From the Guidelines
Treatment for external ear conditions typically involves topical medications, with the choice of medication depending on the specific diagnosis. For otitis externa, the standard approach includes careful cleaning of the ear canal followed by topical antibiotic drops such as ciprofloxacin/dexamethasone (4 drops, 2-4 times daily for 7-10 days) or ofloxacin (5-10 drops twice daily for 7 days) 1. Some key external ear medications include:
- Topical antibiotic drops like ciprofloxacin/dexamethasone or ofloxacin for bacterial infections
- Antifungal preparations like clotrimazole solution for fungal infections
- Topical corticosteroids like hydrocortisone 1% cream for external ear eczema
- Pain management with acetaminophen or ibuprofen as needed It's essential to note that the specific medication and treatment plan should be determined by a healthcare professional based on the individual's diagnosis and medical history 1. During treatment, patients should keep the ear dry by avoiding swimming and using earplugs during showers to prevent further irritation and promote healing. Additionally, patients should avoid scratching or touching the ear and not insert anything into the ear canal, including cotton-tipped swabs, to minimize the risk of further infection or damage 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
Ciprofloxacin otic solution, 0.2% is a quinolone antimicrobial indicated for the treatment of acute otitis externa due to susceptible isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa or Staphylococcus aureus. For the treatment of superficial infections of the external auditory canal caused by organisms susceptible to the action of the antimicrobial, complicated by inflammation.
The external ear medications are:
- Ciprofloxacin (OTIC), a quinolone antimicrobial, for the treatment of acute otitis externa due to susceptible isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa or Staphylococcus aureus 2
- Hydrocortisone (OTIC), for the treatment of superficial infections of the external auditory canal caused by organisms susceptible to the action of the antimicrobial, complicated by inflammation 3
From the Research
External Ear Medications
The following are some external ear medications used to treat external ear conditions:
- Topical antibiotic/steroid drops 4, 5
- Aluminium acetate 14% 5
- Ichthammol 10% in glycerin 5
- Polymyxin B sulphate-neomycin sulphate-hydrocortisone acetate cream 5
- Ciprofloxacin 0.3%/dexamethasone 0.1% (CIP/DEX) otic suspension 6, 7, 8
- Neomycin 0.35%/polymyxin B 10,000 IU/mL/hydrocortisone 1.0% (N/P/H) otic suspension 6, 7, 8
Treatment of Specific Conditions
- Bacterial inflammation: combinatorial broad-spectrum antibiotic/corticosteroid ear drop 4
- Fungal infections: cleaning and topical medication 4
- Otitis externa: topical application of antibiotics or antifungals, such as ciprofloxacin/dexamethasone or neomycin/polymyxin/hydrocortisone 5, 6, 7, 8
- Malignant (necrotising) otitis externa: limited debridement of infected bone, accompanied by intravenous aminoglycosides, and local antibiotic treatment and aural cleanout or oral ciprofloxacin 5