Types Of Antibiotics For Ear Infection

Antibiotics For Ear Infection

Sonya Bauer

Overall facts

Treatment helpers

It is commonly known that the greatest number of ear infections tends to disappear on its own after a while mostly after one week. However, in case a person does not feel any improvement for quite some time, the only and the best possible solution is visiting a doctor who will decide upon the most suitable antibiotics treatment therapy. The most frequently prescribed, and considered to be the most effective and result yielding are the following:

How Common Is Acute Otitis Media

Acute otitis media is predominantly an infection of young children, primarily occurring in the first three years of life. Children in the 1990s experience 30% more episodes of acute otitis media as compared with children in the 1970s, probably as a consequence of high rates of day care. Currently, acute otitis media accounts for one-fourth of all pediatric office visits in the first three years.

Nearly 94% of children will experience at least one ear infection in the first three years of life, with an average of about three episodes in the first and second years, and one and one-half episodes in the third year. As many as 5% to 8% of children will undergo the placement of ventilating tubes in their first 24 months of life. Much of this is related to the high rate of daycare attendance in the United States, with increased exposure to infectious agents.

How Is An Acute Middle Ear Infection Treated

Many doctors will prescribe an antibiotic, such as amoxicillin, to be taken over seven to 10 days. Your doctor also may recommend over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, or eardrops, to help with fever and pain.

If your doctor isnt able to make a definite diagnosis of OM and your child doesnt have severe ear pain or a fever, your doctor might ask you to wait a day or two to see if the earache goes away. The American Academy of Pediatrics issued guidelines in 2013 that encourage doctors to observe and closely follow these children with ear infections that cant be definitively diagnosed, especially those between the ages of 6 months to 2 years. If theres no improvement within 48 to 72 hours from when symptoms began, the guidelines recommend doctors start antibiotic therapy. Sometimes ear pain isnt caused by infection, and some ear infections may get better without antibiotics. Using antibiotics cautiously and with good reason helps prevent the development of bacteria that become resistant to antibiotics.

If your doctor prescribes an antibiotic, its important to make sure your child takes it exactly as prescribed and for the full amount of time. Even though your child may seem better in a few days, the infection still hasnt completely cleared from the ear. Stopping the medicine too soon could allow the infection to come back. Its also important to return for your childs follow-up visit, so that the doctor can check if the infection is gone.

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Are There Any Over

Over-the-counter oral antibiotics are not approved in the U.S. A bacterial infection is best treated with a prescription antibiotic that is specific for the type of bacteria causing the infection. Using a specific antibiotic will increase the chances that the infection is cured and help to prevent antibiotic resistance. In addition, a lab culture may need to be performed to pinpoint the bacteria and to help select the best antibiotic. Taking the wrong antibiotic — or not enough — may worsen the infection and prevent the antibiotic from working the next time.

There are a few over-the-counter topical antibiotics that can be used on the skin. Some products treat or prevent minor cuts, scrapes or burns on the skin that may get infected with bacteria. These are available in creams, ointments, and even sprays.

When Are Antibiotics Prescribed

Antibiotics are typically only prescribed to treat AOM and swimmers ear. This is because OME and COME occur after the bacterial infection has passed antibiotics are not effective against the fluid buildup alone.

Your doctor will examine your ear with an otoscope and evaluate your symptoms to determine what type of infection you have and whether antibiotics will be effective. If your symptoms are mild, they may recommend taking a wait-and-see approach. If symptoms dont resolve on their own or if theyre severe, then antibiotics will likely be prescribed.

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What Types Of Antibiotics Are Used

Swimmers ear is often treated with an antibiotic ear drop rather than an oral antibiotic.

For AOM, oral treatments such as amoxicillin are common. Oral antibiotics are usually prescribed to be taken for seven to 10 days. Make sure to always finish your antibiotics, even if you feel better before you run out.

Your doctor may not prescribe antibiotics at all, but rather opt to take a wait-and-see approach if your infection is mild. Recurring ear infections are sometimes treated surgically with ear tubes.

For more information or to schedule an appointment with experts, call Pinnacle ENT Associates today.

Who Gets An Ear Infection

At the highest risk for ear infections include those children who:

• Are male
• Have a strong family history of otitis media
• Were not breastfed during the first 12 months of life and/or
• Reside in a smoking household.

Children with a cleft palate or HIV have particularly severe problems with recurrent ear infections.

Age affects the rate of acute otitis media, with a dramatic decline in frequency in children older than three years. However, some children with a history of ventilating tubes or frequent recurrent otitis media, severe allergies, or large adenoids may still be plagued with ear problems.

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Antibiotics For An Ear Infection

Years ago, the standard procedure for treating ear infections was to prescribe an antibiotic every time someone had an earache.

Because of this, antibiotics were used too frequently. The general population built up a resistance making them not as effective as they used to be. For this reason, your doctor may not give you an antibiotic right away, even if you do have an ear infection.

