RT Book, Section A1 Eiland, Lea S. A2 DiPiro, Joseph T. A2 Yee, Gary C. A2 Haines, Stuart T. A2 Nolin, Thomas D. A2 Ellingrod, Vicki L. A2 Posey, L. Michael SR Print(0) ID 1197540937 T1 Minor Otic Disorders (Cerumen Impaction, Otitis External) T2 DiPiro’s Pharmacotherapy: A Pathophysiologic Approach, 12th Edition YR 2023 FD 2023 PB McGraw Hill PP New York, NY SN 9781264264544 LK accesspharmacy.mhmedical.com/content.aspx?aid=1197540937 RD 2024/03/28 AB KEY CONCEPTSThe most common pathogens in acute otitis externa (AOE) are Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus.Topical antimicrobials are the medication and route of choice for the treatment of AOE.Systemic antimicrobials are not warranted for the initial treatment of diffuse, uncomplicated AOE.Pain should be assessed in all patients and therapy recommended based upon severity.Appropriate counseling points for otic administration of medication should be provided to each patient.Cerumen production is a naturally occurring process of the body.Cerumen impaction may cause discomfort, itching, hearing loss, or tinnitus.Cotton swabs should not be used as they can worsen cerumen impaction or cause trauma to the tympanic membrane.Home-treatment options for cerumen impaction include cerumenolytic agents and/or irrigation.Foreign objects such as pen caps, tweezers, or paper clips should not be inserted in the ear canal.