Greater Glasgow and Clyde Medicines
Key to symbols The medicine should be initiated by, or on the advice of a specialist, but is suitable for continuation by a GP The medicine should only be used and prescribed by a specialist Indicates the preferred choice within a class or group of medicines
The medicine should be initiated by, or on the advice of a specialist, but is suitable for continuation by a GP
The medicine should only be used and prescribed by a specialist
Indicates the preferred choice within a class or group of medicines
12. Ear, nose and oropharynx

12.1. Drugs acting on the ear

12.1.1. Otitis externa

Preferred List
Preferred List First Line
BETNESOL-N (drops)

Prescribing Notes:

A combination of betamethasone and neomycin. Drops can be used in ear, eye or nose.

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BETAMETHASONE PHOSPHATE

Prescribing Notes:

0.1% drops that can be used in ear, eye or nose.

BNF Link

ACETIC ACID (EARCALM) (ear spray)

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GENTAMICIN WITH HYDROCORTISONE (drops)

Prescribing Notes:

Products contain a combination of gentamicin 0.3% and hydrocortisone 1%.

BNF Link

OTOMIZE

Prescribing Notes:

Ear spray containing dexamethasone and neomycin.

BNF Link

Total Formulary
CIPROFLOXACIN (Cetraxal) (ear drops)

Restrictions:

Restricted to the treatment of acute otitis externa in patients with an intact tympanic membrane in clinical situations when off-label or unlicensed ciprofloxacin formulations would otherwise have been used.

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CLOTRIMAZOLE

BNF Link

FLUMETASONE CLIOQUINOL (EAR DROPS)

Prescribing Notes:

Ear drops contain flumetasone 0.02% and clioquinol 1%.

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OTOSPORIN

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12.1.2. Otitis media

Preferred List
PHENAZONE WITH LIDOCAINE (OTIGO)

Prescribing Notes:

Where immediate antibiotics are not prescribed, prescribe Otigo® ear drops for children or young people under the age of 18 where there is no ear drum perforation or otorrhoea.

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Total Formulary
CHLORAMPHENICOL

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CIPROFLOXACIN WITH DEXAMETHASONE (ear drops)

Restrictions:

Restricted to use in the treatment of acute otitis media in patients with tympanostomy tubes (AOMT).

BNF Link

12.1.3. Removal of ear wax

Preferred List
OLIVE OIL

Prescribing Notes:

Ear drops (olive oil in a suitable container).

BNF Link

SODIUM BICARBONATE

Prescribing Notes:

Ear drops 5%.

BNF Link