Acute Otitis Media
NHSL Antimicrobial Guidelines
Regular paracetamol or ibuprofen for pain (right dose for age or weight at the right time and maximum doses for severe pain).
For people more likely to benefit from antibiotic (Otorrhoea or under 2 years with infection in both ears): Take account of evidence that acute complications such as mastoiditis are rare with or without antibiotics, and the possible adverse effects of antibiotics and consider: no antibiotic, back-up antibiotic or immediate antibiotic.
For other people less likely to benefit from antibiotic: no antibiotic or back-up antibiotic.
Systemically very unwell or high risk of complications: immediate antibiotic.
Drug details
Drug
First choice:
Amoxicillin
Dosage
(Child doses)
1-11 months: 125mg 3 times a day
1-4 years: 250mg 3 times a day
5-17 years: 500mg 3 times a day
Duration
for 5 days