Acute otitis media

ENT · OPD · Locked · first month free

By Dr Javed Akhtar · Last reviewed 2 October 2026

Drugs on this card

Amoxicillin, Amoxicillin-clavulanate (amoxicillin in last 30 d, or no better in 48–72 h), Cefuroxime (penicillin allergy, not anaphylaxis), Paracetamol, Ibuprofen

Advice and when to refer

Watchful waiting: Analgesia and review at 48–72 h; antibiotic if no better (NICE NG91 2022; NCDC-ICMR 2025)

Investigations

First visit

Otoscopy — Bulging, red tympanic membrane; no other tests needed.

Only if indicated

Ear swab culture — Discharge persisting after treatment.
Audiometry / tympanometry — Hearing loss or fluid persisting beyond 3 months.
CT temporal bone — Swelling behind the ear (mastoiditis), facial palsy or neck stiffness.

Locked

The adult dose for each drug
The child dose, where the card gives one
Indian brand names for each drug, with a link to buy

Open Acute otitis media in OPD

← Sinusitis (acute bacterial) · Otitis externa →

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