Acute Otitis Externa

Acute otitis externa (AOE) is a frequently diagnosed infection as approximately 10% of Americans experience AOE in their lifetime. Children 12 years of age and younger are most affected as childhood water activities are the most common predisposing factors. 

AOE is characterized by pain and itch caused by an infection of the external auditory canal.  Two common bacteria, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus account for 98% of all bacterial AOE infections.  Further, of all AOE infections approximately 10% are fungal in origin.  AOE is a painful condition for which patients frequently seek treatment from their healthcare provider.  The pain associated with AOE often lasts four to seven days or longer, yet few topical AOE medications contain active ingredients specifically indicated to address this pain.

Acute Otitis Externa Treatment

The most recent Acute Otitis Externa clinical practice guideline supports three distinct goals of AOE treatment.  This guideline highlights the importance of eradicating the AOE infection, addressing the pain associated with AOE, and restoring the lining of the external ear canal. 

For more information regarding this guideline, click here.

ZINOTIC Brands Overview

ZINOTIC and ZINOTIC ES are otic solutions indicated for the treatment of acute otitis externa and the associated pain and itch.

Both ZINOTIC brands contain three unique ingredients to effectively address each AOE treatment goal.

Goal #1: Effectively Eradicate AOE Pathogens                                                                     
Both ZINOTIC brands contain chloroxylenol, a nonantibiotic, broad spectrum antimicrobial agent effective against gram-negative, gram-positive, and fungal pathogens (including yeast). Chloroxylenol is a safe, established astringent which has not been shown to contribute to bacterial resistance.

Goal #2:  Rapidly Relieve AOE Pain
Both ZINOTIC brands contain the pain reliever pramoxine HCl. Pramoxine relieves pain within 2-6 minutes of application to enable rapid relief of AOE symptoms. AOE treatment experts recommend addressing the pain associated with this illness along with treating the infection. While ZINOTIC contains the lowest effective dose of pramoxine, ZINOTIC ES contains the maximum effective dose of pramoxine, providing a higher level of the proven pain reliever when needed. ZINOTIC ES was recently introduced to offer healthcare professionals added flexibility in addressing the varying levels of pain experienced with AOE. Both ZINOTIC brands effectively address all three goals of AOE treatment to help speed relief to patients.

Goal #3:  Effectively Restore and Protect the External Ear Canal
Both ZINOTIC brands contain zinc acetate to help restore and protect the damaged skin of the external ear canal. ZINC plays an important role in many aspects of skin healing, including reduction of inflammation, re-epithelialization and collagen remodeling. ZINOTIC contains 1 mg of zinc acetate per mL of solution, providing an effective amount of zinc to help re-establish the integrity of the external ear canal. ZINOTIC ES contains 10 mg of zinc acetate dihydrate per mL of solution, providing an increased level of zinc to aid in the restoration and protection to the lining of the ear canal.  By reestablishing the integrity of the ear canal’s lining, both ZINOTIC brands help speed patients’ recovery and prevent AOE recurrence.

ZINOTIC Administration

For children 2 years of age and older, apply 3 drops to the infected ear/s 3 times daily, not to exceed 4 times daily. For adults, apply 4 of 5 drops to the infected ear/s 3 times daily, not to exceed 4 times daily.

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