12.1 Drugs acting on the ear
12.1.1 Otitis externa
Anti-inflammatory preparations with antibacterial | GREEN Locorten-Vioform® eardrops | GREEN Betnesol® N ear drops | GREEN Otomize® ear spray | | Chronic/acute otitis media and otitis externa (necrotising) | RED Ciprofloxacin 0.3%, dexamethasone 0.1% ear drops (Cilodex®) | - ENT use only - not to be prescribed in Primary Care | RED Ciprofloxacin/fluocinolone 3mg/ml+ 0.25mg/ml ear drops (Cetraxal Plus®) | - ENT use only - not to be prescribed in Primary Care | RED Triamcinolone, Neomycin sulfate, gramicidin, nystatin (Otocomb® ointment) | - ENT use only - off license use, not to be prescribed in Primary Care |
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NOTE: Ciprofloxacin eye drops 0.3% should not be prescribed in primary care for the ear |
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Acute otitis media | GREEN Phenazone 40mg/lidocaine hydrochloride 10mg [Otigo® ear drops, solution] | | The BNF considers the following product to be less suitable for prescribing. | GREEN Sofradex®ear/eye drops | | Anti-infective preparations | Use of gentamicin is contraindicated in those with perforated ear-drum. | See BNF section for further advice. | | GREEN Gentamicin ear/eye drops 0.3% RED Clotrimazole 1% drops (specialist use only) |
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12.1.3 Removal of ear wax
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Wax can be softened with simple remedies prior to syringing. |
GREEN Olive Oil |
GREEN Sodium Bicarbonate 5% ear drops |