with ear discharge occurring at least two weeks following grommet  (ventilation tube) insertion. Cochrane Database Syst Rev   2016;(11):CD011684.

http://www.cochrane.org/CD011684/ENT_interventions-children-ear-discharge-occurring-least-two-weeks-following-grommet-placement

Am Fam Physician 2012;86(11):1055-1061.

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