External Ear Infections Medication

Author: Ashutosh Kacker, MD; Chief Editor: Arlen D Meyers, MD, MBA more...

Updated: Apr 16, 2012

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Medication Summary
Acidifying eardrops
Antibiotic eardrops
Antifungal agents
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Medication Summary

Commonly used topical eardrops are acetic acid drops, which change the pH of the ear canal; antibacterial drops, which control bacterial growth; and antifungal preparations. Oral or parenteral antibiotics are reserved for severe cases.

Class Summary

Acidifying eardrops reduce ear canal pH, which retards microbial growth.

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Acetic acid with and without hydrocortisone (EarSol HC, VoSoL HC, Acetasol HC)

Treats superficial bacterial infections of the EAC.

Class Summary

These eardrops treat bacterial infection and reduce canal edema.

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Neomycin, polymyxin B, and hydrocortisone (Cortisporin Otic)

Used for steroid-responsive inflammatory condition for which a corticosteroid is indicated and where bacterial infection or a risk of bacterial infection exists.

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Ciprofloxacin otic (Ciloxan)

Inhibits bacterial growth by inhibiting DNA gyrase.

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Ofloxacin otic (Floxin)

Inhibits bacterial growth by inhibiting DNA gyrase.

Class Summary

These agents are used to treat otomycosis refractory to acidification drops.

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Nystatin powder (Mycostatin, Nilstat)

Fungicidal and fungistatic antibiotic obtained from Streptomyces noursei; effective against various yeasts and yeastlike fungi. Changes permeability of fungal cell membrane after binding to cell membrane sterols, causing cellular contents to leak.

Treatment should continue until 48 h after disappearance of symptoms. Topical application reduces fungal growth.

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Contributor Information and Disclosures

Author

Ashutosh Kacker, MD Associate Professor of Otorhinolaryngology, Department of Otolaryngology, Weill Cornell Medical College; Associate Attending Physician, Otolaryngologist, New York Presbyterian Hospital; Attending Physician, New York Hospital of Queens; Attending Physician, Lenox Hill Hospital

Ashutosh Kacker, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, American College of Surgeons, American Rhinologic Society, and Triological Society

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Specialty Editor Board

Jack A Shohet, MD President, Shohet Ear Associates Medical Group, Inc; Associate Clinical Professor, Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of California, Irvine, School of Medicine

Jack A Shohet, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, American Medical Association, American Neurotology Society, American Tinnitus Association, and California Medical Association

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Francisco Talavera, PharmD, PhD Adjunct Assistant Professor, University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Pharmacy; Editor-in-Chief, Medscape Drug Reference

Disclosure: Medscape Salary Employment

Gerard J Gianoli, MD Clinical Associate Professor, Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Tulane University School of Medicine; Vice President, The Ear and Balance Institute; Chief Executive Officer, Ponchartrain Surgery Center

Gerard J Gianoli, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, American College of Surgeons, American Neurotology Society, American Otological Society, Society of University Otolaryngologists-Head and Neck Surgeons, and Triological Society

Disclosure: Vesticon, Inc. None Board membership

Christopher L Slack, MD Private Practice in Otolaryngology and Facial Plastic Surgery, Associated Coastal ENT; Medical Director, Treasure Coast Sleep Disorders

Christopher L Slack, MD is a member of the following medical societies: Alpha Omega Alpha, American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, and American Medical Association

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Chief Editor

Arlen D Meyers, MD, MBA Professor of Otolaryngology, Dentistry, and Engineering, University of Colorado School of Medicine

Arlen D Meyers, MD, MBA is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, and American Head and Neck Society

Disclosure: Covidien Corp Consulting fee Consulting; US Tobacco Corporation Unrestricted gift Unknown; Axis Three Corporation Ownership interest Consulting; Omni Biosciences Ownership interest Consulting; Sentegra Ownership interest Board membership; Medvoy Ownership interest Management position; Cerescan Imaging Consulting; Headwatersmb Consulting fee Consulting; Venturequest Royalty Consulting

References

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