Document Type

Critically Appraised Topic

Publication Date

2-2026

Specific Care Question

For children >2 years of age with uncomplicated acute otitis media (AOM), are short-course antibiotics (5 days) versus longer-course antibiotics (7-10 days) equivalent for the outcomes of cure rate and adverse events?

Keywords

Antibiotics; Short Course; Time Factor; Treatment Duration; Acute Otitis Media

Comments

Critically Appraised Topics (CAT) are valuable tools for providers. Unlike a clinical practice pathway, a CAT answers one specific question.  As needed a CAT may be updated or revised as new evidence is published. Primary files will always be the most current CAT. Previous revisions are available upon request from Children’s Mercy Library Services.

Date Developed: June 2022, Revised/Updated February 2026

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