Empiric Therapy Regimens
Empiric therapeutic regimens for otitis externa are outlined below, including those for chronic otitis externa, uncomplicated bacterial infection, uncomplicated fungal infection, and malignant otitis externa.
Chronic otitis externa
See the list below:
Neomycin-polymyxin B–hydrocortisone otic 5 drops in the affected ear QID
Uncomplicated bacterial infection
See the list below:
Acetic Acid 2% with or without hydrocortisone otic 4 drops in the affected ear QID for 7d or
Ciprofloxacin-hydrocortisone otic 3 drops in the affected ear BID for 7d or
Neomycin-polymyxin B–hydrocortisone otic 4 drops in the affected ear TID or QID for 10d or
Ofloxacin 0.3% otic 10 drops in the affected ear once daily for 7d
Uncomplicated fungal infection
See the list below:
Clotrimazole 1% otic 4 drops in the affected ear QID for 7d
Malignant otitis externa
See the list below:
Ciprofloxacin 400 mg IV q12h for 14d or
Cefepime 2 g IV q12h or
Piperacillin-tazobactam 3.375 mg IV q8h