Common Medications

Common ENT Medications – Adults

Always consult the BNF for up-to-date prescribing information.

Ear Sprays and Drops

Otomize Spray

·      Contents: dexamethasone 0.1% with glacial acetic acid 2% and neomycin sulfate 0.5%

·      Dose: 1 spray TDS

·      Indication: Otitis Externa

·      Caution: Perforated TM or Grommet

Gentisone HC Drops

·      Contents: gentamicin 0.3% with hydrocortisone 1%

·      Dose: 2 drops QDS

·      Indication: Otitis Externa

·      Caution: Perforated TM or Grommet

Ciprofloxacin 0.3% & dexamethasone 0.1% (Cilodex)

·      Contents: Ciprofloxacin 0.3% & dexamethasone 0.1%

·      Dose: 4 drops BD

·      Indication: Otitis Externa with perforation, discharge through grommet, perforated AOM

·      Caution: none

Betnesol drops

·      Contents: betamethasone 1%

·      Dose: 2 drops ON 2 weeks 

·      Indication: Eczematous inflammation in otitis externa

·      Caution: infection present use combination with antibiotic

Ear Creams

Clotrimazole

·      Contents: 1% clotrimazole cream or drops

·      Dose: Apply TDS for at least 14 days (until clearance of infection)

·      Indication: Otitis Externa (fungal – otomycosis)

·      Caution: avoid contact with eyes

Nose Sprays and Drops

Fluticasone Spray / Avamys

·      Contents: Fluticasone 50micrograms/dose or 27.5micrograms/dose (Avamys)

·      Dose: 2 sprays OD each nostril

·      Indication: Chronic rhinosinusitis, rhinitis, eustachian tube dysfunction

·      Caution: risk of systemic absorption / effects low (long term use is appropriate)

Dymista Spray

·      Contents: azelastine hydrochloride 137micrograms and fluticasone 50microgram / spray

·      Dose: 1 spray BD each nostril

·      Indication: Allergic rhinosinusitis

·      Caution: risk of systemic absorption / effects low (long term use is appropriate)

Nasonex Spray

·      Contents: Mometasone Furoate 50micrograms/dose

·      Dose: 2 sprays OD each nostril

·      Indication: Chronic rhinosinusitis, rhinitis, eustachian tube dysfunction

·      Caution: risk of systemic absorption / effects low (long term use is appropriate)

Flixonase Nasules (Drops)

·      Contents: Fluticasone 400micrograms per nasule (=12 drops approx)

·      Dose: 6 drops (half nasule) into each nostril OD

·      Indication: Chronic rhinosinusitis, rhinitis

·      Caution: risk of systemic absorption / effects low (long term use is appropriate)

Nasal Creams

Naseptin Nasal Cream

·      Contents: chlorhexidine 0.1% neomycin 0.5%

·      Dose: Apply pea-sized amount of cream to anterior nares of each nostril. Spread by gently pressing the outside of the nose. Apply QDS for 10-14 days.

·      Indication: Epistaxis

·      Caution: Those with peanut or soyabean allergies should avoid

Bactroban Ointment

·      Contents: Mupirocin 2% nasal ointment

·      Dose: Apply pea-sized amount of cream to anterior nares of each nostril. Spread by gently pressing the outside of the nose. Apply QDS for 10-14 days.

·      Indication: Epistaxis, nasal dryness, MRSA eradication

·      Caution: Used for patients not able to take Naseptin cream 

Nasal Douches

Sterimar Nasal Spray

·      Contents: Isotonic sea water

·      Dose: One spray both nostrils 2-6 times per day

·      Indication: Chronic rhinosinusitis, allergic rhinitis

·      Caution: none 

Neilmed Nasal Douche

·      Contents: saline (isotonic)

·      Dose: One spray both nostrils OD-TDS

·      Indication: Chronic rhinosinusitis, allergic rhinitis, post-op after sinus surgery

·      Caution: water used must be sterilised before use

Throat Sprays and Gargles

Difflam Spray and Gargle

·      Contents: Benzydamine Hydrochloride

·      Dose: Spray – 4-8 sprays 3 hourly. Gargle – 15ml 3 hourly

·      Indication: Tonsillitis, sore throat, odynophagia

·      Caution: none 

Author: Mr Elliot Heward ENT Registrar North West Deanery