From the Guidelines
Debrox and Cortisporin ear drops serve different purposes for ear conditions, with Debrox used to soften and remove excess earwax and Cortisporin used to treat bacterial ear infections and reduce associated inflammation, pain, and swelling. Debrox contains carbamide peroxide and is used to soften and remove excess earwax (cerumen) by releasing oxygen when in contact with earwax, causing it to bubble and break down, making removal easier. Typically, Debrox is used twice daily for up to four days, with several drops placed in the affected ear 1. Cortisporin, on the other hand, is a prescription antibiotic-steroid combination containing neomycin, polymyxin B (antibiotics), and hydrocortisone (steroid). It treats bacterial ear infections and reduces associated inflammation, pain, and swelling. Cortisporin is usually administered as 3-4 drops in the affected ear three to four times daily for 7-10 days 1. Some key points to consider when using these ear drops include:
- Completing the full course of Cortisporin even if symptoms improve quickly to prevent antibiotic resistance 1
- Not using these medications if you have a perforated eardrum 1
- Consulting a healthcare provider before using these products, especially if symptoms persist or worsen 1
- Using ear drops approved for use with tympanostomy tubes to avoid potential ototoxicity from aminoglycoside-containing eardrops 1
- Limiting topical therapy to a single course of no more than 10 days to avoid prolonged or frequent use of quinolone eardrops, which may be a causative factor for otomycosis 1
From the Research
Debrox Ear Drops
- Debrox ear drops are used for the removal of ear wax [ 2, 3 ]
- The active ingredient in Debrox ear drops is carbamide peroxide, which helps to break down and dissolve ear wax [ 2, 3 ]
- Studies have shown that carbamide peroxide is effective in degrading ear wax and is a suitable treatment for patients with ear wax obstruction [ 3 ]
Cortisporin Ear Drops
- Cortisporin ear drops are used to treat acute diffuse otitis externa, a type of ear infection [ 4, 5, 6 ]
- The active ingredients in Cortisporin ear drops are neomycin, polymyxin B, and hydrocortisone, which have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties [ 4, 5, 6 ]
- However, studies have shown that the bacteria that cause otitis externa are developing resistance to neomycin and polymyxin B, which may reduce the effectiveness of Cortisporin ear drops [ 5 ]
- Alternative ear drops, such as ciprofloxacin, may be more effective in treating otitis externa due to their broader spectrum of activity and lower risk of resistance [ 4, 6 ]