Ear Infection Treatment Spray (formerly Otomize)

Ear Infection Treatment Spray is a clinically proven prescription treatment used for:

• Acute otitis externa (bacterial infection of the outer ear canal) in adults and children aged 2 and over
• Swimmer's ear and outer ear canal infections causing pain and inflammation
• Ear canal infections requiring combined antibiotic, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial treatment
• Infection-related ear pain, itching, discharge, and discomfort
• Cases where a triple-action topical approach is clinically appropriate

Ear Infection Treatment Spray is a prescription combination ear spray that brings together three clinically proven active ingredients to treat bacterial outer ear infections comprehensively. Neomycin sulfate is a broad-spectrum antibiotic that treats and prevents bacterial infection in the ear canal. Dexamethasone is a corticosteroid that reduces inflammation and swelling, relieving pain and discomfort. Acetic acid creates an acidic environment in the ear canal that inhibits bacterial and fungal growth. Together these three ingredients provide first-line topical treatment for uncomplicated acute otitis externa that addresses all aspects of infection from a single spray. One 5ml bottle provides sufficient treatment for one ear for up to 7 days. If both of your ears are infected, you will need to order two bottles, one for each ear, to complete a full course of treatment in both ears.

The spray works through three simultaneous mechanisms. Neomycin sulfate binds to bacterial ribosomes and disrupts protein synthesis, killing the bacteria responsible for the infection and preventing further bacterial growth. Dexamethasone suppresses the inflammatory response in the ear canal, reducing the redness, swelling, and pain that accompany the infection. Acetic acid lowers the pH of the ear canal environment, creating conditions that are hostile to both bacteria and fungi and preventing the infection from spreading or worsening. This combined approach is recognised as first-line treatment for uncomplicated acute otitis externa and is effective in the majority of cases when used correctly and consistently for the full treatment duration.

Apply one metered spray dose into the affected ear three times daily. Continue treatment until symptoms have resolved, then continue for a further two days after symptoms have cleared. Do not use for more than 7 days without clinical review.

To use correctly: shake the bottle well before each use, prime the pump before first use by pressing until a fine mist appears, tilt your head or lie with the affected ear facing upward, pull the earlobe backward and upward to straighten the ear canal, gently place the nozzle at the ear opening and press once for each dose, keep the head tilted for approximately one minute to allow absorption, then return to an upright position.

Do not inhale the spray. Do not insert objects or cotton buds into the ear canal during treatment. Keep the ear as dry as possible during treatment and avoid swimming where possible. If both ears are affected, use a separate bottle for each ear. Order two bottles if both ears require treatment.

Ear Infection Treatment Spray is generally well tolerated. Common mild side effects may include a temporary stinging or burning sensation in the ear canal after application, localised itching, and mild skin irritation or sensitivity at the application site. These effects are usually mild and resolve on their own.

Rarely, some people may experience allergic reactions or visual disturbances. If you experience blurred vision, seek medical advice promptly. Seek immediate medical attention if you develop signs of a severe allergic reaction including facial swelling, difficulty breathing, or a widespread rash, or if symptoms worsen or fail to improve after 7 days of treatment.

• Do not use this spray if you have a perforated eardrum or grommets fitted, as the medication can be harmful if it enters the middle ear. Do not use if you are allergic to any of the ingredients including neomycin, dexamethasone, or acetic acid, or if you have a known sensitivity to aminoglycoside antibiotics.
• Do not use in children under 2 years of age.
• Do not use for more than 7 days without clinical review. Prolonged use beyond the recommended treatment period may increase the risk of masking a worsening infection, development of resistant organisms, and local skin sensitisation.
• Stop treatment and seek medical advice if symptoms do not improve within 7 days, if symptoms worsen at any point, or if you develop a rash, significant irritation, hearing changes, severe pain, discharge, dizziness, or fever. Seek urgent medical review if there is any concern about hearing changes or suspected spread of infection.
• Speak to your prescriber before use if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Use with caution in young children due to the theoretical risk of systemic corticosteroid absorption with prolonged use.
• Do not inhale the spray. If the spray accidentally contacts the eyes, rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water and seek medical advice.

What is Ear Infection Treatment Spray used for? It is a prescription triple-action ear spray used to treat acute otitis externa, commonly known as outer ear infection or swimmer's ear, in adults and children aged 2 and over. Its combination of neomycin sulfate, dexamethasone, and acetic acid targets bacterial infection, inflammation, and pain simultaneously.

How many bottles do I need if both ears are infected? One 5ml bottle is designed to treat one ear for a full course of up to 7 days. If both of your ears are infected, you must order two bottles, one for each ear, to ensure you have sufficient treatment for a complete course in both ears. Please select a quantity of two at the point of order if both ears are affected.

How quickly does it work? Most patients notice improvement within 48 to 72 hours of starting treatment. For best results, apply consistently three times daily and complete the full course, continuing for two days after symptoms have resolved.

What are the three active ingredients? The three active ingredients are neomycin sulfate, which kills bacteria and prevents bacterial infection, dexamethasone, which reduces inflammation and swelling, and acetic acid, which creates an acidic environment that prevents bacterial and fungal growth in the ear canal.

Is it suitable for children? Yes, it is suitable for adults and children aged 2 years and over. It must not be used in children under 2 years of age. Always follow your prescriber's dosage instructions when treating children.

Can I use it if I have a perforated eardrum? No. This spray must not be used if you have a perforated eardrum or grommets fitted, as it can be harmful if it enters the middle ear. Consult your GP or prescriber before starting treatment if you are unsure.

How long should I use it? Use three times daily until symptoms resolve, then continue for a further two days after symptoms have cleared. Do not exceed 7 days of use without a clinical review. If there is no improvement within 7 days, stop treatment and consult your healthcare provider.

Can I use other ear drops at the same time? You should consult your prescriber before using this spray alongside other ear drops or ear preparations, as interactions are possible.