Ear infection (otitis media)
Common in children. Symptoms include earache, fever and sometimes discharge. Most settle within about 3 days without antibiotics.
How long does a course usually last?
When antibiotics are needed, usually a 5–7 day course.
Your prescriber sets the exact length for you. Finish the course you're given unless a healthcare professional tells you to stop.
Never re-use antibiotics
- Do not re-use this treatment, or take leftover or someone else's antibiotics, unless a healthcare professional has expressly told you to.
- The right antibiotic, dose and length depend on your current infection, which can be different from last time.
- Re-using antibiotics can be ineffective, cause side effects, and drives antibiotic resistance. Return leftovers to any pharmacy for safe disposal.
What the guidance says
NICE advises no antibiotics, or a backup prescription to collect if things are not improving, for most ear infections. Antibiotics make little difference to pain and can cause side effects. They may be offered for severe illness or for children under 2 with infection in both ears.
Non-antibiotic options that can help: regular paracetamol or ibuprofen for pain and fever (in the correct dose for age — ask your pharmacist), keeping fluids up, and resting. Do not put anything in the ear, such as cotton buds or ear drops not recommended by a pharmacist or doctor. Most ear infections get better on their own within about 3 days.
Based on NICE guidance — always follow your own prescriber's advice.
Antibiotics sometimes prescribed
When to seek help
If you are getting worse, develop a high fever, feel confused or breathless, or your symptoms are not improving as expected, contact your doctor or call NHS 111. See the warning signs page.