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Topical Corticosteroid — Otitis Externa

Hydrocortisone Ear Drops

Brand names: Gentisone HC (with gentamicin), Otosporin (with neomycin + polymyxin B), EarCalm (acetic acid — not steroid)

Hydrocortisone ear drops are a topical corticosteroid preparation, frequently combined with an antibiotic or antifungal, used to reduce inflammation in otitis externa and eczematous conditions of the ear canal.

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

Hydrocortisone is a glucocorticoid that suppresses local inflammatory mediators and reduces oedema, itching and erythema in the external ear canal.

Prescribing in practice

  • Topical corticosteroid ear drops should not be used where an untreated ear infection may be masked, and an underlying infective cause should be addressed.
  • Prolonged use can cause local skin thinning and may predispose to fungal overgrowth of the ear canal.
  • Combination products containing an aminoglycoside carry the additional ototoxicity caution if the eardrum is perforated.

Monitoring

Monitor for symptomatic improvement and review if there is no response or if signs of secondary infection develop.

Counselling the patient

  • Use only for the course we have recommended and do not continue indefinitely.
  • Return for review if the ear does not improve or becomes more painful.
  • Keep the ear dry and avoid inserting cotton buds or other objects.

Evidence & guidelines

Topical corticosteroid use in otitis externa reflects standard UK practice; consult current prescribing references for product-specific guidance.

Reference: NICE CKS Otitis Externa; ENT-UK Guidelines; 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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