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Topical Antibiotic — Otitis Externa

Chloramphenicol Ear Drops

Brand names: Chloromycetin Ear Drops

Used in: Acute Red Eye

Chloramphenicol ear drops are a topical broad-spectrum antibiotic preparation used for bacterial otitis externa.

Dosing — being independently re-sourced

ClinCalc Pro is rebuilding its dose data from primary open sources — the manufacturer SmPC (eMC), the WHO Model Formulary and other official references — under clinician review. This drug's structured dose is not yet published here. Confirm all doses against the product SmPC and your local formulary before prescribing.

Clinical monograph

How it works

Chloramphenicol inhibits bacterial protein synthesis by binding to the 50S ribosomal subunit, giving a broad-spectrum bacteriostatic effect.

Prescribing in practice

  • Hypersensitivity reactions to the drops or their excipients can occur, and the product should be avoided in those with a history of chloramphenicol hypersensitivity.
  • Aural toilet to clear debris improves drug contact with the canal in otitis externa.
  • Treatment courses are kept short to limit local sensitisation and resistance.

Monitoring

Review the ear clinically for response and watch for local hypersensitivity during treatment.

Counselling the patient

  • Use only in the affected ear as prescribed.
  • Stop and seek advice if itching, rash or swelling develops.
  • Complete the prescribed course and keep the ear dry.

Evidence & guidelines

Topical antibiotics are an established treatment for bacterial otitis externa in UK clinical guidance.

Reference: NICE CKS Otitis Externa; ENT-UK Guidelines for Otitis Externa; 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).

Related

Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.

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