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Astringent / Topical Antimicrobial

Aluminium Acetate

Brand names: Otomize (with other ingredients), ear drops preparations

Adult dose

Dose: Insert ribbon gauze or cotton wick soaked in 8% aluminium acetate ear drops; or apply to skin as directed
Route: Topical (ear or skin)
Frequency: Every 24 hours (ear); as required (skin)

Clinical pearls

  • Used for otitis externa — acts as astringent reducing swelling of ear canal and creating acidic environment hostile to bacteria/fungi
  • Also used for weeping eczematous skin conditions (astringent/drying effect)
  • NICE CKS: aluminium acetate 8% ear drops are an alternative topical treatment for otitis externa alongside acetic acid and topical antibiotics/steroid combinations
  • Acetic acid 2% (EarCalm) is more widely available OTC and similarly effective for mild otitis externa
  • Can be extemporaneously prepared or commercially sourced — check local formulary

Contraindications

  • Perforated tympanic membrane (ear drops — unless under specialist supervision)

Side effects

  • Local irritation (uncommon)
  • Contact dermatitis (rare)

Interactions

  • No significant interactions

Monitoring

  • Symptom resolution in otitis externa
  • Tympanic membrane integrity before use

Reference: BNF; NICE CKS Otitis externa (2023); https://bnf.nice.org.uk/drugs/aluminium-acetate/. Verify against your local formulary and the latest BNF before prescribing.

Related

Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.

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