Dechra launches antibiotic-free otitis externa treatment

AnnaStills/stock.adobe.com

Dechra shared earlier this week that it has officially launched its terbinafine and betamethasone acetate otic gel (DuOtic; Dechra) for canine patients. The product received FDA approval in March 2024 and is a first-to-market treatment for canine otitis externa associated with Malassezia pachydermatis. Because DuOtic is an antibioitic-free solution, it gives professionals a new tool to combat canine otitis externa with antimicrobial stewardship in mind.

“We are proud to equip veterinarians with a dedicated solution for yeast-driven otitis externa that is aligned with our antimicrobial stewardship goals," said Laura Olsen, president, North America at Dechra, in an organizational release.¹ "DuOtic is a game-changer for ear infection care that builds on Dechra’s extensive otic portfolio, giving veterinarians the confidence and ability to treat ear infections with the right treatment at the right time.”

The medication is a fixed combination of terbinafine, an antifungal commonly used to treat athletes’ foot in humans, and betamethasone acetate, a gluccorticosteriod with anti-inflammatory activity.² The product works by the otic gel dissolving into the earwax and is then slowly eliminated from the pet’s year to fight yeast infections for up to 45 days. DuOtic is only available by prescription from a veterinarian and administered by a veterinary professional.

RELATED: Causes of otitis externa

To administer DuOtic, veterinary professionals should clean and dry the patient’s external ear canal prior to administering the initial dose. One dose is 1 tube per affected ear and administration should be repeated for 7 days, and the pets ear canal is not cleaned for 45 days after the initial administration, allowing contact of the gel with the ear canal.

“It’s exciting to have an antibiotic-free otitis externa product specifically designed for Malassezia infections,” expressed Rusty Muse, DVM, DACVD.¹ “As a profession, we have had to use antibiotics in ears that don’t need them for too long. Now, with DuOtic, we don’t have to.”

Duotic comes with premeasured dosing, gentle, alcohol-free gel formulation, and a flexible tip applicated to make the process more comfortable to these patients. They product was also made with compliance in mind because a veterinarian or veterinary technician administered regimen could improve compliance, and help the pet get the full course of treatment as well as follow-up care.

The FDA did state that DuOtic could cause eye injury or irritation in people or dogs and encourages them wear eye protection and the pet be restrained to minimize post-application head shaking.³ This product should also not be used on feline patients or dogs with known tympanic perforation.

The product will be available through veterinary distributors in 2-count and 20-count packages.

Reference

1. Dechra Launches DuOtic®: The First Antibiotic-Free Otitis Externa Treatment for Dogs. News release. Dechra. March 12, 2025. Accessed March 14, 2025.
2. dvm360 staff. FDA approves drug for treating canine yeast ear infections. March 15, 2024. Accessed March 14, 2025. https://www.dvm360.com/view/fda-approves-drug-for-treating-canine-yeast-ear-infections
3. FDA Approves Treatment for Yeast Ear Infections in Dogs. News release. US Food and Drug Administration. March 15, 2024. Accessed March 14, 2025. https://www.fda.gov/animal-veterinary/cvm-updates/fda-approves-treatment-yeast-ear-infections-dogs?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery