Volume 29, Issue 160, June 2025

Clotrimazole as the Standard Treatment for Otomycosis: An Analysis of Effectiveness Compared to Selected Antifungal Treatment Methods in Fungal External Otitis. State-of-the-Art Review

Adrianna Domańska^1♦, Aleksandra Łubińska-Kowalska¹, Adrianna Witkowska¹, Julia Piotrowska¹, Antonina Teresa Witkowska², Barbara Anna Zapalska³, Krzysztof Julian Długosz⁴, Agata Żak-Gontarz⁵, Aleksandra Minda⁶, Justyna Janikowska⁷, Monika Wendland⁸

¹Medical Department, University of Warmia and Mazury Warmia and Mazury Aleja Warszawska 30, 11-082 Olsztyn, Poland
²Praga Hospital of the Transfiguration of the Lord Aleja Solidarności 67, 03-401 Warsaw, Poland
³Independent Public Central Clinical Hospital of University Clinical Center of Medical University of Warsaw, ul. Banacha 1A 02-097 Warsaw, Poland
⁴Clinical University Hospital in Olsztyn, Aleja Warszawska 30, 11-041 Olsztyn, Poland
⁵Stefan Cardinal Wyszyński Provincial Specialist Hospital SPZOZ in Lublin, Aleja Kraśnicka 100, 20-718 Lublin, Poland
⁶The Infant Jesus Clinical Hospital, Lindleya 4, 02-005 Warsaw, Poland
⁷National Medical Institute of the Ministry of the Interior and Administration in Warsaw, ul. Wołoska 137, 02-507 Warsaw, Poland
⁸Mazovian "Bródnowski" Hospital in Warsaw, Kondratowicza 8, 03-242 Warsaw, Poland

^♦Corresponding author
Adrianna Domańska, Medical Department, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Aleja Warszawska 30, 11-082 Olsztyn, Poland

ABSTRACT

Otomycosis or fungal external otitis is a fungal infection of the external auditory canal, typically caused by Aspergillus and Candida species. This review aims to summarize current research on the effectiveness of clotrimazole in treating otomycosis, comparing it with other antifungal treatments. Clotrimazole, an azole antifungal, has a broad spectrum of action and is commonly used in otomycosis therapy. The article evaluates its effectiveness against other treatment methods, including other antifungal preparations. Additionally, it discusses the etiology, epidemiology, and risk factors of otomycosis, providing a comprehensive understanding of the condition and the most effective pharmacological interventions. Clotrimazole demonstrates high efficacy against yeasts and fungi causing otomycosis, surpassing other antifungal drugs. Histological and physiological studies on animal models confirm their safety and lack of ototoxic effects, and long-term use in clinical practice is considered safe. Clotrimazole is a secure, affordable, and effective treatment option for otomycosis of the external ear. It delivers the expected results and meets the therapeutic needs of doctors and patients dealing with this condition, bringing satisfaction with the treatment outcomes.

Keywords: Aspergillus, Clotrimazole, Otomycosis, External Otitis

Medical Science, 2025, 29, e77ms3578

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DOI: https://doi.org/10.54905/disssi.v29i160.e77ms3578

Published: 01 June 2025