From the FDA Drug Label
Chronic Suppurative Otitis Media with perforated tympanic membranes The recommended dosage regimen for the treatment of chronic suppurative otitis media with perforated tympanic membranes in patients 12 years and older is: Ten drops (0.5 mL, 1. 5 mg ofloxacin) instilled into the affected ear twice daily for fourteen days.
The signs and symptoms of chronic otitis media with tympanic membrane perforation and recurrent otorrhea are not directly stated in the provided drug label. However, based on the context of Chronic Suppurative Otitis Media with perforated tympanic membranes, it can be inferred that the condition may involve:
- Otorrhea (discharge from the ear)
- Perforated tympanic membranes (a hole in the eardrum)
- Suppurative symptoms (pus or discharge)
- Chronic symptoms (long-term or persistent) 1
From the Research
Chronic otitis media with tympanic membrane perforation and recurrent otorrhea typically presents with persistent or intermittent ear drainage, hearing loss, and occasional ear pain, with the hallmark symptom being otorrhea (ear discharge) that may be clear, purulent, or blood-tinged, and often has a foul odor during active infection. The symptoms of this condition can be summarized as follows:
- Persistent or intermittent ear drainage (otorrhea)
- Hearing loss, which can be conductive and fluctuates with the amount of discharge present
- Occasional ear pain
- Tinnitus
- Sensation of ear fullness or pressure
- Visible tympanic membrane perforation on otoscopic examination, appearing as a hole or tear in the eardrum
- Inflamed and edematous middle ear mucosa during active infection
- Potential for vertigo if the infection extends to the inner ear
The size and location of the perforation can affect the degree of hearing loss, with larger perforations or those involving the posterior half of the tympanic membrane potentially leading to greater hearing loss 2. Patients with this condition often have a history of recurrent acute otitis media, previous ear surgeries, or childhood ear infections, and the condition can be exacerbated by water exposure, upper respiratory infections, or manipulation of the ear canal.
If left untreated, complications may include cholesteatoma formation, ossicular chain erosion with worsening hearing loss, or spread of infection to surrounding structures. Treatment typically involves keeping the ear dry, topical antibiotic drops during active infection (such as ciprofloxacin/dexamethasone drops, 4 drops twice daily for 7-10 days), and consideration of surgical repair (tympanoplasty) for persistent perforations, as supported by recent studies on the effectiveness of topical antibiotics in achieving resolution of ear discharge 3.