Some ear infections are viral and an antibiotic wouldnt help anyway. If an earache doesnt go away on its own, then your doctor will give you the appropriate antibiotic to help your ear heal quicker. Often times it will be drops that go in the ear rather than an oral medication.

How Does A Doctor Diagnose A Middle Ear Infection

The first thing a doctor will do is ask you about your childs health. Has your child had a head cold or sore throat recently? Is he having trouble sleeping? Is she pulling at her ears? If an ear infection seems likely, the simplest way for a doctor to tell is to use a lighted instrument, called an otoscope, to look at the eardrum. A red, bulging eardrum indicates an infection.

A doctor also may use a pneumatic otoscope, which blows a puff of air into the ear canal, to check for fluid behind the eardrum. A normal eardrum will move back and forth more easily than an eardrum with fluid behind it.

Tympanometry, which uses sound tones and air pressure, is a diagnostic test a doctor might use if the diagnosis still isnt clear. A tympanometer is a small, soft plug that contains a tiny microphone and speaker as well as a device that varies air pressure in the ear. It measures how flexible the eardrum is at different pressures.

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The Role Of Eustachian Tubes

The eustachian tubes connect the middle ear to the back of the throat. The ends of these tubes open and close to regulate air pressure in the middle ear, resupply air to this area, and drain normal secretions.

A respiratory infection or allergy can block the eustachian tubes, causing a buildup of fluids in the middle ear. Infection can occur if this fluid becomes infected bacterially.

The eustachian tubes of young children are smaller and more horizontal than in older children and adults. This means that fluid is more likely to collect in the tubes rather than drain away, increasing the risk of an ear infection.

Where Can I Find Additional Information About Ear Infections

The NIDCD maintains a directory of organizations that provide information on the normal and disordered processes of hearing, balance, smell, taste, voice, speech, and language.

Use the following keywords to help you search for organizations that can answer questions and provide printed or electronic information on ear infections:

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What Is The Treatment For Ear Infections

Medications used to treat ear infections include:

• Pseudoephedrine to ease ear pressure
• Antibiotic ear drops for infections of the ear canal
• Neomycin
• Polymyxin B
• Steroid ear drops for infections of the ear canal
• Hydrocortisone
• Oral antibiotics for infections of the middle ear , and severe infections of the outer ear

For mild cases of ear infection, doctors often recommend watching and waiting before starting use of antibiotics, as many cases will go away on their own. Consult your childs pediatrician before giving any over-the-counter medications to your child.

Home remedies to relieve symptoms include:

• Warm compresses applied to the area to help soothe pain
• Over-the-counter pain eardrops

Physical And Structural Injuries In The Face And Ears

Serious complications or permanent physical injuries from ear infections are very uncommon, but may include:

• Structural damage. Certain children with severe or recurrent otitis media may be at risk for structural damage in the ear, including erosion of the ear canal.
• Cholesteatomas. Inflammatory tissues in the ear called cholesteatomas are an uncommon complication of chronic or severe ear infections.
• Calcifications. In rare cases, even after a mild infection, some children develop calcification and hardening in the middle and, occasionally, in the inner ear. This may be due to immune abnormalities.

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Amoxicillin & Clavulanate Potassium Compound

beta-lactam antibiotic drugClavamox chewable tablets soft tissue infectionsFDA approved veterinary antibacterial drug62mg, 125mg, 250mg, and 375mgThe recommended dose of amoxicillin trihydrate and clavulanate potassium for ear infections in dogs is6.25mg per pound125mg per day125mg/day doses in two divided doses like 62.5mg in the morning and 62.5mg in the evening

What Is The Best Antibiotic For Ear Infection Treatment

When you visit your childs doctor for an ear infection, they will perform an examination to determine a diagnosis and treatment. Oral antibiotics are often prescribed to treat middle ear infections. Here are the most commonly prescribed antibiotics:

• Amoxil® or Augmentin® : Amoxicillin is one of the most commonly used antibiotics to treat bacterial infections and is the preferred antibiotic for treating otitis media. It comes in a tablet, powder for suspension, chewable tablets, extended-release tablets, and capsules. Amoxicillin can be taken with or without food, but try taking it with food if stomach upset occurs.
• Cephalosporin antibiotics : The class of medicines known as cephalosporin antibiotics can be used as an alternative to amoxicillin to treat otitis media. It comes in a tablet or powder for suspension.
• Cefuroxime suspension must be taken with food, but tablets may be taken with or without food. If stomach upset occurs, try taking the medicine with food. Avoid crushing the tablet, as it may taste bitter.
• Cefpodoxime tablets must be taken with food, while the oral liquid can be taken with or without food.
• Cefdinir may be taken with or without food, but try taking it with food if stomach upset occurs. Wait at least 2 hours before or after antacids or iron supplements to take cefdinir.

