Efficacy and safety of fluocinolone acetonide 0.025% otic solution in patients with otic eczema: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial

Abstract

Objectives To assess the efficacy and safety of fluocinolone acetonide 0.025% otic solution versus placebo in treating patients with otic eczema. Methods In this multicentre, randomized, double-blind, parallel-group phase 3 clinical trial, conducted at 12 Spanish centres between March 2012 and March 2013, patients received fluocinolone acetonide 0.025% or placebo otic solution twice daily for 7 days (days 1-7) with an 8-day follow-up (days 9-15). Outcome measures included change in itching from baseline (day 1) to study days 4-8 and 9-15, and change in otoscopic signs (erythema, oedema, and scaling) from baseline to the end of treatment (day 8) and end of follow-up (day 15). Results Patients treated with fluocinolone acetonide 0.025% (n = 66), as compared with placebo-treated patients (n = 69), showed significantly higher reductions in itching from baseline to study days 4-8 and 9-15, and in individual and global otoscopic signs from baseline to the end of treatment (day 8) and end of follow-up (day 15). Incidence and severity of adverse events was similar between the fluocinolone and placebo groups. Conclusions Fluocinolone acetonide 0.025% otic solution, administered twice daily for 7 days, is an effective and safe treatment for otic eczema.