Table 2. Topical preparations for chronic otitis externa

Component Ototoxic Dosage Commercial product in Korea Notes
Acidifying solution
 Acetic acid 2% solution O 3–5 drops tid-qid X Not for non-intact TMUse in-hospital prepared medication or self-prepared medication under physician guidance
Steroid agent
 Dexamethasone 1 mg/mL ophthalmic suspension X No guidelines O (Not for otic) Low potencyUse with caution due to its approval as an ophthalmic solution
 Prednisolone 10 mg/mL ophthalmic suspension X No guidelines O (Not for otic) Low potencyUse with caution due to its approval as an ophthalmic solution
 Hydrocortision 0.5–2.5 mg/mL solution X No guidelines O (Not for otic) Low-to-medium potencyUse with caution as it is approved for external use, not specially for ear
 Mometasone 1 mg/g cream X No guidelines O (Not for otic) Medium potencyUse with caution as it is approved for external use, not specially for ear
 Triamcinolone 1 mg/g cream X No guidelines O (Not for otic) Medium-to-high potencyUse with caution as it is approved for external use, not specially for ear
 Fluocinonide 0.5 mg/g cream X No guidelines O (Not for otic) High potencyUse with caution as it is approved for external use, not specially for ear
Tacrolimus agent
 Tacrolimus 1 mg/g cream *not studied No guidelines(0.1% tacrolimus containing ear wick, q2–3 days) O (Not for otic)
Antifungal agent
 Clotrimazole 10 mg/g cream *not studied in human No guidelines O (Not for otic)
Antibiotic solution
 Ofloxacin 3 mg/mL otic solution X Adult: 6–10 drops bid* adjust by age (1+ years)/symptoms O Can be used in non-intact TM
 Ciprofloxacin 2 mg/mL, and Hydrocortisone 10 mg/mL otic solution X Adult: 3 drops bid* adjust by age (1+ years)/symptoms O Can be used in non-intact TM
 Ciprofloxacin 3 mg/mL, and Flucinolone acetonie 0.25 mg/mL otic solution X Adult: 4–6 drops tid* adjust by age (7+ years)/symptoms O Can be used in non-intact TM
 Neomycin Sulfate 3,500 IU/g, Polymyxin B Sulfate 6,000 IU/mL, and Dexamethasone 1 mg/mL ophthalmic suspension O Adult: 2–4 drops tid-qid O (Not for otic) Not for non-intact TMUse with caution due to its approval as an ophthalmic solution
ID reaction: dermatophytid reaction, TM: tympanic membrane.