Dexamethasone/Neomycin/Acetic Acid Ear Infection Spray

What is dexamethasone/neomycin/acetic acid ear infection spray? 

This ear spray contains three ingredients that work together to treat outer ear infections. Dexamethasone reduces swelling and inflammation in your ear, neomycin is an antibiotic that fights bacterial infections, and acetic acid helps kill bacteria and clear the infection. 

How does dexamethasone/neomycin/acetic acid spray work? 

Dexamethasone is a corticosteroid (steroid) which calms down your body’s immune response to reduce redness, swelling, itching, and discomfort in your ear. The antibiotic, neomycin sulfate, works by stopping bacteria from making the proteins they need to survive, which kills the bacteria causing your infection.  

Finally, the antibacterial agent (acetic acid) creates a hostile environment so bacteria struggle to grow, helping to prevent the infection from spreading.  

How to use dexamethasone/neomycin/acetic acid spray 

Before using this spray for the first time, you should: 

shake the bottle well  

prime the pump by pressing it down several times until you see a fine spray  

point the nozzle away from yourself and others while doing this  

each pump press gives one measured dose  

if you haven’t used it for over a week, press the pump a few times again until you get a fine spray, then use as normal 

For adults and children over two years old: 

shake the bottle before each use 

gently place the nozzle tip into your ear 

press the pump once. This gives you the right amount 

use three times a day (or follow your prescriber’s advice), spraying once into the affected ear 

if you forget a dose, use it when you remember, then carry on as normal 

keep using it for two days after your symptoms have cleared up 

keep the nozzle tip on when spraying. You can remove it to clean it, but click it back on afterwards 

for external use only 

Dexamethasone/neomycin/acetic acid spray side effects 

You may experience a temporary stinging or a burning sensation while using this spray, but this usually goes away after the first few days of treatment. For more information on side effects, please refer to the patient information leaflet. 

When to avoid dexamethasone/neomycin/acetic acid spray 

Do not use this spray if you’re allergic to dexamethasone, neomycin sulfate, acetic acid, or any of the other listed ingredients. 

This spray is for the outer ear canal only. 

Do not use anywhere other than the ear. 

Do not use if you have a perforated ear drum or have a grommet fitted in the affected ear. 

This spray is unsuitable for children under the age of two. 

Tell your prescriber if you’re using/taking any other medicines. 

Alternatives to dexamethasone/neomycin/acetic acid spray 

If this ear spray isn’t suitable for you, there are several other options. Otomize ear spray contains the same ingredients, but it’s a more well-known, branded alternative. Cetraxal Plus ear drops work in a similar way, using a different combination of antibiotics and corticosteroids to treat ear infections.  

Alternatively, EarCalm spray uses acetic acid alone to create an environment where bacteria can’t thrive, helping to treat minor infections. If you’re mainly struggling with pain, Cl-ear pain relief ear drops can help ease the discomfort.  

If you’re unsure which option is right for you, speak to one of our pharmacists. You shouldn’t combine treatments unless you’ve been advised it’s safe to do so. 

Frequently asked questions about dexamethasone/neomycin/acetic acid spray 

Can I get dexamethasone/neomycin/acetic acid spray without a prescription in the UK? 

No, dexamethasone/neomycin/acetic acid spray is a prescription-only medicine in the UK. You’ll need to see your GP or complete a simple online consultation with us, where our clinicians can assess whether this treatment is right for you. 

Can dexamethasone in a spray cause sweating? 

Sweating is not a known side effect of dexamethasone/neomycin/acetic acid ear spray. Because the spray is applied directly into your ear, only a small amount is absorbed into your body, so it’s unlikely to cause whole-body (systemic) effects like sweating.  

It may be more associated with steroid tablets that affect your entire system. However, although reported, the incidence isn’t known. 

Is dexamethasone/neomycin/acetic acid spray the same as Otomize? 

Otomize is simply the brand name for dexamethasone/neomycin/acetic acid spray. They contain the same three active ingredients and work in exactly the same way to treat ear infections, meaning they’re just as effective as each other.