GuidelinesOther guideline
Acute Otitis Media (Adults)
Infection Acute otitis media (Adults) Brief outline/clinical setting Bulging tympanum and temperature >38 Antibiotics are recommended in recurrent episodes, neonates, immunocompromised, structural abnormalities, fever >38 or pain for >48 hours, day care attendees/ siblings thereof Aetiologies/organisms Viral (50%) , Strep Pneumoniae, Haemophilus Influenza, Moraxella catarrhalis Optimal a
| Infection | Acute otitis media (Adults) |
| Brief outline/clinical setting | Bulging tympanum and temperature >38 Antibiotics are recommended in recurrent episodes, neonates, immunocompromised, structural abnormalities, fever >38 or pain for >48 hours, day care attendees/ siblings thereof |
| Aetiologies/organisms | Viral (50%) , Strep Pneumoniae, Haemophilus Influenza, Moraxella catarrhalis |
| Optimal antimicrobial selection | Amoxicillin- clavulanate 1g po tds Cefuroxime 1g po BD |
| Duration | 5 days Failure of initial therapy/ severe toxicity within 48-72 hours refer to ENT |
| Alternative if allergic/not available | Ceftriaxone 1g IVI BD – limited cross reactivity amongst penicillin allergic patients Macrolides have limited efficacy against S.pneumoniae and H.influenzae – reserve for patients with beta lactam allergy |
| Rationale | |
| Level of evidence |