Warning

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

Drug

Penicillin Allergy: 

Clarithromycin

Dosage

Child Dose

Duration

for 5 days

Editorial Information

Last reviewed: 18/05/2022

Next review date: 18/05/2025

Author(s): NHS Lanarkshire Antimicrobial Management Committee, Dr Dundas, Dr Hylands, S McCormick, Heather Boyle.

Version: V1

Approved By: AMC; ADTC

Reviewer name(s): NHS Lanarkshire Antimicrobial Management Committee.

Document Id: June 2022