• Cortisporin Otic®
• Cipro HC®
• Ciprodex®

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Resources:

1) Johns Hopkins Antibiotic Guide

2) Lexicomp

3) Ear Infection, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 5 May 2021,

4) Swimming and Ear Infections,Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 5 May 2021,

Treating Middle Ear Infections

You may be prescribed antibiotics. Some antibiotics may be taken orally. Others can be applied directly to the site of the infection with ear drops. Medications for pain, such as over-the-counter pain relievers and anti-inflammatory drugs may also be used to manage your symptoms.

If youre still experiencing cold or allergy symptoms, you may be advised to take a , nasal steroids, or an antihistamine.

Another helpful technique is called autoinsufflation. Its meant to help clear your eustachian tubes. You do this by squeezing your nose, closing your mouth, and very gently exhaling. This can send air through the eustachian tubes to help drain them.

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How Can An Ear Infection Be Prevented

The simplest preventive measures include the following:

• Breastfeed an infant during the first 12 months of life
• For bottle-fed infants, never prop the bottle and wean off the bottle by 12 months
• Do not smoke around the baby, particularly in the household or the car
• Do not smoke during pregnancy
• Consider a private sitter or a smaller daycare, instead of a high volume daycare
• Avoid the introduction of solid foods in the first four months of life
• Administer the flu vaccine annually after six months of age
• Consider allergen avoidance and allergy shots in older children with chronic fluid
• Administer Prevnar vaccine to infants less than 24 months of age

More controversial preventive measures include the following:

• Avoid the pacifier
• Give the pneumococcal vaccine to infants and children older than 24 months who are unvaccinated with Prevnar and still getting recurrent ear infections

Ineffective measures include the following:

• Covering a child’s head with a hat during the winter
• Using decongestants and antihistamines to “prevent” ear infections
• Chiropractic manipulation

Is An Ear Infection Contagious

To some degree, the bacteria that cause ear infections are contagious because they may colonize, or set up residence, in the nose of children or close contacts. However, only a small proportion of children colonized with a new strain of bacteria will develop an ear infection. For example, in the case of pneumococcus, only about 15% of children colonized in the nose with a new strain of it will develop an ear infection, and usually only within the first month. Also, some bacterial strains appear more aggressive than others and will directly invade the middle ear.

What may be even more important than new bacterial colonization is the spread of respiratory viruses, particularly among children in daycare and pre-schools. Respiratory viruses are very contagious in close quarters. They frequently make a child more susceptible to an ear infection by upsetting the normal balance between the child’s local nose immunity and the co-inhabitant bacteria. When the child’s defenses are down, or the eustachian tube becomes clogged, the bacteria tend to infect the middle ear.

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Articles On Ear Infection Treatments

• Video: Earache Treatment

If you care for children, you likely know already how often they come down with earaches. Adults get them, too, but youngsters have them much more often. Thatâs because they donât fight off viruses and bacteria as well, and their little ears arenât good at draining fluids yet.

You or your child may have a sore throat, stuffy nose, or fever along with an earache. These are signs of a possible infection.

Questions To Ask Your Doctor

• How can I keep my child comfortable at night with the pain of an ear infection?
• Is there drainage with an ear infection?
• What is the difference between an ear infection and swimmers ear?
• Is my child a candidate for ear tubes?
• What are the risks and benefits of surgically inserting tubes inside my childs middle ear?
• Should my child get regular hearing tests if they have frequent ear infections?

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Who Shouldn’t Use Ear Drops

Ear drops can be helpful when treating an ear infection, but there are times when you shouldnât use them. For example, if you or your child has a perforated eardrum, you should avoid the use of certain ototoxic ear drops because fluid from the drops can get deep into the ear and cause more problems.

What Is Acute Otitis Media

Acute otitis media is an infection of the middle ear, generally caused by bacteria. In acute otitis media , pus and infected fluid accumulate in the middle ear space.

The tympanic membrane appears inflamed, reddened, and often protrudes outward. Usually, an ear infection begins after the eustachian tube has become swollen, congested, and closed, most commonly resulting from an ongoing viral respiratory infection.

Acute otitis media should not be confused with: 1) external otitis -a painful bacterial infection of the superficial skin of the ear canal, or 2) otitis media with effusion -an accumulation of non-inflamed fluid behind the eardrum. Otitis media with effusion is not considered infected, and most doctors do not treat it with antibiotics. This uninfected fluid in the middle ear is a remnant in 50% to 60% of resolved ear infections. It is frequently a mild complication of colds, respiratory illnesses, or nasal allergies.

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What Is An Ear Infection

There are different types of ear infections. Middle ear infection is an infection in the middle ear.

Another condition that affects the middle ear is called otitis media with effusion. It occurs when fluid builds up in the middle ear without being infected and without causing fever, ear pain, or pus build-up in the middle ear.

When the outer ear canal is infected, the condition is called swimmers ear, which is different from a middle ear infection. For more information, visit Swimmers Ear .