Acetic acid glacial + dexamethasone + neomycin at a glance
Medicine type
Antibiotic, corticosteroid and acidifying antibacterial ear preparation.
Licensed use
Otitis externa affecting the outer ear canal.
How it is used
Sprayed directly into the affected ear after shaking and priming the pump.
Important restriction
Do not use with a known or suspected perforated eardrum, or when a grommet is present.
Age
Not licensed for children under 2 years.
What is Acetic acid glacial + dexamethasone + neomycin used for?
This UK product is licensed for:
Otitis externa—an inflamed, usually infected outer ear canal.
How does Acetic acid glacial + dexamethasone + neomycin work?
Neomycin disrupts bacterial protein production. Dexamethasone suppresses local inflammation. Acetic acid lowers the ear canal’s pH, making conditions less favourable for bacterial growth. The spray acts mainly where applied.
How to take Acetic acid glacial + dexamethasone + neomycin
Use only in the ear and follow the prescription label. Shake well. Before first use, press the pump until a fine spray appears. Gently place the nozzle at the ear opening and operate the pump without inhaling the spray or directing it towards the eyes, mouth or nose. Re-prime after more than a week without use. Keep the ear dry and do not insert cotton buds or other objects.
Keep the nozzle fitted during use. If removed for cleaning, click it securely back into place.
Store upright in its carton below 25°C. Do not freeze.
Discard one month after first use.
Acetic acid glacial + dexamethasone + neomycin side effects
Common or expected effects
- Temporary stinging or burning, particularly during the first few days.
- Local irritation, itching or dermatitis caused by sensitivity to an ingredient.
Get urgent medical advice
- Stop using it and seek medical advice for rash, persistent irritation or another hypersensitivity reaction.
- Seek prompt assessment for new or worsening hearing loss, ringing in the ear or marked dizziness.
- Contact a clinician for blurred vision or another visual disturbance.
- Call 999 for throat or tongue swelling or breathing difficulty.
Acetic acid glacial + dexamethasone + neomycin in pregnancy
The product information does not recommend this spray during pregnancy because evidence is limited and aminoglycoside antibiotics may risk fetal ototoxicity. Ask the prescriber whether another treatment is more suitable if pregnant, planning pregnancy or exposed before realising you were pregnant.
Acetic acid glacial + dexamethasone + neomycin while breastfeeding
Product information says risk to a breastfed child cannot be excluded, so discuss the benefits of treatment and breastfeeding with the prescriber. UK specialist guidance indicates negligible maternal exposure from dexamethasone used in the ear and no expected added risk from topical antibiotic combinations, but this applies to full-term, healthy infants. Obtain specialist advice for premature or unwell infants.
Acetic acid glacial + dexamethasone + neomycin interactions
No medicine interactions are listed, but tell the prescriber or pharmacist about other medicines and ear treatments.
Other medicines
No clinically established interactions are known for this locally applied combination.
Other ear preparations
Do not combine or alternate ear products unless advised; additional ingredients may irritate the canal or complicate assessment.
Common questions about Acetic acid glacial + dexamethasone + neomycin
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
What is this ear spray used for?
It is licensed for otitis externa—an inflamed and infected outer ear canal.
Is it an antibiotic?
It contains the antibiotic neomycin, the corticosteroid dexamethasone and acidifying antibacterial acetic acid.
Can I use it with a perforated eardrum or grommet?
No. A known or suspected perforated eardrum and a grommet are contraindications.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.