Astringent / Topical Antimicrobial

Aluminium Acetate

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

Aluminium acetate is an astringent ear preparation used in the management of otitis externa, often to reduce inflammation and discharge in the ear canal.

Dosing — no UK product information found

We found no UK product information (SmPC) for this medicine or presentation on the eMC or MHRA Products (checked October 2026). It may be unlicensed in the UK, imported, a medical device, or no longer marketed. ClinCalc Pro shows only doses it can trace to official product information, so none is shown — follow your specialist service or local guideline.

Clinical monograph

How it works

It acts as an astringent, precipitating surface proteins to reduce inflammation, exudation and create an unfavourable environment for microbial growth.

Prescribing in practice

It is for topical aural use only and the ear canal should be inspected to confirm an intact tympanic membrane before instillation where possible.
Application is often via a medicated wick inserted by a clinician in marked canal oedema.
Treatment is intended to be short-term while inflammation settles.

Monitoring

Review the ear canal clinically for resolution of inflammation and discharge during treatment.

Counselling the patient

Use only in the affected ear as directed.
Keep the ear dry and avoid inserting cotton buds.
Return if symptoms worsen or fail to improve.

Evidence & guidelines

Astringent and aural toilet measures are established components of otitis externa management in UK clinical guidance.

Reference: NICE CKS Otitis externa (2023); Drug verified in RxNorm (NLM); confirm dosing against the manufacturer SPC (eMC). Verify against your local formulary and current prescribing references before prescribing. Monograph status: clinician-reviewed (2026-07-04).

Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.

Calculators

Pathways